Cuban Sliders Recipe

The Perfect Cuban Sliders Recipe for Unforgettable Gatherings

Crispy golden buns nestled with succulent cuban sliders beckon from a rustic wooden board.

Layers of tender roasted pork and tangy pickles create an irresistible flavor explosion.

Melted swiss cheese drapes over each miniature sandwich, promising pure deliciousness.

Fragrant herbs and zesty mustard whisper of havana’s vibrant culinary traditions.

Salt-crusted ham adds a robust dimension to these compact flavor bombs.

Compact yet powerful, these sliders pack an incredible punch of taste.

Grab some napkins and settle in for a mouthwatering adventure that will transport you straight to the caribbean.

Cuban Sliders Full Of Bold Flavor In Every Bite

  • Quick and Easy Meal Magic: Whip up these Cuban sliders in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual family dinners with minimal prep and maximum flavor satisfaction.
  • Versatile Protein Power: Swap salami for chicken or try different cheese options to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Uses common pantry staples and pre-made Hawaiian rolls, making this recipe accessible for beginner cooks and busy households.

What’s Layered in Cuban Sliders

Main Components:
  • Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet base for the sliders that provides a perfect bite-sized platform for ingredients.
  • Salami, Chicken: Flavorful meats that add savory protein to the slider, choose high-quality deli-cut options for best taste.
  • Swiss Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and complements the other ingredients.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter, Dijon Mustard, Minced Onion: Creates a zesty, rich topping that adds depth and moisture to the sliders, adds a tangy kick to the overall dish.
  • Dill Pickles: Provides a crisp, tangy contrast to the rich meats and cheese, adds a classic Cuban sandwich element.

Cuban Sliders Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for these delectable sliders.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Surface

Generously coat a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Step 3: Craft The Slider Foundation

  • Hawaiian rolls
  • Split the rolls horizontally, keeping them connected
  • Gently place the bottom half of rolls in the prepared baking pan

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

  • Sliced protein (salami or chicken)
  • Swiss cheese
  • Dill pickles

Layer these ingredients evenly across the roll bottoms, creating a mouthwatering base.

Step 5: Crown The Sliders

Place the top half of the rolls over the layered ingredients, completing the slider structure.

Step 6: Create Zesty Spread

  • Melted butter
  • Dijon mustard
  • Minced onion

Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, creating a flavorful coating.

Step 7: Brush And Prepare

Generously brush the spread over the top of the slider rolls, ensuring even coverage.

Step 8: Initial Baking

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 9: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Slice And Serve

Cut the sliders into individual portions and serve immediately while warm and deliciously inviting.

Slider Assembly & Pressing Techniques

  • Swap salami or chicken with ham, turkey, or pulled pork for variety and personal preference.
  • Use provolone or mild cheddar if Swiss cheese isn't available, ensuring melty goodness in every bite.
  • Add garlic powder or dried herbs to the butter mixture for extra depth and aromatic notes.
  • Cover sliders with foil during initial baking to retain moisture and prevent bread from getting too crispy.
  • Prepare sliders up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for convenient meal planning.

Keep Cuban Sliders Tasty for Round Two

  • Store leftover sliders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Cover sliders with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Warm sliders in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, wrapped in foil to maintain moisture and prevent bread from becoming tough.
  • For crispy edges, unwrap the foil during the last 2-3 minutes of reheating to restore the original golden-brown texture.

Zesty Add-Ons For Cuban Sliders

  • Beverage Boost: Pair with a crisp Cuban mojito to complement the tangy slider flavors and add refreshing zest.
  • Wine Harmony: Choose a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc that won't overpower the delicate slider ingredients.
  • Side Kick Salad: Create a citrusy Cuban-style black bean and orange salad to balance the rich, savory slider profile.
  • Flavor Enhancer: Add a small dish of spicy chimichurri sauce on the side for those wanting an extra kick of herbal heat.

Cuban Slider Layer Options

  • Vegetarian Cuban Slider: Replace salami or chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, maintaining the Swiss cheese and pickles for classic flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Cuban Slider: Use gluten-free dinner rolls or cauliflower flatbread instead of Hawaiian rolls, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same.
  • Low-Carb Cuban Slider: Swap rolls for lettuce wraps or use large cucumber slices as a base, keeping the traditional Cuban slider ingredients intact.
  • Dairy-Free Cuban Slider: Substitute Swiss cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheese, preserving the original recipe's integrity.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, provolone or mozzarella work great as alternatives to Swiss cheese. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the savory flavors.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or game day.

  • What protein options work best?

While the recipe suggests salami or chicken, you can also use ham, pulled pork, or roast beef. Choose a protein that you enjoy and pairs well with the other ingredients.

  • How can I make these sliders spicier?

Add some pepper jack cheese, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top, or include a few dashes of hot sauce in the butter mixture to give the sliders an extra kick.

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Cuban Sliders Recipe

Cuban Sliders Recipe


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Cuban sliders bring mouthwatering Caribbean flavors to classic mini sandwiches, combining tender pulled pork, tangy pickles, and melted Swiss cheese. Rich with zesty mustard and pressed between buttery rolls, these bite-sized delights will transport your taste buds straight to Havana’s culinary heart.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 package sliced salami or cooked shredded chicken
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese

Bread and Accompaniments:

  • 24 pack Hawaiian rolls
  • Dill pickles

Dijon Spread:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) minced onion
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 325°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
  2. Generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  3. Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, creating a top and bottom section while keeping them connected.
  4. Arrange the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish, creating a unified base for the sliders.
  5. Layer the first protein component – either salami or chicken – evenly across the roll base, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Add a generous layer of Swiss cheese over the protein, allowing it to slightly overlap the edges.
  7. Strategically place dill pickle slices across the cheese layer, distributing them for consistent flavor.
  8. Gently position the top half of the rolls over the assembled ingredients.
  9. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, and finely minced onion until well combined.
  10. Brush the prepared butter mixture generously over the top of the slider rolls, ensuring even distribution.
  11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for initial baking.
  12. Bake the covered sliders for 20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to heat through and flavors to meld.
  13. Remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.
  14. Once baked, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into individual servings.
  15. Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the melted cheese and perfectly blended flavors.

Notes

  • Meat Flexibility: Swap salami or chicken with pulled pork, ham, or roast beef for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Use dairy-free cheese for lactose-intolerant guests or try provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack for different taste experiences.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free dinner rolls or lettuce wraps to accommodate wheat-sensitive diners.
  • Spice Boost: Add a dash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes in the butter mixture for those craving extra heat and complexity.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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