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To make Hot Italian Sub Sliders, you need the following ingredients: - 12 slider buns - 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed - 1 cup sliced pepperoni - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced - 1/4 cup banana peppers, sliced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can switch some ingredients based on your taste or what you have. Use turkey sausage instead of pork for a lighter option. Swap the provolone for cheddar if you like a sharper taste. If you don’t have banana peppers, jalapeños can add a nice kick. You can use any bread, but slider buns work best for this recipe. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Look for sausage that is bright red with no gray spots. When picking cheese, go for blocks instead of pre-shredded. Blocks melt better and taste fresher. For roasted red peppers, choose those packed in water or oil for a more vibrant taste. Fresh basil should be bright green, with no wilting. First, gather all your ingredients. You need 12 slider buns, Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, provolone, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This makes the prep quick and fun. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the sliders bake evenly. Now, let’s get ready to cook. Slice the slider buns in half. Arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish. This will hold all the tasty fillings. It’s important to have everything ready before cooking. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage, casing removed. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until it turns brown, about 5-7 minutes. This is when the kitchen will smell amazing! Drain any excess fat if needed. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mixing in these spices adds great flavor. Once combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Now it's time to build your sliders! Start with the bottom halves of the buns in the baking dish. Layer a generous amount of the cooked sausage on them. Then, pile on the sliced pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and banana peppers. Finally, place the top halves of the buns on your fillings. Brush the outer sides with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This gives the buns a nice crispiness. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for another 10 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly at this point. Once done, take the sliders out and let them cool for a few minutes. For a fresh touch, garnish with some basil leaves. Enjoy your Hot Italian Sub Sliders! If you want to see the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To make the best hot Italian sub sliders, use a large skillet. Cook the Italian sausage on medium heat. This method helps the meat brown nicely. You want the sausage to be fully cooked and crumbly. Stir often to avoid burning. When adding spices, do it after browning the meat. This keeps the flavors fresh. Always drain excess fat for a lighter dish. Hot Italian sub sliders pair well with many sides. Try a crisp salad with a tangy dressing. A side of baked fries adds a fun crunch. For a heartier meal, serve the sliders with a warm soup. Tomato soup is a classic choice. You could even serve them with a fruity drink. A sparkling lemonade or iced tea works great. When serving hot Italian sub sliders, think about presentation. Cut the sliders into smaller pieces for easy sharing. Use a platter and add some fresh basil for color. This makes your dish look inviting. Serve with toothpicks for easy handling. You can also set out extra toppings on the side. Sliced jalapeños or extra cheese can let guests customize their sliders. For the full recipe and more tips, check the complete guide. {{image_2}} Cheese makes these sliders special. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch. Provolone adds a rich, creamy taste. You can also try pepper jack for a spicy kick. For a milder flavor, use Swiss cheese. Each cheese will change the taste and texture. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. If you love heat, add jalapeños or hot giardiniera. These spicy toppings will elevate the flavor. For a milder version, skip the spicy peppers. You can also use sweet bell peppers instead. This way, everyone can enjoy these sliders. Adjust the spices to match your taste. Want a meat-free option? Swap the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant. These options will add a hearty feel. You can also use a mix of your favorite veggies. Add more cheese for flavor. Consider roasted red peppers and spinach for a fresh taste. These alternatives keep the dish tasty and satisfying. For the full recipe, check it out to explore all the options! Store any leftover hot Italian sub sliders in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They will last for about 3 days. Before eating, check for any signs of spoilage. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat them for 30 seconds, then check if they are warm enough. If not, heat in 15-second bursts. You can freeze these sliders if you want to save some for later. Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the flavors intact. Hot Italian Sub Sliders stay fresh for about three days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps the buns soft and the flavors intact. If you leave them out, they may dry out quickly. Yes, you can make these sliders ahead of time! Prepare them up to the baking step. Cover them well and keep them in the fridge for up to one day. When you are ready, bake them as directed. This makes it easy for parties or busy weeknights. There are many tasty sides you can serve with these sliders. Here are a few ideas: - Chips: Crunchy potato chips or tortilla chips add a nice crunch. - Salad: A fresh green salad keeps things light and healthy. - Pickles: Sour pickles add a nice tang that pairs well with the sliders. - Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad makes a great side for gatherings. - Veggies: Sliced cucumbers and baby carrots offer a fresh touch. These sides will complement your sliders perfectly. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. You’ve learned about the key ingredients for Hot Italian Sub Sliders and how to prepare them. The step-by-step instructions make cooking easy. I shared tips and tricks like pairing and serving ideas. You also explored various slider types and learned about storage options. Hot Italian Sub Sliders are a versatile dish. Whether spicy or mild, they adapt to many tastes. Enjoy making and sharing them!

- Hot Italian Sub Sliders

Savor the flavor of Spicy Italian Sub Sliders with our easy recipe! Perfectly baked slider buns are filled with flavorful Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella and provolone cheeses, topped with roasted and banana peppers. In just 40 minutes, you can create a delicious appetizer that everyone will love. Click through to explore this irresistible recipe and make your next gathering a hit!
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Ingredients
  

12 slider buns

1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed

1 cup sliced pepperoni

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded

1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

1/4 cup banana peppers, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

      Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

        Slice the slider buns in half and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish.

          Layer a generous amount of the cooked sausage on the bottom half of the buns.

            Top the sausage with sliced pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and banana peppers.

              Place the top halves of the buns on the fillings. Brush the outer sides of the buns lightly with olive oil for added flavor and crispiness.

                Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                  Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 sliders