There is something utterly irresistible about these Cuban Sliders Recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of classic Cuban sandwiches into a fun, shareable form perfect for any occasion. Imagine the perfect balance of savory ham, tender roasted pork, melty Swiss cheese, zesty mustard, and tangy pickles all nestled inside soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a satisfying snack, these sliders deliver a punch of authentic Cuban taste with every bite that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cuban Sliders Recipe lies in its simple yet crucial ingredients. Each component plays a key role, from the tender pork that adds rich texture to the mustard’s tangy zing and the buttery, slightly sweet rolls balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these rolls hold all the flavors together beautifully without overpowering the fillings.
- 1 pound sliced deli ham: Adds a smoky, salty layer that complements the pork and cheese.
- 1 pound roasted pork, thinly sliced or shredded: The star ingredient that infuses the sliders with a juicy, tender Cuban flair.
- 12 slices Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly to bind the sandwich ingredients with a creamy, nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices: Gives a crisp, tangy bite that cuts through the richness.
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard: Provides a classic sharpness that’s essential to the authentic taste.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Helps achieve a gorgeous golden crust and a rich finish on top.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a slight kick to the buttery glaze.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Contributes a subtle umami boost for complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle, aromatic warmth to the topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and a traditional touch to the buttery glaze.
How to Make Cuban Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Carefully slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls horizontally without pulling them apart and place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This forms the perfect base for layering your fillings evenly.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Spread the yellow mustard evenly over the bottom layer of rolls to give every bite that signature tang. Then, layer the sliced deli ham over the mustard, followed by the roasted pork for juicy, tender meatiness. Top this with Swiss cheese slices, letting the cheese blanket the meats, and finally, arrange the dill pickle slices on top for that welcome tangy crunch.
Step 3: Add the Top Rolls and Prepare the Glaze
Place the top half of the rolls gently over the stacked fillings, keeping them connected just like a loaf. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds. This flavorful glaze will give your sliders a glossy, golden crust packed with aroma and taste.
Step 4: Bake the Sliders
Brush the buttery glaze evenly over the tops of the rolls for that irresistible shine. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes to allow everything to heat through and the cheese to melt. For a beautiful golden finish, remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are perfectly toasted and bubbling with melted cheese.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the sliders cool just slightly before slicing them apart into individual servings. This will help keep the layers together while making it easy to grab and enjoy these scrumptious, savory bites.
How to Serve Cuban Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
While the sliders themselves are packed with flavor, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light drizzle of a spicy mayo can elevate the presentation and add a fresh pop that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cuban Sliders Recipe alongside crispy sweet potato fries, a vibrant mixed green salad, or a tangy coleslaw to balance the savory, buttery goodness of the sandwiches. These sides help round out the meal perfectly and keep each bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stacking sliders on a pretty wooden board with colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. You can also offer assorted mustards or even a tropical mango salsa on the side for dipping, adding an extra punch of flavor that guests will love exploring.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cuban Sliders Recipe leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
To freeze your sliders, assemble and bake them as directed, then cool completely. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Cuban sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist, then uncover in the last few minutes to crisp up the tops again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that delightful texture contrast.
FAQs
Can I make Cuban sliders without Hawaiian rolls?
While Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect sweet and soft texture, you can substitute with soft dinner rolls or small brioche buns if needed. Just be sure they’re soft enough to complement the fillings and not overpower the flavors.
What is the best type of pork to use for Cuban sliders?
For authentic flavor, Cuban-style roasted pork with mojo seasoning is ideal. However, slow-roasted pork shoulder or pulled pork seasoned with garlic, citrus, and cumin also works wonderfully and adds tender juiciness.
Can I prepare these sliders in advance?
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire Cuban Sliders Recipe, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. This makes them great for parties or meal prepping.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to Cuban sliders?
For a vegetarian twist, swap the ham and pork with marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms or a smoked tempeh. Add all the other ingredients to keep that tangy, melty experience.
How can I make my sliders more like a traditional pressed Cuban sandwich?
After baking, gently press the sliders with a spatula or use a panini press if your rolls are separated. This will compact the sandwich layers and give it the pressed texture characteristic of classic Cuban sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
If you love a good sandwich loaded with bold and balanced flavors, this Cuban Sliders Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet special enough to impress guests. So grab those sweet rolls and start layering – I promise these sliders will become a fast favorite in your kitchen and at your table.
Print
Cuban Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
Cuban Sliders are a delicious, baked party sandwich featuring layers of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles on sweet Hawaiian rolls, topped with a flavorful butter and poppy seed mixture. These warm, melty sliders offer a taste of traditional Cuban flavors in an easy-to-make appetizer or main course perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 pound sliced deli ham
- 1 pound roasted pork, thinly sliced or shredded
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
Butter Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the sliders evenly.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally without separating the individual rolls. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base layer for your sliders.
- Add Mustard Spread: Evenly spread the yellow mustard over the bottom half of the rolls to add tangy flavor beneath the meats.
- Layer Meats and Cheese: Layer the sliced deli ham evenly over the mustard, followed by the roasted pork, then top with slices of Swiss cheese and dill pickle slices to build rich, savory layers.
- Top with Rolls: Place the top half of the sliced rolls over the layered fillings to complete the sandwich structure.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds until well combined.
- Brush Topping: Brush the butter and spice mixture evenly across the tops of the rolls to add flavor and create a golden crust when baked.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This prevents the bread from drying out while allowing the cheese to melt.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven, let them cool slightly to set, then slice the roll into individual sliders and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra authentic flavor, use Cuban-style roasted pork with mojo seasoning.
- Press the sliders gently with a spatula after baking to create a more traditional pressed sandwich texture.
- These sliders can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 8 hours before baking, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
