Cuban Sliders
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, these Cuban Sliders are just the ticket! They’re small, but each bite is bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these sliders will have everyone coming back for more. The combination of gooey Swiss cheese, savory chicken chicken ham, and tender pulled beef on soft Hawaiian rolls makes this recipe a favorite in my home.
What I love most about these Cuban Sliders is how easy they are to make! You can prepare them in under an hour, making them ideal for last-minute plans. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—perfect as an appetizer or a hearty lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have delicious sliders ready in no time!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the combination of flavors—these sliders are sure to be a hit at your table.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare everything in advance and pop them in the oven right before serving for stress-free entertaining.
- Big Flavor: Each slider is packed with savory ingredients that create an unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the ingredients for these Cuban Sliders are simple and wholesome. Nothing too fancy here—just good old-fashioned comfort food!
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)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
For the Topping
- 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 parts about these Cuban Sliders is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make them your own.
- Swap the protein: Try swapping out the pulled beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Add some spice: Include sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
- Go vegetarian: Replace meat with roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Switch up the bread: Use whole wheat or gluten-free rolls if you prefer—they’ll still be delightful!
How to Make Cuban Sliders
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial because it ensures your sliders will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Slice the Rolls
Unwrap the Hawaiian rolls and slice them horizontally with a sharp serrated knife. Keep them connected; this makes layering so much easier! Place the bottom half in a prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter until smooth. Spread half of this delicious sauce over the bottom half of the rolls. This adds so much flavor right from the start!
Step 4: Layer Your Ingredients
Now it’s time to build your sliders! Start by layering half of your Swiss cheese on top of the bottom rolls. Follow this with chicken chicken ham, then pulled beef, pickles, and top it off with the remaining cheese. Press down gently to help everything stick together before baking.
Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture
In another small bowl, combine the remaining melted butter with minced garlic, minced onion, poppy seeds, and sea salt flakes. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of your rolls—it adds flavor and helps create that beautiful golden crust!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This keeps everything moist and allows flavors to meld beautifully. Afterward, uncover it and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown. Let them sit for just a few minutes before slicing apart—trust me; they’ll be worth the wait!
Enjoy these delightful Cuban Sliders at your next gathering or simply when you’re craving something satisfying at home!
Pro Tips for Making Cuban Sliders
Creating the perfect Cuban sliders can be a delightful experience! Here are some tips to ensure your sliders turn out fabulously every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh rolls and quality deli meats will enhance the flavor and texture of your sliders, making them irresistibly delicious.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Allowing the sliders to bake covered with foil helps steam the rolls, keeping them soft. The final few minutes uncovered gives them that beautiful golden finish.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to mix and match the fillings based on your preference. Adding roasted peppers or even avocado can provide extra flavor and texture!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sliders in advance up to step 5, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for parties or busy weeknights.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional, trying Monterey Jack or provolone can add a unique twist that complements the other ingredients nicely.
How to Serve Cuban Sliders
Serving Cuban sliders is all about presentation and pairing them with delightful accompaniments. Here are some ideas to make your meal a hit!
Garnishes
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling chopped parsley or cilantro on top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
- Sliced Jalapeños: For those who like a bit of heat, adding sliced jalapeños on top provides a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors.
Side Dishes
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of the fries contrasts beautifully with the savory sliders, creating a balanced meal.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots dressed in a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing side that complements rich flavors perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots bring vibrant colors and nutrients to your plate while enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn slathered in herb butter makes for a fun, finger-friendly side that everyone will enjoy.
Enjoy crafting these delightful Cuban sliders and serving them with love! Happy cooking!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Cuban Sliders are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them for later, making them a convenient option for busy days or gatherings.
Storing Leftovers
- Let the sliders cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped sliders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- For best results, thaw frozen sliders overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake thawed sliders for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melty.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about Cuban Sliders that might help you out!
What are Cuban Sliders?
Cuban Sliders are delicious mini sandwiches made with layers of tender beef, savory chicken ham, Swiss cheese, and crunchy pickles on sweet Hawaiian rolls. They pack a punch of flavor in every bite!
How do I make Cuban Sliders ahead of time?
You can assemble your Cuban Sliders and store them in the fridge before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and when you’re ready to serve, bake as directed. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh sliders at any gathering!
Can I customize the ingredients for Cuban Sliders?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the pulled beef or chicken ham for your favorite deli meats or add extra veggies like roasted peppers for added flavor.
How do I reheat leftover Cuban Sliders?
To reheat leftovers, simply preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and the cheese is melted.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these delicious Cuban Sliders as much as I do! They’re not only a hit at parties but also perfect for family dinners or game day snacks. I’m excited for you to experience the amazing flavors packed into each slider—trust me, they won’t last long! Happy cooking!
Cuban Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the deliciousness of these Cuban Sliders, perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner. These mini sandwiches are packed with layers of tender pulled beef, savory deli chicken, gooey Swiss cheese, and zesty pickles, all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls. They are not only delightful in flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare in under an hour. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a satisfying meal, these sliders are sure to impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for more. Enjoy the versatility of this recipe by customizing the proteins and toppings to suit your taste!
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 8 ounces sliced deli chicken
- 2–1/2 cups cooked pulled beef
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 30 dill pickle chips
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally and place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Mix Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and melted butter; spread half on the bottom rolls.
- Layer Swiss cheese, deli chicken, pulled beef, pickles, and remaining cheese on top.
- Brush tops with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, onion, poppy seeds, and salt.
- Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (85g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
