If you have a craving for a bite-sized delight packed with layers of flavor, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cuban Sliders Recipe. Imagine tender roast pork, savory ham, tangy pickles, and melted Swiss cheese all nestled into soft slider buns, brushed with an herby garlic butter that crisps up perfectly in the oven. This Cuban Sliders Recipe captures all the joy of a classic Cuban sandwich in a fun, easy-to-share form that’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients with big personalities make this recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role in building those iconic Cuban flavors, textures, and aromas you’ll find irresistible.
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these buns hold everything together and add a pillowy texture.
- 12 slices deli ham: Adds a smoky, salty richness that complements the pork beautifully.
- 12 slices roast pork or pulled pork: The star ingredient for authentic Cuban taste — juicy and tender.
- 12 small slices Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly to create gooey, creamy pockets of flavor.
- 12 dill pickle slices: Provide a crisp, tangy bite that brightens the sandwich.
- 2 tablespoons yellow or Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle heat and sharpness to balance the richness.
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted): Ensures a golden, flavorful crust on the buns.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle savory depth into the butter topping.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a touch of herbaceous aroma reminiscent of classic Cuban seasoning.
How to Make Cuban Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buns and Meat Layers
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius). Slice your slider buns horizontally, keeping the bottom halves together. This makes assembly easier and keeps the sliders intact. Arrange these bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ready to be layered with delicious fillings.
Step 2: Add the Mustard and Layer Fillings
Spread a generous layer of mustard on the inside cut surfaces of the bottom buns. This step ensures the mustard’s tangy flavor seeps into every bite. Then layer each bun with one slice of ham, followed by roast pork, a slice of Swiss cheese, and finish with a dill pickle slice. These layers combine to create the classic Cuban flavor profile in perfect harmony.
Step 3: Top with Buns and Prepare Butter Mixture
Once all the fillings are nestled on the bottom buns, place the top halves of the buns over the layers. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter together with garlic powder and oregano. This buttery herb blend will brush over the buns to create an irresistible golden crust when baked.
Step 4: Bake the Sliders
Generously brush the tops of the slider buns with the garlic-oregano butter mixture. Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 15 minutes. Removing the foil after this allows the tops to crisp up and achieve a beautiful golden color while the cheese melts perfectly, about 5 to 7 more minutes. Serve these warm sliders fresh from the oven for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Serve Cuban Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few thin slices of red onion alongside your sliders. These garnishes bring a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness that complements the rich, savory flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic sides such as crunchy plantain chips or a tangy cabbage slaw pair beautifully with this Cuban Sliders Recipe. The crunch and acidity from these sides balance the melty richness of the sliders and keep your taste buds intrigued.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the sliders on a large wooden board garnished with lime wedges and a small bowl of extra mustard for dipping. You can even stack two sliders per guest to turn this into a fun Cuban slider tower. Presentation matters, and a colorful, inviting spread invites everyone to dig in right away.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cuban sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days without losing too much flavor or texture. Just cover tightly to keep the buns from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders assembled but unbaked. Wrap the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap before placing in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed. This way, you have a quick Cuban Sliders Recipe ready for your next craving.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sliders and place them on a baking sheet. Warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. This helps re-melt the cheese and keeps the buns soft while crisping the tops slightly with a brush of leftover garlic butter if available.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Swiss cheese is traditional for Cuban sliders due to its mild sweetness and great melting qualities, but you can experiment with provolone or mozzarella for a different twist. Just keep in mind it may slightly alter the classic flavor.
Is it okay to use pulled pork instead of roast pork?
Absolutely! Using pulled pork works wonderfully and is often more convenient if you have leftovers or prefer a more tender texture. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned to keep that authentic Cuban flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this Cuban Sliders Recipe is meat-focused, you could substitute the pork and ham with grilled plantains or marinated tofu for a vegetarian version. Keep the pickles, mustard, and cheese to maintain that tangy, savory bite.
What mustard is best for this recipe?
Both yellow mustard and Dijon work well; yellow gives a classic tangy kick, while Dijon offers a sharper, slightly more complex flavor. Choose based on your personal taste preferences.
How can I add extra flavor to the pork?
Using mojo-marinated pork elevates the sliders with citrusy, garlicky notes that are signature to Cuban cuisine. Marinate your pork ahead or buy pre-marinated pork for the most authentic taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Cuban Sliders Recipe that makes it a beloved crowd-pleaser every single time. Whether for a casual weekend lunch, an appetizer at gatherings, or when you just want a comforting yet exciting meal, these sliders hit all the right notes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor that will have you coming back for more. Your friends and family will thank you, and your taste buds will celebrate!
Print
Cuban Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cuban-Inspired, American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
These Cuban Sliders are a delightful twist on classic Cuban sandwiches, perfect for parties or casual meals. Made with layers of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles on soft slider buns, brushed with a flavorful garlic-oregano butter, then baked until golden and melty, they offer a savory, satisfying bite-sized treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 12 slices deli ham
- 12 slices roast pork or pulled pork
- 12 small slices Swiss cheese
- 12 dill pickle slices
- 2 tablespoons yellow or Dijon mustard
Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Buns: Slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping the bottom halves intact. Arrange the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread mustard on the cut side of each bottom bun. Layer each with one slice of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, and a slice of dill pickle. Then place the top buns over each assembled slider.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix well to create a flavorful brushing sauce.
- Brush Tops and Bake: Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the assembled buns. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve Warm: Remove the sliders from the oven and serve them warm, ideally with plantain chips or a simple slaw on the side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use mojo-marinated pork if available to enhance the authentic Cuban taste.
- You can assemble these sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking to save time.
- Serve with plantain chips or a fresh slaw to complement the rich flavors of the sliders.
