Muffuletta sliders are mini sandwiches packed with yummy layers! They have a tasty blend of meats, cheeses, and a zesty olive salad that makes each bite burst with flavor.
These little delights are perfect for gatherings or a fun family meal. I love how easy they are to make—just layer, slide, and enjoy! You might end up eating more than one, and that’s okay! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Soft and fluffy slider buns are key for holding all the delicious layers together. If you can’t find slider buns, soft sandwich rolls or even mini bagels will work well!
Mortadella: This is a must-have for the authentic taste, but if you need a substitute, you can use turkey or chicken deli meat for a leaner option.
Olive Salad: You can buy it pre-made, but it’s simple to make at home. Just mix chopped olives, some peeled garlic, capers, and a bit of celery. If you want a fresher taste, use chopped peppers instead.
Cheese: Provolone and mozzarella add creaminess. Swap for Swiss or cheddar if you need something different. My preference is to stick with the originals for that classic flavor!
How Do I Layer the Ingredients for the Best Flavor?
Layering your ingredients properly is crucial for the best taste. Start with the olive salad on the bottom; it keeps the bread from getting soggy. Then, stack the meats—mortadella, salami, and ham—followed by the cheeses.
- Spread the olive salad generously so every bite has flavor.
- Layer the deli meats in that order to balance flavors; each adds a unique taste!
- Top with cheese slices for a melty goodness that holds everything together.
Muffuletta Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or small sandwich rolls
- 6 oz sliced mortadella
- 6 oz sliced salami
- 6 oz sliced ham
- 6 oz sliced provolone cheese
- 6 oz sliced mozzarella cheese
For the Olive Salad:
- 1 cup olive salad (a mix of chopped olives, celery, giardiniera, and seasonings)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Optional: Dijon mustard or mayonnaise (for spreading, if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 15 minutes of baking time, totaling about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner or party snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your sliders will bake perfectly when you put them in.
2. Slice the Buns:
Take the slider buns and slice them in half horizontally. Make sure to keep the tops and bottoms intact so they can hold all the delicious fillings inside.
3. Prepare the Olive Salad Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. This dressing will add flavor to your olive salad and help to bring everything together.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
On the bottom half of each slider bun, spread a generous amount of the olive salad. Make sure it’s well-covered as this is where the flavor comes from!
Now, layer in the meats: start with the mortadella, followed by the salami, and then the ham. Make sure each slider has a nice mix of all three!
Next, place a slice of provolone cheese and a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the meats. This is where the gooey goodness begins!
5. Top It Off:
Carefully place the top halves of the slider buns over the layered ingredients. Your sliders are looking great!
6. Prepare to Bake:
Arrange the assembled sliders on a baking sheet. If you like, you can brush the tops with a little olive oil or melted butter for a golden finish as they bake.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Now it’s time to bake! Put the baking sheet in the oven and let the sliders bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Once they’re done, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool a bit. Then, serve them warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing!
Enjoy your delightful Muffuletta sliders, packed with Italian cold cuts, melted cheese, and flavorful olive salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat or Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the mortadella, salami, and ham for your favorite deli meats. Turkey or roast beef work well too. For the cheeses, you can use any meltable cheese like Swiss or cheddar if you prefer something different!
How Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the sliders in advance and store them in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed!
What Should I Store Leftover Sliders In?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for the best texture.
Can I Add Extra Ingredients?
Definitely! You can enhance the flavors by adding roasted red peppers, fresh basil, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the olive salad for an extra kick.
