Italian Grinder Sliders

If you love a classic Italian grinder loaded with meats, cheese, and that tangy chopped salad on top, these Italian Grinder Sliders are about to become your new favorite party food. Soft Hawaiian rolls get baked with layers of salami, turkey, pepperoni, and provolone, then finished with a deli-style grinder salad just like your favorite Italian sub shop.

You’ll Love These Sliders Because…

• They are all the flavors of a classic Italian sub in easy, shareable sliders
• Hot, melty, cheesy baked sliders + cool, tangy dressed veggies
• Perfect for game day, parties, or an easy crowd dinner
• Can be prepped ahead (with one smart trick for leftovers)

The Concept

These are basically a hot baked Italian grinder in slider form — complete with melty provolone and a classic chopped grinder salad on top. Think of this sandwich in two parts:

1. The hot baked slider base: Hawaiian rolls stuffed with meats and provolone, brushed with garlic butter, and baked until melty and golden.
2. The cold chopped grinder topping: A zippy, creamy, crunchy mix of romaine, banana peppers, onion, parmesan, and dressing that gets spooned on right before serving.

It’s the contrast that makes these incredible.

Very Important Leftover Tip

If you plan to save some for later, do NOT add the dressed veggie topping. It will wilt and make the sandwiches soggy.

Instead:

• Store the baked sliders plain
• Store the veggie mixture separately
• Reheat sliders and assemble fresh when ready to eat

Ingredients You Need & Why

These sliders are built in two parts: a hot, melty, baked Italian grinder base and a cool, tangy chopped grinder topping that gets added right before serving. For the measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

For the Sliders

• Hawaiian rolls – Soft, slightly sweet, and pillowy, these bake up golden and hold all the fillings together without drying out.
• Salami – Adds that classic Italian deli flavor and a little garlicky, savory bite.
• Turkey – Lightens up the sandwich and balances the richer meats.
• Pepperoni – Brings spice, richness, and that familiar pizza-shop flavor.
• Provolone cheese – Melts beautifully and gives you that mild, creamy, slightly sharp Italian sandwich flavor.

For the Garlic Butter Topping

• Butter – Soaks into the rolls and makes the tops rich, golden, and irresistible.
• Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor without overpowering or burning like fresh garlic might.
• Parsley – Brings a little freshness and classic Italian-sub-shop look.
• Red pepper flakes – Adds just a touch of heat to wake everything up.

For the Grinder-Style Chopped Topping

• Romaine lettuce, finely shredded – Adds crunch and freshness and holds up better than softer lettuces.
• Banana peppers + a splash of the juice – Gives that signature tangy, slightly spicy grinder flavor.
• Red onion, thinly sliced – Adds sharpness and bite to balance the rich meats and cheese.
• Grated parmesan – Brings salty, nutty depth and makes the topping feel more “deli-style.”
• Italian seasoning – Ties all the flavors together with classic herb notes.
• Red wine vinegar – Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
• Mayo – Makes the topping creamy and helps everything cling together like a true chopped grinder salad.

How to Make Them

1. Build the Sliders

Slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in a baking dish. Start layering (the order matters): salami, turkey (or ham), provolone cheese, and finish with pepperoni.

Stack it generously — this is a grinder, not a dainty sandwich. Be sure to layer the cheese between the meats rather than all on top; if the cheese goes on last, it will stick to the top buns when you lift them off later to add the dressed veggies.

Place the top buns back on.

2. Brush with Garlic Butter

Mix together melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Brush it generously all over the tops of the rolls, letting it drip into the seams. Cover the dish with foil.

3. Bake Until Melty

Bake until everything inside is hot, melty, and fused together.

4. Make the Chopped Grinder Topping

While the sliders bake, combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl until creamy and well-balanced (taste-testing is always necessary to get the perfect balance of creaminess and tang).

Toss until it looks like a deli-style chopped salad. You want it bold, tangy, and juicy — this is what makes the sandwich.

5. Assemble and Serve

When the sliders come out of the oven:

• Lift off the top buns
• Spoon the veggie mixture evenly over the meat and cheese
• Place the tops back on
• Slice and serve immediately while everything is hot and melty

Looking for More Slider Sandwich Recipes?

Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders
Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders
Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

I hope you enjoy this Italian grinder slider recipe. Be sure to comment below with any questions or feedback! If you make these or any other recipes, don’t forget to tag me on IG @BadBatchBaking to be featured on my story. Seeing your recreations makes my day!