Yummy Cuban Sliders Swiss Cheese

Cuban Sliders pack amazing taste in every mouthful, thanks to those delightful Hawaiian rolls layered with savory ham, juicy pork, melted Swiss, and a zing of tangy pickles. They’re a breeze to throw together and always steal the spotlight. Fresh from the oven and slathered with buttery garlic goodness, these sliders are the perfect mix of comfort and festivity.

I first whipped these up for a football Sunday, and they were a huge hit. Now they’re a staple for my game days and holiday gatherings. The buttery tops and pickles always take me back to family reunions from when I was a kid.

Essential Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls: Their subtle sweetness balances the savory layers. Go for the freshest pack for that perfect soft texture.
• Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a tangy kick to the sauce. It’s best to stick with genuine Dijon for an authentic punch.
• Worcestershire sauce: Complements the flavor and introduces a savory aspect. A classic brand works best here.
• Thinly sliced deli ham: Infuses saltiness and captures the essence of Cuban flavor. If you can, ask for it fresh from the counter.
• Cooked pulled pork: Contributes heartiness and texture. Rotisserie or plain store-bought pork keeps things simple. Avoid BBQ-flavored pork to stick with the original taste.
• Swiss cheese: Melts wonderfully and brings creaminess. Treat yourself to authentic Swiss from the cheese section.
• Dill pickle chips: Add a crunchy freshness and tang. Be sure to drain them properly so the sliders stay crisp.
• Unsalted butter: Forms the glaze base. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Dried minced garlic: Gives a flavorful kick to the garlic butter. Look for bright white bits for the freshest taste.
• Dried minced onion: Adds a hint of sweet onion. Skip any old dried onion that’s lost its scent.
• Poppy seeds: Adds a bit of crunch on top. Make sure the black seeds are crisp, not dusty.
• Flaky sea salt: Gives just the right salty finish. If you swap it for fine salt, only use a pinch.

Steps to Create

Prep Your Pan and Preheat:

Heat your oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Spray a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with cooking spray, making it easier for the sliders to come out later.

Slice the Rolls:

With a serrated bread knife, carefully cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the buns connected for easier assembly. Place the bottom halves in the sprayed baking dish.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and three tablespoons of slightly cooled melted butter. The mix should be smooth and golden.

Spread the Sauce:

Evenly coat half of the sauce over the bottom halves in the pan. Then, apply the rest of the sauce on the cut side of the top halves. Set those aside.

Add Cheese and Meats:

Place half of the Swiss cheese slices on the bottom rolls first. Next, layer on the deli ham, followed by pulled pork and pickle chips. Ensure everything’s in an even layer. Finish with the remaining Swiss cheese on top.

Bake the Bottoms:

Put the meat and cheese-covered bottom rolls in the oven without the tops for about ten minutes. This helps melt the cheese and blend the flavors before adding the tops.

Position the Top Rolls:

Take the pan out of the oven and gently lay the top halves back on, placing them right over the melted cheese.

Prepare the Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl, mix five tablespoons of melted butter with dried garlic, minced onion, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt. Blend it well and generously brush the mixture on the tops and sides of the rolls, making them shiny and speckled.

Cover and Bake:

Loosely cover the pan with foil to prevent sticking and bake for twenty minutes. The buns should feel soft and steamy.

Uncover and Final Bake:

Remove the foil and bake for another five to ten minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden finish and bubbling cheese.

Let Cool and Serve:

Allow the sliders to rest for five minutes in the pan before cutting them apart with a sharp knife. Serve them hot and gooey right from the baking dish.

My family laughs that these disappear before halftime. We once made a double batch for a holiday potluck, and everyone asked for the secret.

Storage Hacks

You can store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for two days. The rolls might soften up a bit, but a quick crunch in a toaster oven or air fryer brings them back to life.

Substitutions for Ingredients

If pulled pork isn’t on hand, swap it for extra ham or use shredded rotisserie chicken for a twist. You can also trade Swiss cheese for provolone for a slightly different melt. Honey mustard can replace Dijon if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Serving Ideas

I love to stack these on a large wooden board with extra pickle chips and a basic slaw on the side. They're fantastic with chips or plantain chips and a squeeze of fresh lime. Bright, crunchy salads are awesome if you want something lighter.

Cultural Background

Taking inspiration from the traditional Cuban sandwich, these sliders are like a Miami street food celebration in every bite. Smoked ham, roasted pork, tangy pickles, and Swiss cheese all meet thanks to the Cuban community in Florida. Hawaiian rolls add a fun modern twist.

Seasonal Variations

Use leftover pork from summer BBQs around Memorial Day. Toss in some fresh spinach before baking in the spring. Spicy bread and butter pickles can add a kick in the autumn and winter months.

Success Stories

Friends have sent me photos of empty trays saying these vanished during movie nights. Kids gobble them up at birthday parties. My uncle once cleared a whole row before anyone else had a chance to sit down.

Freezer Meal Prep

You can prep the sliders without the butter glaze, tightly cover them, and freeze for a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Brush with melted butter and toppings right before baking.

The amazing aroma that fills the kitchen as these bake is a solid reason to make them even on a regular weeknight. Sliders like these draw everyone into the kitchen for a bite and a laugh. Whenever they land on our table, it feels like a festive occasion.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use only ham if I don't have pulled pork?

Absolutely! Just double the ham if you’re out of pulled pork. The taste will still be amazing.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Lightly apply the sauce and don’t overstuff. Serve the sliders right after baking for the best crunch.

→ What cheese works best for Cuban sliders?

Swiss cheese is a classic choice since it melts well and has a nice nutty flavor, but provolone also works great.

→ Can these be prepared ahead of time?

You can put together the sliders a few hours in advance, cover them, and chill. Bake fresh for the best taste and texture.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently to keep the texture nice.

→ Are Hawaiian rolls necessary?

Hawaiian rolls add a nice sweetness, but you can swap them for any soft dinner roll if needed.