Cuban Sliders

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will wow your friends and family, then these Cuban Sliders are just what you need! They’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Each slider is packed with gooey Swiss cheese, tender beef, savory chicken chicken ham, and crunchy pickles all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls. Trust me; these sliders will become a cherished favorite in your home!

Imagine serving these delightful bites at your next gathering or simply enjoying them on a cozy family night. They’re small but bursting with flavor, making them ideal for sharing—or not!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These Cuban Sliders come together in no time, perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves sliders! These bite-sized treats are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the sliders ahead of time and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of ingredients creates a taste explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Cuban Sliders is a breeze! You’ll find that they consist of simple, wholesome components that are probably already in your pantry or fridge. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• 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)
• 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 things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily customize these Cuban Sliders to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or even grilled veggies instead of beef and chicken chicken ham for a lighter option.
• Add some spice: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese to give your sliders an extra kick!
• Change up the cheese: If Swiss isn’t your favorite, feel free to use provolone or cheddar—whatever tickles your fancy!
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the meat with hearty roasted vegetables or black beans for a satisfying meatless version.

How to Make Cuban Sliders

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. This ensures that it reaches the right temperature while you assemble the sliders, allowing them to bake evenly.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Unwrap your Hawaiian rolls and use a sharp serrated knife to slice through them horizontally. Keep them connected—this makes assembling easier. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and three tablespoons of melted (but slightly cooled) butter. Spread half of this delicious mixture over the bottom half of your rolls in the baking dish. Don’t forget to coat the cut side of the top half as well!

Step 4: Layer It Up

Now it’s time to stack! Start with half of your Swiss cheese slices on the bottom rolls. Add a layer of chicken chicken ham followed by pulled beef and then finish with pickles. Top it all off with the remaining Swiss cheese before gently pressing down—it helps everything meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture

In another bowl, combine five tablespoons of melted butter with minced garlic, minced onion, poppy seeds, and sea salt flakes. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the top and sides of the rolls; this adds a lovely golden color and extra flavor!

Step 6: Bake Your Sliders

Cover your dish loosely with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Then uncover it and let it bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until those sliders are golden brown and oozing with melted cheese goodness! Let them stand for about five minutes before slicing apart; this makes serving easier.

And there you have it—delicious Cuban Sliders ready to be devoured! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cuban Sliders

Making Cuban sliders is a delightful experience, and a few tips can help you elevate these little bites to perfection!

• Use Fresh Rolls: Starting with fresh Hawaiian rolls ensures that your sliders are soft and fluffy. Stale rolls can lead to dry textures, detracting from the overall flavor.

• Don’t Skip the Pickles: Adding dill pickle chips not only contributes crunch but also balances the rich flavors of the meats and cheese. The acidity from the pickles enhances everything beautifully.

• Layer Evenly: When stacking your ingredients, aim for an even distribution. This helps ensure that every slider has a great mix of flavors in each bite, making them irresistible!

• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary quite a bit; keep an eye on your sliders during the last minutes of baking. You want them golden and bubbly without burning.

• Let Them Rest: Allowing the sliders to rest for about 5 minutes after baking lets the cheese set slightly. This makes it easier to slice and serve without losing all that gooey goodness!

How to Serve Cuban Sliders

Cuban sliders are not just delicious; they’re also perfect for sharing! Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a simple family meal, here are some ways to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up your platter.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For a touch of spice, serve sliced jalapeños on the side. They add a nice kick if guests want to amp up their sliders!
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon over the sliders can enhance the flavors further while providing a refreshing twist.

Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delicious contrast to the savory sliders, plus they bring a hint of sweetness to balance out the meal.

• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw is a fantastic side that adds crunch and creaminess, complementing the flavors of the sliders perfectly.

• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings summer vibes to your table. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory elements of the sliders.

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with vinaigrette provides freshness that rounds out your meal nicely.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your scrumptious Cuban sliders! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cuban Sliders are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for busy days or gatherings. You can prepare them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing as outlined below.

Freezing

• Assemble the sliders but do not bake them.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual sliders on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-45 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Cuban Sliders.

Can I make Cuban Sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and either refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake.

What kind of cheese works best in Cuban Sliders?

Swiss cheese is traditional for Cuban Sliders, as it melts beautifully and complements the flavors of the meat perfectly.

Can I substitute ingredients in my Cuban Sliders?

Yes! Feel free to use your favorite deli meats or cheeses according to your dietary preferences while keeping the essence of these delicious sliders intact.

How long does it take to cook Cuban Sliders?

The total cooking time is around 25-30 minutes, making these sliders a quick option for any meal or gathering.

Are Cuban Sliders suitable for kids?

Definitely! The mild flavors and fun finger-food presentation make Cuban Sliders a hit with kids and adults alike.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Cuban Sliders as much as I do! They’re not only bursting with flavor but also bring a fun twist to your mealtime. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a party appetizer, these sliders are sure to impress. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with laughter and good food!