A Merry Recipe

Don Pepino’s vine-ripened New Jersey tomatoes, sweet garlic, and signature spices already have the rich depth needed for a fantastic sauce—so I transformed it into a vibrant, crunchy, citrusy cocktail sauce with a kick. By balancing the sweet tomato base with prepared horseradish, fresh lemon zest, snappy celery, scallions, and a pop of fresh cilantro, you get a sauce that’s infinitely more complex and delicious than anything out of a bottle.

Packed with bold zesty flavors and classic pizzeria appeal, these Don Pepino’s Hot Italian Sliders feature warm, pillowy rolls loaded with savory layers of ham, Calabrese salami, and pepperoni. Melted gooey mozzarella bridges every bite, perfectly balanced by a tangy mix of sweet roasted peppers, fiery Fresno chiles, pepperoncini, and green olives. Brushed with a rich, garlic-and-herb butter glaze and baked until golden brown!