Why Make This Recipe
Italian Sausage Sliders are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just want a delicious meal, these sliders are easy to make and fun to eat. The combination of juicy sausage, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese makes each bite satisfying. Plus, they are customizable to fit your taste!
How to Make Italian Sausage Slider
Ingredients:
- 2 lb Sweet Italian Sausage Meat
- 1 to 2 Red Bell Peppers, chopped
- 1 to 2 Green Bell Peppers, chopped
- 1 Large Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce (Arabiata Style)
- 1 Pack Hawaiian Rolls (12 pack)
- 8 Slices Provolone Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (low moisture)
- Garlic Butter
- 1/2 stick Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 3 cloves Garlic (crushed)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley (finely chopped)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until golden brown. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add marinara sauce to the pan and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Transfer the sausage mixture to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and peppers, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Set this mixture aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
- Layer a few slices of provolone cheese on the bottom layer of the slider rolls.
- Top with the cooked sausage mixture and sautéed peppers.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, then place the top layer of the buns onto the filling.
- Brush the tops of the buns with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Slider
These sliders are best served warm, right out of the oven. You can add ketchup, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or some crispy potato chips for a complete meal.
How to Store Italian Sausage Slider
To store leftovers, let the sliders cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sliders, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, just reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Italian Sausage Slider
- Feel free to mix and match your favorite bell peppers and cheeses.
- For extra kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
- Use store-bought marinara sauce for a faster option, or make your own for a fresh taste.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by using turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian option. Adding other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach can also enhance the flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute provolone or mozzarella with your favorites like cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
2. How do I know when the sliders are done baking?
The sliders are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the buns are lightly golden.
3. Can I prepare the sausage mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the sausage and peppers in advance and store them in the fridge. Just assemble the sliders right before baking.
Italian Sausage Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until golden brown, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add marinara sauce to the pan and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Transfer the sausage mixture to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and peppers, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Set this mixture aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
- Layer a few slices of provolone cheese on the bottom layer of the slider rolls.
- Top with the cooked sausage mixture and sautéed peppers.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, then place the top layer of the buns onto the filling.
- Brush the tops of the buns with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.