Cuban Sliders

If you’re looking for a delightful dish that brings everyone together, Cuban Sliders are your answer! These little gems are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Imagine a warm, gooey bite of Swiss cheese melting into savory chicken ham and tender pulled beef, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. It’s comfort food at its best and always a crowd-pleaser.

What I love most about these sliders is how easy they are to whip up. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can have these flavorful bites ready in no time. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just want something delicious for dinner, Cuban Sliders will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a tasty meal ready before you know it!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of flavors—perfect for pleasing picky eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and bake them right before serving.
• Big Flavor in Every Bite: The layers of Swiss cheese, savory meats, and crunchy pickles create an explosion of taste that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Cuban Sliders is easy with these simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. You’ll find everything from sweet Hawaiian rolls to tangy pickles—each playing a special role in creating the ultimate flavor experience!

For the Sliders

• 12 count Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
• 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 8 ounces thinly sliced deli chicken ham
• 2-1/2 cups cooked pulled beef (see note 1)
• 12 slices Swiss cheese
• 30 dill pickle chips (drained)

For the Topping

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 3/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (see note 2)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different ingredients to suit your taste.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or roasted vegetables for a lighter option.
• Add some spice: Toss in sliced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Go cheesy: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for a unique twist.
• Make it veggie: Replace all meats with hearty veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.

How to Make Cuban Sliders

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. This step is crucial because you want your sliders to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Unwrap the rolls and slice them horizontally with a sharp serrated knife, keeping them connected. This makes it easy to layer all those delicious fillings! Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish to get started on building flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Mixing until smooth ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Spread half of this lovely sauce over the bottom half of the rolls; then use the remaining sauce on the cut side of the top half.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Now comes the fun part! Start layering—add half of your Swiss cheese slices on the bottom rolls followed by chicken ham, pulled beef, and pickles, then top off with more Swiss cheese. Press down gently so everything stays put during baking.

Step 5: Add That Tasty Topping

In another small bowl, mix together your remaining melted butter with minced garlic, minced onion, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt. Brush this mixture generously over the top and sides of your rolls—it adds so much flavor!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, uncover it and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let them stand for about five minutes before slicing. Serve promptly and enjoy each mouthful of these amazing Cuban Sliders!

Pro Tips for Making Cuban Sliders

Making Cuban sliders is a breeze, but a few small tweaks can elevate your dish to a whole new level of deliciousness!

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh Swiss cheese and high-quality deli meats. This ensures that every bite is flavorful and satisfying, making your sliders truly stand out.
• Don’t Overlook the Butter Mixture: Brushing the butter blend over the rolls adds richness and helps achieve that golden-brown finish. It also infuses the sliders with delicious garlic and onion flavors!
• Layer Smartly: When building your sliders, layering the ingredients in the right order—cheese first, then meat, then pickles—ensures even melting and prevents sogginess.
• Bake Covered First: Covering the dish with foil while baking helps steam the rolls, keeping them soft and fluffy. Uncovering at the end allows for that crispy top we all love!
• Serve Fresh: These sliders are best enjoyed right out of the oven while they’re warm and gooey. If you must prepare them ahead of time, consider reheating them briefly to restore their delightful texture.

How to Serve Cuban Sliders

Cuban sliders are perfect for entertaining or casual family dinners! Present them on a platter for a fun appetizer or serve them as part of a hearty meal.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro adds a bright touch and enhances flavor.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a kick, serving sliced jalapeños on the side gives guests an option to spice things up.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the rich flavors of the sliders.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned with herbs and spices, these are an easy side that complements the savory sliders beautifully.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess to balance out the richness of the sliders.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn drizzled with lime and sprinkled with chili powder creates a vibrant side that pairs nicely with Cuban flavors.
• Black Bean Salad: This protein-packed salad adds great texture and is full of zesty flavors that harmonize well with your Cuban sliders.

These tips and serving ideas will transform your Cuban sliders into an unforgettable treat for any occasion! Enjoy sharing this delicious dish with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cuban Sliders are perfect for meal prep! Making a batch in advance means you can enjoy these flavorful bites throughout the week or save them for a special occasion without any fuss.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the sliders to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Prepare the sliders but do not bake them.
• Wrap the assembled sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove sliders from the refrigerator or freezer and unwrap them.
• If refrigerated, bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For frozen sliders, bake for 25-30 minutes, covering with foil if needed to prevent browning too quickly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cuban Sliders!

Can I use different types of cheese in Cuban Sliders?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can substitute it with provolone or mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.

How do I make Cuban Sliders ahead of time?

You can assemble the sliders and store them unbaked in the fridge or freeze them for later. Just follow the storage instructions above!

What are Cuban Sliders served with?

Cuban Sliders pair wonderfully with sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes 12 delicious Cuban Sliders, perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a family meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up these delightful Cuban Sliders! Their combination of flavors is truly special and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making them for game day or just a cozy family dinner, I know you’ll love every bite. Enjoy making this recipe and don’t hesitate to share your experience with friends and family. Happy cooking!