Chopped Italian Sliders are mini sandwiches packed with tasty Italian flavors! They come with seasoned ground meat, zesty sauces, and melted cheese, all on soft buns.
These little bites are perfect for parties or game days! I love how easy they are to whip up, and bonus points if you serve them with marinara for dipping. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: I recommend using soft slider buns for the best texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free rolls. Alternatively, you can use regular sandwich bread or mini ciabatta rolls for a different twist.
Italian Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy sausage, depending on your heat preference! If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken sausage also works well.
Bell Peppers & Onion: Fresh bell peppers add color and sweetness. You can swap them with other veggies like chopped mushrooms or spinach if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking time to suit the veggies you use.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice for sliders. But feel free to mix it up! Provolone adds great flavor, or you can use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Marinara Sauce: If you’re short on time, store-bought marinara works just fine! For a homemade touch, mix in a bit of crushed tomatoes with herbs for a quick alternative.
How Can I Make Perfect Sliders Without Sogginess?
To avoid soggy sliders, keep a few key steps in mind! It’s all about layering and temperature control.
- First, don’t over-saturate the bottom buns with sauce. Just enough to add flavor without making them mushy.
- Next, pre-baking the filled sliders with foil allows them to steam a little, then removing the foil helps crisp up those tops.
- Let them cool slightly after baking before slicing. This will help the sliders hold their shape better when you cut them!
Chopped Italian Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (12 count) slider buns or dinner rolls, split
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total to prepare and bake, making it a quick option for dinner or as a party appetizer. The time includes about 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. Simple and speedy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your sliders bake evenly. While the oven is heating, you can prepare everything else.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. You want it fully browned and without any pink. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep your sliders from getting greasy.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Next, add the diced red and yellow bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and colorful!
4. Combine with Sauce and Basil:
Now, stir in your marinara or pizza sauce along with the Italian seasoning. Let it cook for about 2 more minutes so everything gets nice and heated through. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the fresh basil leaves to add that fantastic Italian flavor.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, place the bottom halves of your slider buns. Layer the sausage and veggie mixture evenly over the buns. Make sure every bite will be full of flavor!
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the sausage mixture. Yum! Who doesn’t love extra cheese?
7. Top with Buns:
Place the top halves of the slider buns over all that cheesy goodness. It’s looking good already, isn’t it?
8. Butter the Tops:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with a little Italian seasoning if you’d like. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns to give them a golden color when baked.
9. Bake:
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the buns are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take the sliders out of the oven and let them cool for just a minute. Slice them into individual sliders if you haven’t done so yet, and serve warm. You can even serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite!
These Chopped Italian Sliders are sure to please your guests and are perfect for any gathering. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Beef or Turkey Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef or turkey can be substituted if you prefer. Just be sure to season them well to add the Italian flavors, perhaps with Italian seasoning or some red pepper flakes for heat.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage mixture and assemble the sliders ahead of time. Just cover them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to eat, just pop them in the oven, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be colder.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the oven will keep the buns nice and toasty!
Can I Freeze These Sliders?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They’ll be good for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a bit more time to the cooking process.
