If you are craving a handheld bite of bold, comforting flavors, look no further than this Cuban Sliders Recipe. These little sandwiches capture the spirit of a traditional Cuban sandwich but in a fun, slider-sized portion that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply a satisfying dinner. With layers of tender pulled beef, savory sliced ham, tangy pickles, and melty Swiss cheese, all nestled inside soft Hawaiian sweet rolls and brushed with a fragrant butter and poppy seed glaze, this dish brings together the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cuban Sliders Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a key role in building the flavor profile that makes it so irresistible. From the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls to the tang of Dijon mustard and the savory richness of pulled beef and ham, every element deserves a moment in the spotlight.
- Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet texture creates the perfect sandwich base that contrasts beautifully with savory fillings.
- Dijon-style mustard: Adds a mild tangy zip that brightens the rich meats.
- Worcestershire sauce: Offers deep umami notes that enhance the overall savoriness.
- Deli chicken ham: Thinly sliced for layering, lending a smoky, salty character.
- Cooked pulled beef: Tender and juicy, it’s the hearty star that makes these sliders truly satisfying.
- Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, providing creamy richness and a nutty undertone.
- Dill pickle chips: Deliver crunch and bright acidity to cut through the richness.
- Unsalted butter: Used for that golden, flavorful brushing on the buns.
- Dried minced garlic and onion: These aromatics infuse the butter with savory notes.
- Poppy seeds: Add a delightful subtle crunch and a touch of nuttiness.
- Flaky sea salt: Brings all the flavors together with a clean, crisp seasoning finish.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end gives a fresh burst of color and herbal brightness.
How to Make Cuban Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the rolls from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Slice Your Rolls
Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally into tops and bottoms, creating a perfect sandwich nook for all those delicious fillings. Place just the bottoms evenly in your prepared baking dish, setting the stage for layering.
Step 3: Make the Mustard Butter Spread
Whisk together Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and melted butter to create a tangy, buttery spread that will soak into the rolls for an extra layer of flavor. Spread half of this luscious mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Now for the fun part: start with half of the Swiss cheese over the buttered rolls, then pile on the thinly sliced chicken ham, followed by pulled beef, and scatter pickle chips across for that signature crunch and tang. Top with the remaining Swiss cheese to hold everything together in melty harmony.
Step 5: Add the Top Rolls
Place the top halves of your Hawaiian rolls snugly over the layered fillings. This step seals in all those wonderful flavors, ready for the finishing touches before baking.
Step 6: Prepare and Brush the Topping
Create the final flavor kick by combining melted butter with dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt. Generously brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls to achieve that signature golden brown and savory crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let the cheese melt and the flavors meld. Then remove the cover and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the rolls are beautifully golden and slightly crisp on top. The smell alone will have you drooling!
How to Serve Cuban Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Serving Cuban sliders with fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a mild herbal freshness that brightens the savory richness of the sliders. You can also add a few extra pickle chips on the side for guests to grab if they want that extra zing!
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, or even some black bean and corn salad for a fun nod to Cuban flavors. The combo makes for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, serve the sliders on a large wooden board lined with parchment paper. You can garnish with parsley sprigs and place small bowls of extra mustard or a spicy aioli nearby for dipping. This presentation invites guests to dig in and share the delicious experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left after the feast, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, all the flavors stay intact, and you can enjoy them again soon without loss of quality.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sliders but don’t bake them. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with foil and then plastic wrap. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time and keeping them covered at first to heat through evenly.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Cuban sliders in a 350-degree oven wrapped in foil to keep them moist, for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last few minutes of reheating. Avoid microwaving to retain that wonderful bread texture.
FAQs
Can I use different meats for the Cuban Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for pulled beef and chicken ham, you can switch it up with roasted pork, turkey ham, or even a veggie-friendly smoked tofu if you like. Just keep the layering and pickles to preserve the Cuban sandwich essence.
What if I cannot find Hawaiian sweet rolls?
No worries! Soft brioche buns or any slightly sweet dinner rolls work perfectly as substitutes. The key is having a tender roll that can soak up the mustard butter without falling apart.
Do I have to use Swiss cheese? Can I substitute it?
Swiss cheese is classic for its meltiness and mild flavor, but you can substitute with mozzarella or provolone if needed. Just pick a cheese that melts well and isn’t too overpowering so it complements the other flavors.
How do I make pulled beef for this recipe?
You can use leftover roast beef or cook a chuck roast low and slow until tender enough to shred. Season it simply or with Cuban spices like cumin and oregano to boost flavor. It’s an easy way to personalize the sliders.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out meats for grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers along with some melted cheese and pickles. Adding a spread of mustard and Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian version) keeps the flavor profile interesting.
Final Thoughts
This Cuban Sliders Recipe is one of those joy-filled dishes that brings people together around great food and good times. Each bite invites a comforting mix of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that feel just as special as a full-sized sandwich but way more fun to eat. I hope you give these sliders a try soon—they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Print
Cuban Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
These Cuban Sliders are a delicious mini sandwich perfect for gatherings or a flavorful meal. Featuring Hawaiian sweet rolls filled with layers of Swiss cheese, thinly sliced deli chicken ham, tender pulled beef, and dill pickle chips, all brushed with a savory butter and poppy seed mixture and baked to golden perfection. A tasty twist on the classic Cuban sandwich, easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 12 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
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 30 dill pickle chips
Butter Topping
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Slice Rolls: Carefully slice the Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls horizontally and place the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Mustard Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the melted butter. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls for a flavorful base.
- Layer Fillings: Begin layering over the prepared rolls with half of the Swiss cheese slices, followed by the thinly sliced chicken ham, then the cooked pulled beef, and next the dill pickle chips. Finish this layer with the remaining Swiss cheese slices.
- Top Rolls: Place the top halves of the rolls over the layered fillings, pressing gently to secure the sliders.
- Prepare Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining melted butter with dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, poppy seeds, flaky sea salt, and fresh chopped parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the rolls to enhance flavor and create a golden crust.
- Bake Sliders: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use Hawaiian sweet rolls for that signature sweet and soft texture perfect for sliders.
- If you prefer a classic Cuban flavor, substitute the deli chicken ham with traditional ham.
- To save time, use leftover cooked pulled beef or roast a beef shoulder the day before.
- For a spicier kick, add a thin layer of spicy mustard or pickled jalapeños.
- Allow sliders to rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to let the flavors meld.
- These sliders can be assembled the night before and baked fresh the next day for convenience.
