Cuban Sliders

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to feed a crowd, these Cuban Sliders are just the ticket! They’re a fantastic mix of tender beef, savory chicken chicken ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and crunchy dill pickles all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. What’s not to love? These sliders are perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings or even game day. Once you pull them out of the oven, they will disappear quickly—trust me!

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress! It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that brings everyone together, making it a staple at our table. With their big flavors packed into bite-sized portions, Cuban Sliders are sure to become a favorite at your home too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, these sliders come together quickly and effortlessly.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves sliders! They’re perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare them in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
• Delicious flavors: The combination of beef, chicken chicken ham, and Swiss cheese creates an irresistible flavor explosion that your taste buds will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about these Cuban Sliders is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. You probably have many of these items in your pantry already!

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)

For the Topping

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some tasty variations to try:

• Swap the protein: If you’re feeling adventurous, substitute the chicken chicken ham with turkey or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist!
• Add some spice: Toss in some jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
• Cheese options: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for unique flavors.
• Herb it up: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the layers for an added burst of freshness.

How to Make Cuban Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your sliders will bake evenly and get that delicious golden crust we all love!

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Unwrap those delightful Hawaiian rolls and carefully slice them horizontally with a sharp serrated knife. Keeping the rolls connected makes assembly quick and easy! Place the bottom half in your greased baking dish.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and three tablespoons of melted (but slightly cooled) butter until smooth. This sauce adds fantastic flavor throughout the sliders—don’t skip this step! Spread half over the bottom layer of rolls and save the rest for later.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Now it’s time for assembly! Start with half of those luscious Swiss cheese slices on top of the bottom rolls. Follow with layers of chicken chicken ham, pulled beef, pickles, and then finish off with more Swiss cheese. Press down gently to keep everything snug!

Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture

In another small bowl, mix together the remaining melted butter with minced garlic, minced onion, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the top of your assembled rolls using a pastry brush. This step is what gives your sliders that beautiful golden color!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Cover your dish loosely with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and let them bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until they’re golden brown and bubbly. Let them cool slightly before slicing apart; this will help keep everything intact when serving.

Enjoy your Cuban Sliders warm—it’s hard to eat just one!

Pro Tips for Making Cuban Sliders

These Cuban sliders are sure to impress, and with a few expert tips, you can make them even better!

• Use Fresh Rolls: Fresh Hawaiian rolls will enhance the sweetness and softness of your sliders. Stale rolls can affect the overall texture and taste.

• Layer Wisely: Make sure to layer your ingredients evenly. This ensures every bite is filled with flavor, from the cheese to the pickles, rather than having one ingredient overpower the others.

• Don’t Rush the Baking: Allowing the sliders to bake uncovered at the end helps achieve that beautiful golden color and melt-in-your-mouth cheese. This step also adds a bit of crunch to the tops of your sliders.

• Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to mix up the proteins! You can substitute turkey or chicken in place of chicken ham, making it adaptable for different tastes or dietary preferences.

• Serve Warm: Cuban sliders taste best when served warm fresh out of the oven. The gooey cheese and tender fillings create a delightful experience that’s hard to resist!

How to Serve Cuban Sliders

Serving these delicious Cuban sliders can be just as fun as making them! Here are some great ideas to present your dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Chopped herbs add a pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the sliders.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a kick, adding sliced jalapeños on top provides both heat and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries offer a delightful contrast in flavor and texture, pairing perfectly with the savory sliders.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances out the richness of the sliders, making it a classic side choice.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette dressing can cleanse the palate while providing a refreshing complement to your meal.
• Chips or Plantain Chips: For a quick and easy option, serve with chips for added crunch. Plantain chips can bring an authentic twist that echoes Cuban flavors.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a meal but an enjoyable dining experience! Enjoy your Cuban sliders with family and friends—what’s better than sharing good food?

Make Ahead and Storage

Cuban Sliders are perfect for meal prep! You can whip these up ahead of time, making them a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Here’s how to store them properly and enjoy them later.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing

• Assemble the sliders but do not bake them.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For sliders that were frozen, allow to thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Cuban Sliders that might help you enjoy this recipe even more!

Can I make Cuban Sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sliders and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Just follow the storage tips above!

What makes these Cuban Sliders special?

Cuban Sliders combine tender pulled beef, savory chicken ham, and gooey Swiss cheese on sweet Hawaiian rolls, creating a delicious blend of flavors that everyone will love.

Can I customize Cuban Sliders with different ingredients?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the meats or cheeses based on your preferences. You can also add extra toppings like jalapeños or different pickles for added flavor.

How many servings does this Cuban Sliders recipe yield?

This recipe yields 12 sliders, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Cuban Sliders as much as I do! They are a delightful blend of flavors that are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just looking for a tasty dinner option, these sliders will definitely bring smiles to your table. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!