Cuban Sliders
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This Cuban sliders recipe is a mouthwatering twist on the classic Cuban sandwich, served in a convenient and shareable slider form. Ever since making these Cheeseburger Sliders, I’ve been on a slider kick. They’re just so yummy, fun to make, and everyone always devours them!
These delicious mini sandwiches capture all the flavors and essence of the traditional Cuban sandwich but in a smaller, more manageable size.
They are perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or as a quick and satisfying meal. My buffalo chicken dip and sheet pan nachos are a couple other game day favorites!
What is a traditional Cuban sandwich made with?
- A Cuban sandwich or Cubano is made with Cuban bread; it’s a long, white, and somewhat crispy bread with a soft interior. It’s filled with a slow-roasted and marinated pork, often seasoned with garlic, cumin, and other spices, which is a key ingredient. It’s known for its tenderness and savory flavor. Also filled with slices of ham for a salty and savory element, layers of Swiss cheese which melts beautifully, yellow mustard and thinly sliced dill pickles. I’ve even seen genoa salami added to them as well but I don’t think it’s traditional!
Ingredient Notes
For the ingredient measurements and entire recipe, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the blog post where the recipe card is located.
- Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet and fluffy rolls provide the perfect base for your sliders. I usually use King’s Hawaiian but any 12 count dinner roll works well.
- Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked and seasoned pork is a traditional filling for Cuban sandwiches. For convenience, you can purchase pre-made lightly seasoned pork at most grocery stores (not ones with bbq sauce).
- Ham: Slices of ham add a salty and savory element to the sliders. Feel free to use a honey ham or a black forest ham.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and complements the other flavors.
- Mustard: A classic Cuban sandwich includes yellow mustard for a tangy kick. You can also use Dijon mustard if you prefer.
- Pickles: Thin slices of dill pickles add crunch and a hint of acidity.
- Butter: Brushing the tops of the rolls with melted butter mixed with parsley before baking gives them a golden crust.
- Dipping sauce: made with mayonnaise, Dijon, garlic, lemon juice and cumin. It’s an optional dipping sauce but I love it with these sliders!
Step by Step Directions
Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe instructions.
- Carefully cut the rolls in half.
- Spread mustard on bottom half of rolls.
- Add the ham, cheese, pork and pickles in even layers.
- Add mustard on top half of rolls them place on top.
- Pour or brush melted butter mixture over the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake until hot and cheese is melty.
Expert Tips
- Layer Ingredients Evenly: When assembling the sliders, make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly. Each bite should have a balanced mix of roast pork, ham, cheese, and pickles.
- Toothpick Securing: If your sliders are falling apart during grilling or serving, use toothpicks to secure them. This helps keep all the delicious fillings in place.
- Warm the Fillings: To ensure that the fillings are warm and the cheese is melted, you can warm the roast pork in the microwave and ham before assembling the sliders.
- Serve Fresh: this cuban sliders recipe is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Try to assemble and serve them as close to your guests’ arrival as possible to maintain their quality.
Storage & Reheating
- My Cuban sliders recipe are best served fresh, but if you do have leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Or zap them in the microwave, I like to heat them in 30 second intervals until warm.
FAQ
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a rimmed baking sheet than can fit 24 rolls.
Can I use different cheese?
Swiss is traditional, but jack cheese (or pepper jack for heat) mozzarella or provolone works well!
Do I have to use the King’s Hawaiian rolls?
No, use your favorite dinner roll ๐๐ค
What kind of pulled pork should I use?
I buy a 2 lb. container from Costco and heat in the microwave or you can make your own and use it!
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Cuban Sliders
Ingredients
For the sliders
- 12 count package King's Hawaiian Rolls
- 1/4 cup Dijon or yellow mustard, divided
- 8 oz. thinly sliced deli ham (I like a honey ham or black forest ham)
- 1 lb. pulled pork*
- 7 oz. thinly sliced Swiss cheese, about 12 slices
- 3-4 dill pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise
For the melted butter topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
For the dipping sauce (optional but yummy)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed with a garlic press or finely minced
- 1/2 lemon, ~2 tsp.
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
- salt and pepper, to taste
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 pan with spray or a little softened butter.
- Without separating the rolls, cut them in half horizontally with a serrated knife. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9×13-inch baking dish.12 count package King's Hawaiian Rolls
- Spread 2 tbsp. mustard on the bottom half of the rolls.1/4 cup Dijon or yellow mustard, divided
- Add the ham in an even layer, folding and overlapping slices as needed.8 oz. thinly sliced deli ham (I like a honey ham or black forest ham)
- Arrange a layer of cheese on top.7 oz. thinly sliced Swiss cheese, about 12 slices
- Add the pulled pork on top.1 lb. pulled pork*
- Then add the pickles.3-4 dill pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise
- Spread the last of the mustard on the top half of the rolls and place on top.
- Melt the butter in the microwave (cover with a paper towel so it doesn't splatter) and stir in the parsley, salt and garlic powder. Brush/pour butter mixture on top of the rolls and cover with foil. Bake until heated through and the cheese is melty, about 20-25 minutes. Uncover and bake for about 5-10 more minutes until the tops are golden brown and rolls are heated through. You can brush a little more melted butter to add on top when they come out of the oven to give them a glistened look.1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- Whisk together ingredients for the aioli.3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Dijon, 4 cloves garlic, pressed with a garlic press or finely minced, 1/2 lemon, ~2 tsp., 1/4 tsp. ground cumin, salt and pepper, to taste
- Slice and serve warm with aioli sauce on side for dipping if desired.
Video
Notes
- *Pulled pork: I buy a 2 lb. container from Costco and heat in the microwave or you can make your own pulled pork!
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
How much longer should I cook it for if 2 batches are in the oven?
I wouldn’t change the timing, unless you feel everything is not heating up and getting melty in that 20-25 minute time range. Just keep an eye on them ๐
Absolutely love this recipe. First, it was super easy to make, second, the flavor was amazing! My kids and hubby were so happy. I will definitely make it again.
They look fab! Sooo happy it was enjoyed, thank you for making them and for leaving a review + photo! xx Tawnie
Made these for the Super Bowl & Iโm obsessedddd! My mom made them a few weeks ago so I knew I wanted to give them a try. So simple to throw together. But definitely donโt miss out on the Dijon sauce. I doubled the batch so Iโd have lots of sauce leftover – it is SO DANG GOOD.
Highly recommend this recipe!!
You’re amazing! The little football decorations are too cute. Thanks Danika, so glad you loved these ones ๐ค