Italian Pesto Sliders: A Game Day Favorite by Nick Nesgoda

When it comes to crowd pleasing appetizers, few can rival the allure of Italian Pesto Sliders.

 

These bite sized delights, crafted by culinary enthusiast Nick Nesgoda, combine savory meats, melted cheeses, and a touch of sweet heat, making them an instant favorite for game days or casual dinners.

 

Let's dive into the recipe and see how you can recreate these mouthwatering sliders at home.

 

Ingredients You'll Need

 

For the Sliders:

 

• 1 package of King's Hawaiian Sweet Slider Rolls
• 6 slices of pepper jack cheese
• 6 slices of provolone cheese
• 16 slices of salami
• 16 large deli pepperoni slices
• 8 slices of large deli ham
• ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons hot honey

 

For the Homemade Pesto:

 

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons pine nuts
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

1. Prepare the Homemade Pesto

 

Begin by creating a fresh basil pesto that will serve as the flavorful foundation of your sliders.

 

In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.

 

Process until the mixture is finely chopped.

 

While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.

 

Transfer the pesto to a small bowl and set aside.

 

2. Assemble the Sliders

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

 

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact.

 

Place the bottom half on the prepared baking sheet.

 

Layer the ingredients in the following order:

 

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Pepper jack cheese
• Salami
• Ham
• Pepperoni
• Provolone cheese

 

This combination of meats and cheeses creates a rich, savory base for your sliders.

 

3. Bake the Sliders

 

Before placing the top half of the rolls over the layered ingredients, brush the inside of the top buns with melted butter mixed with a touch of garlic or Italian seasoning for added flavor.

 

Place the top buns over the layers and gently press down.

 

Bake the assembled sliders in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the rolls are golden brown.

 

The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen, building anticipation for the delicious bites to come.

 

4. Add the Finishing Touches

 

Once the sliders are baked, remove them from the oven.

 

Carefully lift the top buns and spread a generous layer of the homemade pesto on the inside.

 

This step infuses each bite with vibrant basil flavor.

 

Drizzle hot honey over the melted cheese before placing the top buns back on.

 

The sweet heat of the honey perfectly complements the savory meats and zesty pesto, creating an irresistible flavor profile.

 

Serving and Storage Tips

 

Serve these sliders warm, straight from the oven, to enjoy the gooey melted cheese and harmonious blend of flavors.

 

They make an excellent choice for game day gatherings, parties, or a simple weeknight dinner.

 

Pair them with chips, a fresh salad, or even a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

 

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

 

To reheat, place the sliders in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the sliders are warmed through.

 

Why These Sliders Are a Must Try

 

These Italian Pesto Sliders are a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together harmoniously.

 

The combination of soft Hawaiian rolls, rich basil pesto, and melty provolone cheese wrapped around savory deli meats creates a flavor experience that's both comforting and exciting.

 

Whether you're hosting a party or looking for an easy dinner option, these sliders are sure to impress.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Inspired by Nick Nesgoda's culinary creation, these Italian Pesto Sliders are a delightful addition to any menu.

 

They're quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries them.

 

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slider experience that's nothing short of spectacular.

 

For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, be sure to explore other creations by Nick Nesgoda.

 

Happy cooking!