Italian Sliders are one of our favorite sandwich recipes. They’re easy to make and packed with delicious flavor!

These sandwiches combine a variety of deli meats with provolone cheese, pesto, tomatoes, and fresh basil. They can be eaten hot or cold, and are easy to make in advance.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, a party, or a game day get together, these Italian Sliders are always a crowd favorite!

Ahhh….sandwiches. Where would we be without them? They’re easy to make and take on the go, everyone loves them, and the possibilities for them are endless. Between the bread and the fillings and the option to grill or bake or make them in a panini press, they really can look any way you want them to. And of all the different ways to do sandwiches? I’m pretty sure sliders are our favorite. 

Not only are sliders mini (which automatically scores them some points), but they’re the perfect party food. They’re easy to prep, easy to eat, and the perfect size for a party spread.

We love the fact that we can make them in advance, stick them in the fridge, and pull them out once guests arrive. And we love the fact that they make enough to feed a crowd. And when you shop at Pick ‘n Save? This recipe couldn’t be easier to pull off.

Because Pick ‘n Save has an amazing selection of deli meats, Roundy’s cheeses (made right here in Wisconsin), and bakery rolls. And when it comes to speciality ingredients like basil pesto? I always know I’ll find what I’m looking for.

Whether you’re planning a party, looking for an easy weeknight dinner recipe, or thinking ahead to back-to-school lunches, these Italian Sliders are sure to become a new favorite!

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THIS RECIPE?

• Small sandwich rolls
• Basil pesto 
• Deli meats (I used a combination of turkey, ham, and salami)
• Provolone cheese
• Roma tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Italian seasoning

HOW DO YOU MAKE ITALIAN SLIDERS?

1. Start by slicing the rolls in half lengthwise. Typically sandwich rolls come attached to one another, and it’s easiest to just leave them attached. (See process photos below.)
2. Spread pesto evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
3. Top with meats, cheese, tomatoes, basil, and seasoning.
4. Place the top halves of the rolls on top.
5. Cut to separate; serve cold OR bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and sandwiches are heated through.

WHAT IS A SLIDER?

A slider is a small sandwich, typically around 2 inches across, made with a bun. The word slider typically refers to small hamburgers, but can be used to describe any small sandwich made with a slider roll. Sliders are often baked; however, this recipe was made to be served cold (with the option of baking).

WHERE DO YOU FIND PESTO?

Pesto can typically be found in the Italian food aisle – near the dried noodles and pasta sauces – at your local grocery store. 

CAN YOU SUBSTITUTE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MEAT?

Yes, you can feel free to substitute any kind of meat you have on hand. This recipe calls for a combination of turkey, ham, and salami, but would also be delicious with sliced or shredded chicken or roast beef.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER VARIATIONS TO THIS RECIPE?

• Use whole wheat, poppy seed, or Sweet Hawaiian Rolls in place of the mini kaiser rolls.
• Make this recipe on a loaf of Italian or French bread, then cut into pieces to serve.
• Substitute sun-dried tomato pesto for the basil pesto.
• Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella, parmesan, or asiago.
• Add sliced black olives and/or sliced peppers.
• Bake or press in a panini maker instead of serving cold.

TO MAKE THIS RECIPE IN ADVANCE:

This recipe is perfect for making in advance. Simply prepare the sliders as described, then cover with foil and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. For best results, serve within 24 hours. If you need to store them longer, my suggestion would be to bake them before serving.

HOW DO YOU STORE LEFTOVERS?

Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last 2-3 days;  however, the bread might get soggy from the pesto and tomatoes. If this happens, the leftovers may taste better heated.

Looking for some more delicious sandwich recipes? Here are some of our favorites!

• Baked Turkey & Cheese Sliders
• Baked Reuben Sandwiches
• Honey Mustard Ham & Cheese Sliders
• Guinness Beef Sliders
• Cheesy Jalapeno Turkey Sliders
• Chili Cheese Turkey Sliders
• Italian Party Sub
• Italian Antipasto Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Yield: 12

Italian Sliders

Print

These zesty Italian Picnic Sliders make the perfect picnic food! Loaded with deli meats, cheese, tomatoes, pesto, and fresh basil, they're easy to make and take on the go....and packed with delicious flavor!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 package bakery-style mini kaiser rolls
• 2/3 c. basil pesto
• 1/2 lb. Roundy's sliced oven-roasted turkey (from deli)
• 1/2 lb. Roundy's sliced ham off the bone (from deli)
• 1/4 lb. thinly sliced salami (from deli)
• 8 oz. Roundy's sliced provolone cheese
• 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 12 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Slice rolls in half lengthwise.
2. Using 1/3 c. pesto, spread a thin layer on the bottom half of rolls.
3. Top with turkey, ham, salami, and cheese.
4. Add sliced tomatoes and basil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
5. Spread remaining 1/3 c. pesto on the top half of rolls and place on top.
6. Cut rolls apart (if they are attached) and enjoy!
   

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