Italian Roast Beef Sliders

These Italian Roast Beef Sliders are my go-to when I want something warm, cheesy, and comforting that reminds me of our trip to Italy — minus the jet lag and overpriced espresso. A few years ago, my husband and I found ourselves in a quiet little alley in Florence, chasing down a sandwich spot that locals swore by. What we got was this rustic roast beef panini layered with gooey cheese and pickled peppers, pressed until toasty and perfect. We ate it standing up on the sidewalk, and it was honestly better than most of the fancy meals we had.

This recipe is my take on that moment. Soft Hawaiian rolls, savory beef roast, melty Provolone, and tangy pepperoncini all get baked together with a buttery herb topping that soaks into the bread. It’s simple, quick, and wildly satisfying — exactly what a weekday dinner or game day snack should be.

Want to see how it all comes together? Let’s go to the ingredients next. Ready?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this super easy, flavor-packed recipe:

• ¼ cup butter, melted
  This is the base of your buttery topping. It soaks into the rolls and gives them that golden, toasty finish.
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  Adds depth and umami. It’s the secret sauce that no one can quite put their finger on.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  A little zip to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  For that herby, savory flavor that ties everything together.
• ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
  Use what you’ve got — either one works to add garlicky warmth.
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  Boosts the flavor without needing to chop anything.
• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (I use the King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter ones)
  These are soft, slightly sweet, and hold everything together perfectly.
• 4 ounces sliced Provolone cheese (about 6 slices)
  Mild and melty, Provolone gives that classic Italian sandwich feel.
• ½ pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
  Go for a good quality deli-sliced beef roast — it makes all the difference.
• ½ cup diced jarred pepperoncini (like the Mezzetta brand)
  These add the tangy, slightly spicy kick that makes this sandwich pop.
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (or as needed)
  Optional, but they add a little texture and make the tops look extra tempting.

That’s it — pantry staples plus a few fridge favorites. Next up, I’ll walk you through how to assemble and bake them so they come out melty, buttery, and downright irresistible.

How to Make Italian Roast Beef Sliders

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a rectangular baking dish with nonstick spray — just enough to keep the sliders from sticking. You want a dish that fits the rolls snugly but without squishing them.

Step 2: Mix the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set this aside — you’ll use it in just a minute to give the sliders that signature golden, buttery top.

Step 3: Slice the Rolls
Without pulling them apart, slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. It’s way easier this way and keeps everything nice and neat. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Layer It Up
On top of the bottom half of the rolls, layer the Provolone slices, then pile on the sliced roast beef. Sprinkle the diced pepperoncini over the meat — they add just the right hit of tang and heat. Then place the top half of the rolls back on.

Step 5: Brush and Sprinkle
Now comes the fun part: generously brush the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture. Make sure it’s all evenly coated — get into the corners too. Then sprinkle with poppy seeds if you’re using them.

Step 6: Bake
Pop the dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are lightly toasted and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Step 7: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut between each slider, and serve them warm. These are best right out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the tops are crisp.

That’s it! From start to finish, this recipe takes maybe 25 minutes — and most of that is just waiting for the oven. Next, I’ll share some tips to make them even better, plus a few ways to change things up depending on what you have in your fridge.

Tips for the Best Italian Roast Beef Sliders

1. Use fresh rolls
Soft, fluffy rolls make a big difference. If the ones you have feel a little dry, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10 seconds before slicing.

2. Don’t skimp on the butter topping
That seasoned butter mix is what gives the sliders their flavor-packed top and golden crust. Use it all, and don’t be shy about brushing the sides too if you’ve got extra.

3. Let them rest a minute before slicing
When they come out of the oven, give them a minute or two to settle before cutting. It helps the cheese firm up just slightly so you don’t lose half your filling when slicing.

4. Want extra melty cheese?
Add a layer of cheese both under and over the roast beef. It kind of seals everything together and gives that satisfying cheese-pull moment.

5. Meal prep tip:
You can assemble these a few hours ahead of time, cover with foil, and pop them in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add a couple minutes to the oven time.

Easy Variations and Add-Ons

• No pepperoncini? Try banana peppers or a few thin slices of roasted red pepper instead. Still gives you that tang and brightness.
• Switch up the cheese: Mozzarella or Fontina are great choices too. Even a sharp white cheddar works if you want more bite.
• Make it spicy: Add a thin spread of spicy mustard or a few crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little kick.
• Want a saucier bite? Serve with warm marinara or a creamy horseradish sauce on the side for dipping.

These sliders are incredibly flexible. Serve them with a simple salad or some roasted potatoes, and you’ve got a full dinner. Or just lay them out on a game-day table and watch them disappear.

FAQ: Italian Roast Beef Sliders

Whether you’re hosting friends for the weekend, wrangling a hungry family after work, or just want something cozy with a side of nostalgia, these Italian Roast Beef Sliders are always a win. They’re quick, full of flavor, and the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again — because who doesn’t love beef, melty cheese, and buttery rolls baked to golden perfection?

If you make them, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment, snap a photo, or send it to someone who could use a little dinner inspiration.