Another delicious slider sandwich recipe, this time we’re adding three layers of meat to our decadent Italian Hero-inspired Sliders!

Italian Hero Sliders Recipe

I need a hero.

I’m holding out for a hero ’til the end of the night.

It’s gotta be cheesy

And it’s got to be fast

And it’s gotta be fresh from the oven….

My child got to listen to my poor attempt at rewriting this song to fit our Italian Hero sliders – Weird Al-style – for the entire 30 minutes it took me to prepare and cook this recipe. Her only respite was when they were finally ready and I was too busy stuffing my face to sing.

These meaty sliders are inspired by my favorite Italian sandwich – the HERO. It’s a NY classic that was invented by Italian immigrants, and earned it’s title because it was so large “you had to be a hero to eat it.”

We laid the meat on thick with prosciutto, salami and pepperoni. Not to mention seasoned tomato sauce, gooey provolone cheese, and just a hit of Italian dressing. These mini sandwiches are flavorful, filling and everything a HERO should be.

While these are great fresh from the oven – soft, cheesy, and the meat practically melts in your mouth – they also make great leftovers. My daughter likes hers warmed up while I like them cold. (The total opposite of our leftover pizza preferences.) I love meals like this that make great suppers and planned leftovers for lunches the next day.

This hero sandwich casserole would be perfect for a potluck, or just a casual family night meal. Swap out the meats for your preferred cuts – or whatever you have on hand. Some people also like veggies on them, but that’s not how this Irish-Italian girl was raised, so I skipped them!

Ingredients for Meat Lover Sliders

• 1 sheet slider buns (butter or potato style)
• 12 slices salami
• 9-12 slices prosciutto
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 9 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 cup butter
• 2 Tablespoons Italian dressing, optional

Tip: if preparing the day before and refrigerating, you can pour on the melted butter before refrigerating.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• 8″x16″ casserole dish
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp bread knife

How to Make Hero Sliders

Preheat oven to 350F

Cut the sandwich sheet in half through the middle to create two “slices” of sandwich sheet.

Place the bottom half of the sandwich sheet in the casserole dish.

Spread the spaghetti sauce over the bread layer and sprinkle on 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning.

Make an even layer of the salami all over the sauce layer. Then repeat with prosciutto and pepperoni.

Top with the mozzarella slices and then place the top half of the sandwich “sheet” on top.

Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and melt, approximately 2 minutes. Stir in your remaining seasoning and salad dressing (if using).

Pour the butter mixture evenly over the sandwiches and cover the casserole dish with tinfoil.

Bake for 20-30 minutes until the butter has completely absorbed into the rolls.

Cut and serve.

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These meaty, cheesy Italian hero sliders are the perfect lazy weeknight meal – and they make great leftovers, too! (Plan-overs for lunch the next day?) 

For more delicious slider recipes, check out our Lobster Roll Sliders or our Deluxe Pizza Sliders recipe.