Cuban Sliders

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to please a crowd, these Cuban Sliders are just what you need! They’re perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or game day parties. With layers of gooey Swiss cheese, savory chicken chicken ham, tender pulled beef, and crunchy pickles, every bite is bursting with flavor. Trust me—this recipe will become a favorite in your household!

What makes these sliders extra special is how easy they are to prepare. You can whip them up quickly and enjoy the compliments from your friends and family. Plus, they’re a great make-ahead option. Just assemble everything in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these sliders ready for baking in no time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are sure to be a hit at any gathering—everyone loves a good slider!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble them earlier in the day and bake them just before serving for effortless entertaining.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have on hand! The flavors work well with many substitutions.
• Big Flavor: These little sandwiches pack a punch with their combination of ingredients that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You’ll find everything you need to create these mouthwatering Cuban Sliders right in your pantry or local grocery store.

For the Sliders

• 12 count Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
• 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 8 ounces thinly sliced deli chicken 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Cuban Sliders:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or roasted vegetables for a lighter twist.
• Change up the cheese: Gouda or cheddar would make delicious alternatives to Swiss.
• Add some heat: If you like spice, toss in some jalapeños or a spicy mustard for a kick.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the meat with grilled portobello mushrooms and load up on extra veggies.

How to Make Cuban Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures that your sliders bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Unwrap those delightful Hawaiian rolls! Using a sharp serrated knife, slice through all the rolls horizontally while keeping them connected. This makes assembling your sliders so much easier. Place the bottom half of the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Mix Your Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter (let it cool slightly first). Mixing until smooth is important because this sauce will add incredible flavor throughout your sliders. Spread half over the bottom half of the rolls, then use what’s left on the cut side of the top rolls.

Step 4: Layer on Ingredients

Now it’s time for layers of goodness! Start with half of your Swiss cheese slices on the bottom rolls. Next goes on the chicken chicken ham followed by pulled beef and dill pickles. Top it off with more Swiss cheese before gently pressing down to ensure everything holds together nicely.

Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture

In another small bowl, mix together the remaining melted butter with minced garlic, minced onion, poppy seeds, and sea salt flakes. This mixture adds so much flavor to your sliders! Brush it generously over the tops and sides using a pastry brush.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish loosely with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until they’re golden brown and bubbly. Let them stand for about five minutes before slicing apart—this helps keep everything intact for serving!

Enjoy these delightful Cuban Sliders fresh from the oven! They are truly little bites of heaven that everyone will love.

Pro Tips for Making Cuban Sliders

Making Cuban sliders can be a delightful experience, and a few pro tips will ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Rolls: Opt for fresh Hawaiian rolls for the best texture and flavor. Stale rolls can lead to a dry slider that lacks that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

• Layer Evenly: When stacking your ingredients, make sure to layer them evenly. This not only helps with presentation but also ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.

• Don’t Rush the Baking: Allowing the sliders to rest after baking is crucial. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier without losing all the fillings.

• Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different types of deli meats or cheeses! Adding a bit of spice with jalapeños or switching up the cheese can give your sliders a personal touch.

• Make Ahead: These sliders can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge before baking. This saves time and allows you to serve hot sliders right when your guests arrive!

How to Serve Cuban Sliders

Cuban sliders are perfect for any gathering, from casual lunches to festive dinners. Presenting them nicely can elevate your meal experience!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, serving sliced jalapeños on the side allows guests to customize their sliders.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The sweet and savory combination complements the rich flavors of the sliders perfectly, adding crunch and texture.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds brightness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the melted cheese and meats.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the hearty sliders while offering a burst of natural sweetness.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob seasoned with buttery goodness pairs beautifully as a satisfying side dish.

Enjoy crafting these Cuban sliders and serving them alongside delightful accompaniments that will please your family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Cuban Sliders are perfect for meal prep, making them a fantastic option for busy days or gatherings. You can prepare them in advance and enjoy their mouth-watering flavors whenever you like.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped sliders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Label the bag with the date for reference.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap frozen sliders and place them on a baking sheet.
• Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Bake for about 15–20 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Cuban Sliders.

Can I make Cuban Sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble Cuban Sliders a day in advance, cover them well, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

What can I serve with Cuban Sliders?

Cuban Sliders pair wonderfully with sides like sweet potato fries, salad, or chips. A refreshing coleslaw also complements their rich flavors beautifully!

How do I make Cuban Sliders spicy?

To add a kick to your Cuban Sliders, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce between the layers of meat and cheese. It’ll elevate the flavor profile while maintaining the balance!

Can I use different types of cheese for Cuban Sliders?

Certainly! While Swiss is traditional, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese for a different twist on these tasty sliders!

Final Thoughts

These Cuban Sliders are special because they bring together comforting ingredients that create an explosion of flavor in every bite! Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them during family movie night, I hope you find joy in making this recipe as much as I do. So go ahead, try it out, and savor every delicious moment. Happy cooking!