Ah, the joy of discovering something utterly delightful—like Cuban sliders! These little gems are a burst of flavor in every bite, reminiscent of a sunny day on a Havana street, with a soft, fluffy bun cradling savory perfection. Imagine the tangy crunch of pickles and the succulent embrace of juicy pork, all melting together—it’s a symphony for your taste buds.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Place the Hawaiian rolls on a cutting board, and using a serrated knife, slice them in half horizontally while keeping the rolls connected.
- Mix together Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter in a small bowl. Spread half of this mustard mixture over the bottom half of the rolls, now placed in the prepared baking pan.
- Layer slices of ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, and dill pickle slices on top of the mustard-covered rolls. Spread the remaining mustard mixture on the cut side of the top half of the rolls, then place them on top of the pickles.
- In another bowl, mix the remaining 5 tablespoons of melted butter with minced garlic. Brush this butter-garlic mixture over the top of the rolls and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning if desired.
- Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, uncover the pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the sliders are hot and golden-brown.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian rolls
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 to 1 pound sliced deli ham
- 1 pound pulled pork
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 small jar dill pickle slices or dill pickle chips
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
FAQ
- What type of buns should I use for Cuban sliders?
- Kings Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice for Cuban sliders due to their soft texture and slight sweetness. However, any slider-style bun, such as potato rolls or butter rolls, can be used as a substitute.
- Which type of ham is recommended for Cuban sliders?
- Black forest ham or plain smoked ham from the deli are great choices for Cuban sliders. Ultimately, you can use any sliced ham that suits your taste preferences.
- Can I prepare Cuban sliders ahead of time?
- Yes, Cuban sliders can be prepared in advance. Assemble the sliders up to the baking stage, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to one day. When you’re ready to serve, bake them as instructed.
- Is it possible to freeze Cuban sliders?
- Absolutely. To freeze, assemble the sliders up to the baking stage, cover them tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- How long can I store leftover Cuban sliders?
- Leftover Cuban sliders should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days.
Tips
- Use a Baking Pan with Sides: When selecting a baking pan, ensure it has sides to prevent the buttery sauce from spilling over into your oven.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the sliders up to the baking step, then cover them tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to one day. When ready, simply bake as directed.
- Customize with Homemade Pickles: Enhance the flavor by using homemade refrigerator pickles instead of store-bought ones for a personal touch.
- Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, assemble the sliders without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Equipment
- Serrated Knife (like a bread knife)
- 9×13″ Baking Pan
- Small Mixing Bowls
- Pastry Brush (for brushing butter mixture on top of the rolls)
