Hot Italian Sub Sliders Tasty and Easy Recipe
Are you craving a delicious, easy-to-make snack? Look no further! Hot Italian Sub Sliders are your answer. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up a tasty treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a game day or just want a cozy meal, these sliders hit the spot. Let’s dive into this fun recipe and transform your next meal into a flavor-packed delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of Italian sausage, peppers, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Assemble: These sliders are quick to put together, making them a perfect choice for parties or weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste, whether you prefer more heat or different vegetables.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 sliders in one batch, they are ideal for gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this delicious dish.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
For these tasty Hot Italian Sub Sliders, you will need:
– 12 slider rolls (white or whole wheat)
– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
– 1 cup assorted bell peppers (sliced: red, yellow, and green)
– 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
If you lack some ingredients, here are easy swaps:
– Slider rolls: Use mini baguettes or hoagie rolls.
– Italian sausage: Try ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
– Bell peppers: Use only one color or swap for roasted red peppers.
– Mozzarella cheese: Provolone or fontina can work well too.
– Pepperoncini: Try banana peppers or jalapeños for heat.
– Oregano: Italian seasoning or thyme can replace it.
Recommended Brands
When buying ingredients, I suggest these trusted brands:
– Slider Rolls: King’s Hawaiian or Pepperidge Farm for soft rolls.
– Italian Sausage: Johnsonville or Aidells for good flavor.
– Cheese: Sargento or Kraft for shredded mozzarella.
– Olive Oil: California Olive Ranch for quality and taste.
– Parmesan Cheese: Grana Padano for a similar flavor at a better price.
These ingredients make your Hot Italian Sub Sliders not just easy but also delightfully delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Set the rack in the center. This helps with even baking.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In a large skillet, pour in one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add in the thinly sliced red onion and assorted bell peppers. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they are tender. Add salt, pepper, and one teaspoon of dried oregano. Once done, transfer the vegetables to a bowl.
Cooking the Italian Sausage
In the same skillet, add one pound of Italian sausage. Cook this over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes. Break it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Make sure it is browned and fully cooked. If there is extra fat, drain it carefully.
Assembling the Sliders
Now, take a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Slice the 12 slider rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves snugly in the dish. Spoon the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over these bottom halves. Ensure every slider gets a good amount of the filling.
Baking Instructions
Next, sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sausage mixture. Carefully place the top halves of the slider rolls on the cheese. Gently press them down to secure the sliders. Generously sprinkle two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes. You want the tops to be golden brown and the cheese bubbly. Once finished, let the sliders cool for a few minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut along the seams for serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Sauté Vegetables
Sautéing vegetables is simple and key for flavor. Start with a hot pan. Use medium heat and add olive oil. I like to use a mix of bell peppers for color and taste. Slice them thinly for quick cooking. Add red onion too; it adds sweetness. Stir the veggies often, so they cook evenly. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until soft. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. For extra flavor, try adding garlic. Remove them from the heat and keep them warm for later.
Best Cheese Combos for Sliders
Cheese makes sliders gooey and tasty. I recommend using mozzarella for its meltiness. It blends well with Italian sausage. For a kick, add provolone or pepper jack cheese. They add great flavor without overpowering. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds a nice crust too. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. Don’t forget to layer the cheese well for the best melt!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve your hot Italian sub sliders warm. They taste best fresh from the oven. Pair them with a simple salad or some crispy chips. If you like spice, serve with extra pepperoncini on the side. For drinks, try iced tea or a light beer. You can also serve with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch. Presentation matters, so use a wooden board and add fresh basil for color. Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: For a flavor boost, try mixing mild and spicy Italian sausage to balance heat and richness in your sliders.
- Prep Ahead: You can sauté the vegetables and cook the sausage a day in advance. Just store separately in the fridge and assemble before baking.
- Extra Crispy Topping: For an added crunch, broil the sliders for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair the sliders with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the Italian flavor profile.
Variations
Vegetarian Hot Italian Sliders
You can make a tasty vegetarian version of these sliders. Swap out the Italian sausage for a mix of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. Use the same bell peppers and onions to keep the flavors bold. Add some black olives for a briny kick. Top with the same mozzarella cheese, and you will have a delicious meat-free treat!
Gluten-Free Slider Options
If you need gluten-free sliders, choose gluten-free slider rolls. Many brands offer options that taste great. You can use the same filling, but make sure all ingredients are gluten-free. Check the sausage and cheese labels for hidden gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy the sliders without worry!
Ingredient Swaps for Different Flavors
You can play with flavors by swapping some ingredients. Try using spicy sausage for a kick. Add jalapeños if you like heat. For a smoky touch, use smoked mozzarella cheese. You can also mix in artichoke hearts for extra texture. Be creative, and make the sliders your own!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Sliders
To keep your leftover sliders fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent them from drying out. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat them later, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating sliders is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, but they may get soggy. Heat them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking every 15 seconds.
Freezing for Later
If you want to freeze your sliders, start by letting them cool completely. Wrap each slider in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the oven for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make Hot Italian Sub Sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these sliders ahead. You can assemble them and store them in the fridge. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. You can bake them later when you are ready. Allow extra time for baking if they are cold from the fridge.
What are the best sides to serve with these sliders?
Great sides include:
– Crispy potato chips
– A fresh garden salad
– Pickles or olives
– Sweet potato fries
These sides add crunch and balance to the sliders.
How to customize the spiciness of the sliders?
To adjust the heat level, you have choices:
– Use mild sausage for less heat.
– Add spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
– Include more pepperoncini for extra kick.
You can mix and match to find your perfect spice level.
This blog post covered all you need for making delicious Hot Italian Sub Sliders. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared variations for different diets and storage methods to keep your sliders fresh.
These simple recipes can bring fun to mealtime. You can impress your friends and enjoy tasty flavors with ease. Dive into making your own sliders; your taste buds will thank yo
Hot Italian Sub Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider rolls choose between white or whole wheat
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 cup assorted bell peppers (sliced, including red, yellow, and green)
- 0.5 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- optional fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack positioned in the center.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the sliced red onion and assorted bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the Italian sausage. Cook over medium-high heat for approximately 8-10 minutes, breaking it up into smaller pieces until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the reserved sautéed vegetables back to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Gently fold in the sliced pepperoncini peppers and remove from heat.
- Take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and slice the slider rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves snugly in the dish.
- Spoon the sausage and pepper mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the slider rolls.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sausage and pepper filling.
- Place the top halves of the slider rolls on top of the cheese layer, gently pressing down.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of the slider rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes, then cut along the seams for serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
