Why You’ll Love These Italian Sliders
- Bold Italian Flavors: Combining Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, these sliders are packed with savory, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With just 35 minutes of prep and cooking time, these sliders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
- Versatile: You can easily customize these sliders with your favorite cheeses or add more toppings like sautéed onions or bell peppers.
- Perfectly Portable: These sliders are ideal for parties, picnics, or any occasion where handheld food is a must!
Ingredients
To make Italian Sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 slider buns
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and heat. Once the oil is hot, crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Break up the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.
3. Add Seasonings:
Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Prepare the Buns:
While the sausage is simmering, slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish (9×13-inch works well).
5. Layer the Mixture:
Spoon the sausage mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns.
6. Add Cheeses:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the sausage mixture. Add as much cheese as you like for a gooey, melty result!
7. Top with Buns:
Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the cheese layer.
8. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
9. Garnish:
Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, for an added burst of flavor and color.
10. Slice and Serve:
Using a sharp knife, slice the sliders into individual portions and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per slider
Variations
- Add More Veggies: Try adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Choices: If you prefer a different cheese, you can use provolone, cheddar, or a blend of mozzarella and fontina for a unique flavor twist.
- Make It Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns to make these sliders gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef or ground turkey for the Italian sausage, but keep in mind that the flavor will be different. You can add Italian seasoning to enhance the taste.
2. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve!
3. Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled sliders (before baking) for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, just bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce works great for this recipe, but you can also use homemade sauce if you prefer.
5. Can I add extra toppings to these sliders?
Yes, feel free to top the sliders with sautéed onions, olives, or even crushed red pepper flakes for an extra punch of flavor.
6. Can I make these sliders into a casserole?
Yes, instead of assembling individual sliders, you can make a casserole by layering the sausage, cheese, and buns in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake as directed.
7. How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
To keep the buns from getting soggy, make sure to layer the sausage mixture and cheese evenly. Additionally, allow the sliders to cool slightly before serving, so the filling sets a bit.
8. Can I use different buns for these sliders?
Yes! You can use Hawaiian rolls, brioche buns, or even ciabatta rolls for a different texture and flavor.
9. Can I use fresh basil instead of dried oregano?
Yes, you can replace the oregano with fresh basil for a more vibrant, herbal flavor.
10. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish (like a 9×13-inch or larger) to make more servings.
Conclusion
These Italian Sliders are the perfect combination of savory Italian flavors, melted cheese, and soft buns, all baked to perfection for a delightful meal. Whether you’re serving them at a party, for game day, or just enjoying a casual dinner at home, these sliders are sure to please every crowd. Quick, easy, and delicious—what’s not to love? Enjoy making and sharing these mouthwatering treats!
Italian Sliders: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Italian Sliders are a deliciously savory twist on traditional sliders, packed with flavorful Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or craving a simple yet satisfying snack, these sliders are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
12 slider buns
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and heat. Once the oil is hot, crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Break up the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- While the sausage is simmering, slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish (9×13-inch works well).
- Spoon the sausage mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the sausage mixture. Add as much cheese as you like for a gooey, melty result!
- Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the cheese layer.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, for an added burst of flavor and color.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the sliders into individual portions and serve warm.
Notes
**Add More Veggies**: Try adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for extra flavor and texture.
**Cheese Choices**: If you prefer a different cheese, you can use provolone, cheddar, or a blend of mozzarella and fontina for a unique flavor twist.
**Make It Spicy**: Use spicy Italian sausage or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for a bit of heat.
**Gluten-Free Option**: Use gluten-free slider buns to make these sliders gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
