Skip to main content

Italian Sliders

 

Italian Sliders

Italian sliders are a delightful fusion of American slider tradition and classic Italian flavors. This variation likely emerged in the late 20th or early 21st century, as culinary trends began to favor creative and international twists on traditional dishes. Italian sliders typically incorporate ingredients such as Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and fresh basil, embodying the rich and savory taste of Italian cuisine.

Today, Italian sliders are a popular choice at parties, gatherings, and casual dining settings. They are versatile and can be customized with various ingredients to suit personal preferences. Common variations include the use of different cheeses, adding pepperoni or prosciutto, and incorporating vegetables like roasted red peppers or arugula.

How to Prepare Italian Sliders

Ingredients

For a batch of 12 Italian sliders, you will need the following ingredients:

For the sliders:

1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)

12 slider buns or small dinner rolls

1 cup marinara sauce

12 slices of mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves (optional)

1/4 cup melted butter

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For optional toppings:

Sliced pepperoni or prosciutto

Roasted red peppers

Sliced olives

Arugula or spinach leaves

Procedure

Prepare the Sausage Patties:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Form the ground Italian sausage into 12 small patties, slightly larger than the slider buns as they will shrink during cooking.

Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cook the Sausage Patties:

Bake the sausage patties in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).

Remove from the oven and set aside.

Assemble the Sliders:

Slice the slider buns in half horizontally.

Place the bottom halves of the buns in a baking dish or on a large baking sheet.

Spread a tablespoon of marinara sauce on each bun.

Place a cooked sausage patty on top of the marinara sauce.

Add a slice of mozzarella cheese over each sausage patty.

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mozzarella cheese.

Top with Bun Halves:

Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the cheese.

Prepare Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Brush with Garlic Butter:

Brush the top of each slider bun with the prepared garlic butter mixture.

Bake the Sliders:

Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the buns are golden brown.

Add Fresh Basil (Optional):

If using fresh basil, place a few leaves inside each slider for added flavor and freshness.

Serve:

Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Serve warm, optionally with additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Preparation Time

Total Preparation Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-35 minutes

Comments

Popular Posts

Pork Gyros with Tzatziki and Sweet Chili Sauce

  The gyro, a popular Greek dish, has a rich history rooted in the Eastern Mediterranean. The word "gyro" comes from the Greek word "gyros," meaning "turn," which refers to the way the meat is cooked—on a vertical rotisserie that spins slowly, allowing the outer layers to crisp up while the inner layers stay juicy. Gyros have their origins in the Turkish döner kebab and the Middle Eastern shawarma, both of which involve cooking meat on a rotating spit. The modern gyro as we know it today became widely popular in Greece in the 20th century, particularly after World War II. It is believed that Greek immigrants who returned from the Ottoman Empire brought the concept of cooking meat on a vertical spit with them. While beef and lamb are common in other countries, pork is the traditional meat used in Greece for gyros. Over time, the gyro became a staple of Greek street food, often served with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and the famous tzatziki sauce—a creamy ...

A Culinary Journey: Crafting Creamy Cauliflower Soup

The roots of cauliflower soup trace back to the Mediterranean region, where cauliflower has been cultivated for centuries. However, the exact origin of creamy cauliflower soup as we know it today is uncertain. It likely evolved from traditional cauliflower-based dishes, with the addition of cream to create a smoother consistency and enhance the flavor profile. Over time, this soup has gained popularity worldwide, becoming a beloved comfort food in many households. Exploring Tuscan Cuisine: A Recipe and History of Tuscan Soup Ingredients � 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or another plant-based oil) � 1/2 tsp turmeric � 1/2 tsp cumin seeds � 6 curry or bay leaves � 1 cup finely diced onion � 2 garlic cloves, chopped � 2 cups peeled and chopped potatoes � Salt to taste � 1 1/2-pound cauliflower (about 6 cups, chopped) � 5 cups vegetable broth, (low sodium preferable) � 1/3 cup heavy cream, or 1/3 cup cashew cream (Make cashews cream by soaking 1/3 cup raw cashews in water 5 hours. Drain wa...

Exploring the Irresistible Flavor of Buffalo Shrimp: Recipe, History, and Preparation Guide

Buffalo shrimp traces its origins to the iconic Buffalo wings, which were first created in Buffalo, New York, during the 1960s. The original Buffalo wings were invented by Teressa Bellissimo at the Anchor Bar, who tossed leftover chicken wings in a spicy sauce made of hot sauce and butter. This simple yet flavorful combination quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in bars and restaurants across the United States. Over time, the Buffalo sauce gained widespread acclaim, inspiring chefs and home cooks to experiment with various proteins beyond chicken wings. Thus, the Buffalo shrimp emerged as a delicious variation, offering a seafood twist to the beloved flavor profile of Buffalo sauce. Today, Buffalo shrimp is served in restaurants worldwide and is a popular appetizer or main dish for seafood lovers everywhere. A Creamy Dive into Queso: History and a Perfect Recipe Ingredients for Buffalo Shrimp: To prepare Buffalo shrimp, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 pound of l...

Curried Shrimp Rolls

Curried Shrimp Rolls combine the flavors of South Asia with the convenience of a Western-style sandwich. The dish likely evolved from the broader tradition of seafood and curry in regions like India, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia, where shrimp is a common protein. As these flavors made their way to the West, they began to merge with Western culinary formats, such as rolls and sandwiches. The concept of a "roll" sandwich, where the filling is enclosed within a bread roll or bun, has been popular in Western cuisines for centuries. It likely gained popularity in coastal regions of the United States, where fresh seafood was abundant, particularly in areas with a strong influence of Indian or Southeast Asian cuisine. The combination of curry, a blend of spices typically used in Indian cooking, with shrimp in a roll, created a unique fusion dish that is both flavorful and portable. How to Prepare Curried Shrimp Rolls Ingredients : 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and devein...

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a fusion of two beloved American comfort foods: the classic grilled cheese sandwich and the jalapeño popper. The grilled cheese sandwich, with roots dating back to ancient times, gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1920s with the advent of pre-sliced bread and affordable cheese. On the other hand, the jalapeño popper, a dish consisting of jalapeños stuffed with cheese and deep-fried, has Mexican-American origins and became a popular appetizer in the United States in the late 20th century. The combination of these two iconic dishes likely emerged in the early 2000s as part of a broader trend of creative, indulgent comfort food mashups. The Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich brings together the creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements of a jalapeño popper with the melty, cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. This hybrid dish quickly became a favorite among food enthusiasts for its bold flavors and satisfying ...