Description
Hot Italian Sub Sliders are bold, flavorful, and irresistibly savory bites featuring smoky turkey bacon, zesty seasonings, and melty plant-based cheese layered in soft slider buns. Perfect for quick game day snacks, parties, or casual meals, these sliders combine classic Italian flavors in a convenient, bite-sized form that is both satisfying and plant-friendly.
Ingredients
Slider Base
- Fresh slider buns, 12 pieces
Filling
- Smoked turkey bacon, 8 slices
- Plant-based cheese slices, 12 slices
- Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme), 1 teaspoon
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), 1 tablespoon
- Minced garlic (natural), 2 cloves
- Grape juice, 2 tablespoons
- Red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
- Natural gelling agent, 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and smoked turkey bacon, cooking until the bacon crisps and garlic is fragrant. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), grape juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until aromatic and well combined.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the slider buns horizontally without cutting all the way through. Layer the bottom of each bun with a plant-based cheese slice, spoon the turkey bacon mixture evenly over the cheese, then place another slice of plant-based cheese on top.
- Bake Until Melty and Golden: Lightly brush the tops of the slider buns with olive oil. Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese melts and buns turn slightly golden.
- Final Touch and Serve: Remove sliders from the oven and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Optionally sprinkle additional Italian seasoning or fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use day-old but soft slider buns to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to balance heat to your preference.
- Do not overcook bacon; crisp it just enough to maintain texture.
- Layer cheese both below and above the filling for extra creaminess.
- Allow sliders to rest after baking to meld flavors and avoid hot cheese burns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Italian sliders, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, game day snacks, quick appetizers
