Cuban Sliders

Cuban Sliders are a delightful treat that combines savory turkey and chicken with melted cheese, tangy mustard, and crunchy pickles, all nestled in soft, sweet rolls. Perfect for any occasion, these sliders are great for game days, parties, or family gatherings. Their finger-friendly size makes them easy to enjoy while mingling, and their robust flavors will leave everyone wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a delicious appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of turkey, chicken, Swiss cheese, and mustard creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack—these sliders fit perfectly into any meal plan.
• Kid-Friendly: With their fun size and tasty ingredients, kids love Cuban Sliders just as much as adults do!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them ahead of time and bake just before serving for effortless entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make preparing these Cuban Sliders simple and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and helps keep all the ingredients together while baking.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining your butter mixture quickly and efficiently.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for applying the buttery topping evenly on the rolls for that golden finish.
• Sharp knife: Makes slicing the sliders after baking a breeze without squishing the ingredients.

Ingredients

Loaded with turkey, chicken, cheese, mustard, and pickles, these little Cuban Sliders pack a huge flavorful punch!

For the Sliders

• 12 Kings Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 pound sliced turkey (dried with a paper towel)
• 1 pound pre-cooked pulled chicken
• 5-6 Dill pickles (sliced lengthwise)
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

For the Topping

• ¼ cup butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)

How to Make Cuban Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your sliders cook evenly and nicely.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Split your rolls in half and place the bottom half in a prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add Mustard

Spread yellow mustard onto the bottom buns generously to enhance flavor.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients

Top with sliced turkey, pulled chicken, dill pickles, and then layer on Swiss cheese.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Place the top half of the buns on top to complete your slider assembly.

Step 6: Mix Butter Topping

In a small bowl, combine melted butter with kosher salt, minced garlic, and finely chopped parsley.

Step 7: Brush with Butter Mixture

Using a pastry brush, apply the melted butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolls.

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with tinfoil and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F or until the cheese is hot and bubbly.

Step 9: Bake Uncovered

Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops of the sliders turn a golden brown.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Remove from oven. Slice into individual sliders along their seams and serve immediately. Enjoy!

How to Serve Cuban Sliders

Cuban Sliders are versatile and can be served in various ways that enhance their flavor and appeal. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual meal, here are some serving suggestions to make your Cuban Sliders even more delightful.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the sliders.
• Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and balances the savory flavors of the sliders.

Add Dipping Sauces

• Mustard Dip: A tangy mustard dip is perfect for adding an extra kick to each bite.
• Garlic Aioli: Creamy garlic aioli enhances the sliders’ flavor profile with its rich texture.

Serve with Pickles

• Dill Pickles: Extra dill pickles on the side provide a zesty crunch that pairs well with the sliders.
• Pickled Vegetables: A mix of pickled carrots and cucumbers adds color and tanginess to your plate.

Include a Hearty Soup

• Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup is a comforting option that pairs nicely with the sliders.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: This classic soup adds heartiness and complements the chicken in the sliders.

How to Perfect Cuban Sliders

Creating the perfect Cuban Sliders involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Bold Flavor Choices: Use high-quality mustard and cheese for richer taste.
• Properly Melt Cheese: Covering the sliders while baking ensures that the cheese melts perfectly.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh turkey and chicken for better flavor and texture.
• Mind Your Timing: Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking can dry out the sliders.
• Customize Seasonings: Feel free to add spices or herbs for extra flavor based on personal preference.

Best Side Dishes for Cuban Sliders

Cuban Sliders are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch, making them a perfect match.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter offers a classic summer side that enhances any slider meal.
3. Potato Chips: Crunchy potato chips provide an easy side that adds texture without fuss.
4. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad brings freshness and sweetness, balancing out savory flavors.
5. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is a hearty side that pairs well with flavorful sliders.
6. Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables offer earthy flavors that complement the sliders beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cuban Sliders can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold choice of bread: Using the wrong type of rolls can lead to dry sliders. Always opt for soft, fluffy rolls like Kings Hawaiian for the best texture.
• Bold meat preparation: Not drying the turkey or chicken properly can result in soggy sliders. Pat them dry with a paper towel before assembling.
• Bold layering: Skipping any ingredients can compromise flavor. Ensure you layer every component, including mustard and pickles, for a balanced taste.
• Bold baking time: Overbaking can make the sliders tough. Keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as they’re golden brown.
• Bold seasoning: Forgetting to season your butter mixture can lead to bland flavors. Don’t skip the salt and garlic; they enhance the overall taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cuban Sliders in an airtight container.
• They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cuban Sliders

• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cuban Sliders

• Bold Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat wrapped sliders for about 15 minutes or until warm.
• Bold Microwave method: Heat individual sliders on medium power for about 30-45 seconds; check to avoid overheating.
• Bold Stovetop method: Warm sliders in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cuban Sliders?

Cuban Sliders are small sandwiches packed with layers of turkey, chicken, cheese, mustard, and pickles, all nestled in soft dinner rolls.

How do I customize my Cuban Sliders?

You can customize your sliders by adding veggies like bell peppers or swapping cheeses according to your preference.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the sliders without baking them and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.

How long do Cuban Sliders last?

When stored correctly in the refrigerator, they last up to 3 days. In the freezer, they can be kept for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Cuban Sliders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with different meats or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for parties or family gatherings!