Muffuletta Sliders

Servings: 12 sliders | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 23-25 minutes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Muffuletta Sliders capture all the bold, briny, and savory flavors of the classic New Orleans sandwich in a fun, shareable, bite-sized package. Inspired by the famous muffuletta from Central Grocery, these sliders are perfect for game day, Mardi Gras parties, or any casual gathering where you want to impress a crowd .

The combination of salty cured meats, melty provolone cheese, and that signature tangy olive salad tucked into soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls is really hard to beat . And because they’re baked together in one dish, they’re incredibly easy to assemble and serve—no fuss, just deliciousness!

Ingredients

1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls (keep them connected)
8 slices provolone cheese
8 slices capicola (or ham)
10 slices Genoa salami
8 slices mortadella
1 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade—recipe below)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon sesame seeds(optional, for garnish)

For the Quick Olive Salad (optional, but recommended):

¾ cup pimento-stuffed green olives, drained
½ cup mild Italian giardiniera, drained
¼ cup Kalamata olives, drained
¼ cup pepperoncini, drained
1 tablespoon capers, drained
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

Directions

1. Make the olive salad (if using homemade). Add all olive salad ingredients to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped and well combined. Set aside. You can make this up to 5 days in advance .

2. Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray .

3. Prep the rolls. Keeping the rolls connected, use a large serrated knife to slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish .

4. Layer the fillings. Arrange the provolone slices in an even layer on the bottom rolls. Top with the capicola, salami, and mortadella in even layers .

5. Add the olive salad. Using a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid, spoon the muffuletta olive salad evenly over the meats .

6. Top the sliders. Place the top half of the rolls over the filling. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using .

7. Bake. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly crisp and the cheese is melted .

8. Slice and serve. Let the sliders cool slightly, then transfer to a cutting board and slice into individual sliders. Serve warm .

Variations

Swap the meats: While the traditional meats are what make this sandwich special, feel free to substitute with what you love—thinly sliced ham, turkey, roast beef, soppressata, or even prosciutto all work beautifully. The key is a mix of mild and bold flavors .
Cheese options: Try mozzarella for extra gooeyness, or use Swiss cheese if you prefer .
Add some heat: A few dashes of hot sauce to the olive mix or using spicy salami will kick things up a notch .
Chicken version: For a non-traditional twist, try grilled chicken breasts marinated in Creole seasoning with the same muffuletta toppings .

Expert Tips

Use a slotted spoon for the olive salad to avoid making the sliders soggy .
Make them ahead. You can fully assemble the sliders, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time .
No food processor? Finely chop all olive salad ingredients by hand and stir to combine .
Bake until golden. The tops should be nicely browned and the cheese fully melted for the best texture .

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

Cold option: These sliders are also delicious cold or at room temperature, making them a great option for picnics and packed lunches .

What to Serve With These Sliders

Chips or fries
Pickle spears
A simple green salad
Marinara sauce for dipping

Final Thoughts

These Muffuletta Sliders are a brilliant twist on a New Orleans classic. They’re packed with flavor, easy to assemble, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun dinner, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!