Craving a taste of Havana in a bite-sized package? These irresistible Cuban Sliders deliver just that! Imagine soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, generously packed with melted, gooey Swiss cheese, succulent shredded pork, flavorful deli ham, and the essential crunch of dill pickles. All bathed in a savory butter sauce and baked to golden perfection, these mini sandwiches are a flavor explosion, perfect for any occasion.

If you’re a fan of our other popular slider recipes, you’ll definitely want to add these to your rotation. Check out our French Dip Sliders, savory Ham and Cheese Sliders, or zesty Italian Sliders for more delicious inspiration!

The Best Cuban Sliders Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer or Meal

Sliders hold a special place in my heart, and these Cuban Sliders are no exception. They are truly the ultimate party food – brimming with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and remarkably simple to assemble. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply need an easy, satisfying meal for a hungry crowd, these sliders are an absolute winner.

During the summer months, with a steady stream of my boys’ always-hungry friends around, I’ve realized just how invaluable these mini sandwiches are. They can devour an entire pan of these delightful sliders in what feels like mere minutes! Their convenient size makes them perfect for little hands and easy snacking, while the robust flavors appeal to everyone. This recipe takes the iconic Cuban sandwich and transforms it into an irresistible, shareable treat that will have everyone asking for more. Get ready to impress your guests and satisfy those cravings with this fuss-free recipe.

Unpacking the Flavors: Essential Ingredients for Authentic Cuban Sliders

Before diving into the slider version, let’s understand the classic. A Cubano and a Cuban sandwich are interchangeable terms for the same delicious creation. Traditionally, they feature slow-roasted pork, savory ham, creamy Swiss cheese, tangy dill pickles, and a smear of mustard, all pressed and toasted between slices of crusty Cuban bread. This flavor profile is precisely what we aim to capture in our sliders, making them a fantastic homage to the original.

Our Cuban Sliders stay true to these core components, adapting them slightly for the slider format while retaining all the authentic taste. Here’s a closer look at the main ingredients that make these sliders so special, along with some tips for selecting the best:

• Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls: These are absolutely key! Their soft, slightly sweet, and buttery texture is the perfect counterpoint to the savory fillings. They crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating a delightful crunch on the outside while remaining tender within. Their connected nature also makes assembly incredibly easy.
• Shredded Pork: To make these sliders super easy and weeknight-friendly, we opt for pre-cooked and seasoned pork. You can often find this near the rotisserie chickens in your grocery store. If pre-cooked pork isn’t available, don’t worry! You can easily make your own in a slow cooker, or simply double the amount of ham for a delicious alternative. Just be sure to avoid pork pre-cooked in BBQ sauce, as that will alter the classic Cuban flavor profile.
• Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham is perfect for these sliders. Look for a good quality, savory ham that complements the pork without overpowering it. Any thinly sliced ham will work, so choose your favorite!
• Swiss Cheese: The quintessential cheese for a Cuban sandwich! Baby Swiss cheese is my top recommendation as it melts beautifully and has a mild, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the meats and pickles. However, any variety of Swiss cheese will provide that iconic gooey, salty finish.
• Pickles: This is where the tangy counterpoint comes in! Stick with good quality, crisp dill pickles – chips or slices work equally well. The tartness of dill pickles is crucial for balancing the richness of the meats and cheese. Absolutely avoid bread and butter pickles, as their sweetness will clash with the traditional Cuban flavors.
• Dijon Mustard: A must for its sharp, pungent flavor. Dijon mustard adds a sophisticated tang that yellow mustard simply cannot replicate. I particularly love using Grey Poupon® for these Cuban Sliders, as its robust flavor truly enhances the overall experience.

Perfect Pairings: What To Serve With Cuban Sliders

Cuban Sliders are hearty and flavorful, making them versatile for pairing with a wide array of sides. Whether you’re aiming for a full meal or a lighter snack spread, here are my favorite accompaniments that perfectly complement their rich taste and tangy kick:

• Crispy Fries or Roasted Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with classic potato sides! Offer up a batch of golden air fryer fries, savory roasted potatoes, or for a touch of sweetness, some delicious sweet potato fries or tender roasted sweet potatoes. The crispy texture of fries contrasts beautifully with the soft sliders.
• Simple Chips: For the ultimate no-fuss side, a bowl of your favorite potato or tortilla chips is always a hit. The extra crunch and saltiness are a great match for the sliders.
• Fresh Veggie Platter: Balance the richness with a vibrant platter of raw vegetables. Think crisp carrot sticks, crunchy bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes. Serve with a creamy ranch dip or a flavorful hummus for a refreshing contrast.
• Light and Fruity Salads: A refreshing fruit salad or a platter of sliced watermelon can provide a lovely sweet and juicy counterpoint to the savory sliders. Our fruit salad recipe is always a popular choice.
• Hearty Green Salads: If you prefer a more substantial salad, a big green and veggie salad is an excellent choice. A simple Garden Salad with a light vinaigrette or a zesty Italian Salad will add freshness and a touch of healthy goodness to your meal.

No matter what you choose, these sides will help create a well-rounded and delightful meal experience around your incredible Cuban Sliders!

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Cuban Sliders

Making these Cuban Sliders is surprisingly straightforward, perfect even for novice cooks. The key is in the layering and the two-stage baking process, which ensures every element is perfectly heated and melded together. Follow these simple steps for a truly spectacular result:

1. Prepare Your Rolls: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls horizontally through the middle, keeping all the individual rolls connected. Place the bottom half of the rolls into your prepared baking dish. This makes for easy assembly and ensures all the rolls get that delicious sauce.
2. Whip Up the Signature Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tablespoons of melted (and slightly cooled) unsalted butter until you have a smooth, well-combined sauce. This mixture forms the flavorful base. Carefully spread half of this savory sauce evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls in the baking dish. Set aside the remaining sauce for the top buns.
3. Layer Your Flavors: Begin building your sliders by arranging half of the Swiss cheese slices over the bottom rolls. Next, add a generous layer of the thinly sliced ham, followed by the tender shredded pork. Distribute the dill pickle chips evenly across the pork. Finally, top with the remaining Swiss cheese slices. Gently press down on the layers to ensure they are compact and even. Bake the bottom half with all the fillings (without the top rolls) for 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to start melting and the meats to warm through without over-toasting the top buns.
4. Prepare the Top Rolls: While the bottom layers are baking, prepare the topping for the top rolls. In another small bowl, combine the remaining 5 tablespoons of melted butter with the dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt. Stir well. Once the bottom halves are out of the oven, carefully place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the melted cheese and fillings. Brush the prepared butter mixture generously over the tops and sides of the rolls using a pastry brush, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor and crispness.
5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the sliders and ensures the cheese melts completely while keeping the rolls soft. Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. This final uncovered bake gives the rolls that irresistible crispy, buttery crust.
6. Rest, Slice, and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the sliders rest for about 5 minutes. This cooling period allows the fillings to set slightly, making them easier to slice. Using a sharp knife, slice along the perforations of the rolls to create individual sliders. Serve them hot and enjoy every flavorful bite!

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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 10 votes)

Cuban Sliders

By Chelsea Lords

Cuban Sliders on soft Hawaiian rolls—stacked with gooey Swiss cheese, tender shredded pork, savory ham, and crunchy pickles. Small but packed with big flavor!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 12 sliders

Video Overview

For a visual guide on making these delicious sliders, check out our video below! It walks you through each step to ensure perfect results.

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Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan

Ingredients

(Amounts for 12 sliders)

• 12 count Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
• 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 8 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
• 2-1/2 cups cooked pulled pork (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)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Slice Rolls: Unwrap the Hawaiian rolls. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice horizontally through all the rolls in one go, keeping the individual rolls connected. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare & Spread Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tablespoons of melted (but slightly cooled) butter. Mix until smooth. Spread half the sauce over the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish. Spread the remaining sauce on the cut side of the top half of the rolls.
4. Layer Fillings & First Bake: Layer half the Swiss cheese slices on the bottom rolls. Add the ham, followed by the pulled pork, then the pickles. Top with the remaining Swiss cheese. Press down gently to create an even layer. Bake without the top rolls for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and place the top rolls over the cheese.
5. Make & Brush Butter Topping: In another small bowl, mix the remaining 5 tablespoons of melted butter with dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt. Stir to combine. Brush this mixture generously over the top and sides of the rolls using a pastry brush.
6. Final Bake & Serve: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Slice the rolls apart with a sharp knife and serve promptly. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Pulled Pork Tip: If you can find pre-cooked, seasoned, and shredded pork at your grocery store, it makes this recipe incredibly easy! Look for it near the rotisserie chicken section. If unavailable, you can easily cook and shred pork shoulder or butt in a slow cooker or instant pot. Alternatively, you can simply double the amount of ham in the recipe. Importantly, do not use pre-cooked pork that is already in BBQ sauce, as this will change the traditional Cuban flavor profile.

Note 2: Flaky Sea Salt: Flaky sea salt has a larger crystal structure and a more delicate crunch than fine table salt. It’s used here for both flavor and texture. If you don’t have flaky sea salt, use a very small pinch of fine/table salt instead, as it is much saltier by volume.

Storage: These Cuban Sliders are best enjoyed fresh when the rolls are crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted. For any leftovers, cool them to room temperature, then store in airtight bags or containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Be aware that the rolls may become softer and a bit soggy over time, but they will still be delicious!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 slider

Calories: 349 kcal

Carbohydrates: 20.2g

Protein: 18.3g

Fat: 21.3g

Cholesterol: 82.6mg

Sodium: 844mg

Fiber: 1.5g

Sugar: 9.6g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.