Italian Grinder Sliders Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Make the best Italian Grinder Sliders Hawaiian Rolls Recipe using Hawaiian rolls, pepperoni, cheese, and fresh salad—perfect for quick dinners or parties
Equipment
- Baking dish (9x13 inch works perfectly)
- Sharp knife (for slicing rolls and veggies)
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls (one for salad, one for butter mixture)
- Spoon or spatula
- Pastry brush (for butter topping)
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Ingredients
For the sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian rolls kept connected
- 200 g sliced deli ham
- 150 g sliced salami
- 100 g sliced pepperoni
- 200 g provolone cheese or mozzarella, sliced
For the butter topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional but lovely
- Pinch of salt
For the grinder salad:
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup sliced red onions thinly sliced
- ½ cup sliced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional extras:
- Banana peppers for tangy kick
- Crushed red chili flakes if you like heat
- Parmesan cheese for topping
- I always like to taste and adjust the salad dressing—it should be creamy slightly tangy, and full of flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the rolls
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Take your Hawaiian rolls and slice them in half horizontally, keeping them connected as one slab. Place the bottom half into your baking dish.
- This step always makes me smile—it’s like setting up a little canvas for all the delicious layers.
Step 2: Layer the meats and cheese
- Now comes the fun part—layering.
- Start with the ham, then add salami, followed by pepperoni. Don’t worry about being too neat. A slightly messy layer actually makes every bite more exciting.
- Top everything with slices of provolone cheese. Make sure to cover the entire surface so you get that beautiful melt.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 3: Make the butter topping
- In a small bowl, mix together:
- Melted butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Brush this mixture generously over the top of the rolls. Don’t rush this step—this is what gives that golden, slightly crispy, flavorful top.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds if you’re using them.
Step 4: Bake the sliders
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes.
- Then remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden and slightly crispy.
- At this point, your kitchen will smell incredible—warm bread, melted cheese, and herbs. It’s one of those cozy, comforting aromas I never get tired of.
Step 5: Prepare the grinder salad
- While the sliders are baking, mix your salad.
- In a bowl, combine:
- Shredded lettuce
- Red onions
- Tomatoes
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss well.
- The texture should be creamy but still fresh and crunchy. That contrast is what makes the Italian Grinder Sliders Hawaiian Rolls Recipe so special.
Step 6: Assemble and serve
- Once the sliders are out of the oven, let them cool for a minute or two.
- Then gently lift the top layer and spoon the grinder salad over the warm meats and cheese. You can also add it on top after cutting—both ways work.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve immediately.