These chopped Italian sliders are a tasty treat packed with flavor! They feature delicious meat, melted cheese, and yummy toppings, all sandwiched in soft rolls.
They’re super easy to make, perfect for parties or just a fun dinner. I can’t resist making these, especially when I can pile on the toppings—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls work great for these sliders. If you want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat slider buns or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb version!
Ground Italian Sausage: For a lighter meal, you could swap sausage for ground turkey or chicken. If you use plain ground beef, consider adding extra Italian herbs like basil and oregano to deepen the flavor.
Bell Peppers & Onion: These vegetables add sweetness and crunch. If red or green peppers aren’t available, yellow or orange peppers are good substitutes. Feel free to use frozen diced vegetables if you’re short on time!
Provolone Cheese: Provolone adds fabulous taste, but mozzarella or even pepper jack would be delightful too. If dairy-free is your goal, look for plant-based cheese shreds instead.
Marinara Sauce: Any tomato-based sauce works here! You can use pizza sauce or even leftover spaghetti sauce. For a twist, try pesto instead!
How Do I Ensure My Sliders Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your sliders just right comes down to a few simple tips. First, ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F, which helps the cheese melt without drying out the buns. Here’s how to bake them just right:
- After assembling the sliders, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes—this warms everything through and melts the cheese nicely.
- For that golden touch, remove the foil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes to crisp the tops.
Taking these steps will help achieve sliders that are warm, cheesy, and delicious! Enjoy your cooking!
Chopped Italian Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef with Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 8 oz provolone cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1/2 cup marinara or chunky tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time, so you can have your delicious Chopped Italian Sliders ready in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have the oven ready so your sliders cook evenly and deliciously.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil and add the diced red and green bell peppers, along with the onion. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. This will add great flavor!
3. Cook the Sausage:
Next, add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
4. Mix in the Marinara:
Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the marinara sauce until everything is well combined and heated through. Take the skillet off the heat when it’s done.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
Grab your slider buns and slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread the sausage and pepper mixture evenly over the bun bottoms, and then layer the provolone cheese over the meat mixture.
6. Add the Top Buns:
Cover the sliders with the top halves of the buns. This will create delicious little pockets of flavor!
7. Brush with Butter:
Now, brush the tops of the buns with melted butter or olive oil. Finally, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top if you like for a fresh garnish.
8. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep everything moist, and then bake for 15-20 minutes. This will melt the cheese and warm everything through.
9. Toast the Tops:
After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes if you want the tops to be a little crispy and golden. Yum!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Take your sliders out of the oven, let them cool for a minute, then serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful Chopped Italian Sliders with your favorite sides or on their own!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground Italian sausage gives the best flavor, you can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Just remember to add Italian seasoning if you choose a non-Italian sausage option for extra flavor!
What Should I Do with Leftover Sliders?
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Assemble the Sliders in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sliders up to a day in advance. Just assemble them without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
What Can I Serve with Chopped Italian Sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with a side salad, crispy fries, or even some roasted vegetables. They also make a great appetizer for parties—everyone loves them!
