Cuban Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

These Cuban sliders deliver everything you crave in one bite-sized package. Warm Hawaiian rolls cradle layers of savory ham, tender pulled pork, melty Swiss cheese, and zippy pickles. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something crave-worthy and nostalgic.

I made these sliders for our annual game night and they disappeared even before halftime. My kids now call them the ultimate movie snack.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls: This brings subtle sweetness and pillowy texture to each bite Choose fresh rolls for the softest results
• Dijon-style mustard: Lends tang and rich background flavor Go for a good quality Dijon for best taste
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and subtle umami Look for bottles with only a few simple ingredients
• Deli ham: Sliced thin for easy layering Choose a ham that is not too salty and nicely moist
• Cooked pulled pork: Classic Cuban sandwiches include pork and this delivers juiciness and heartiness Freshly shredded pork brings the best texture
• Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with ham and pork Choose cheese slices without too many holes for better coverage
• Dill pickle chips: Bright and crunchy for contrast to the meat layers Use chilled and well-drained pickles for crispness
• Unsalted butter: Helps crisp the tops and carry flavor Choose high quality for best butter flavor
• Dried minced garlic and onion: Adds subtle background savoriness Make sure these are fresh for a punch of flavor
• Poppy seeds: Classic for Cuban sliders Look for seeds that are plump and glossy
• Flaky sea salt: Provides a finishing crunch and burst of flavor Use large flakes for a beautiful topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Spray a nine by thirteen inch baking pan with cooking spray This helps prevent any sticking and makes cleanup easy

Slice the Rolls:

Keep the rolls all attached Slice through horizontally with a serrated knife to create a top and bottom slab Lay the bottom slab in your prepared pan

Make the Tangy Sauce:

In a bowl mix the Dijon mustard Worcestershire sauce and three tablespoons melted but slightly cooled butter Stir until smooth

Sauce the Rolls:

Spread half of the sauce over the bottom rolls Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to cover every inch Spread the rest on the cut side of the top rolls Set top rolls aside for now

Layer Cheeses and Meats:

Start with half the Swiss cheese on the bottom rolls Next layer all the sliced ham followed by the pulled pork Lay down the pickle chips in an even layer Then finish with the rest of the cheese Make sure each slider spot gets a bit of every filling

Bake Without the Top:

Bake just the bottom half with fillings uncovered for ten minutes This starts melting the cheese and warms the meats

Add the Top Rolls:

Carefully place the top slab of rolls over the warm fillings Gently press down to help everything meld

Mix and Brush the Butter Topping:

In another small bowl combine remaining melted butter with dried garlic dried onion poppy seeds and flaky sea salt Stir this together thoroughly Use a brush to coat the tops and sides of all the rolls for flavor and color

Final Bake:

Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for twenty minutes This helps the cheese fully melt Uncover and bake for five to ten more minutes until golden brown and the tops look crisp

Rest and Serve:

Let the sliders stand for five minutes to help everything set Slice through each one with a sharp knife Serve while still warm

Save

I adore the layer of Swiss cheese that stretches as you pull the sliders apart The pickle cuts through the richness and brings memories of family picnics at the park when everyone grabbed them from the tray in a hurry

Storage Tips

Leftover sliders keep best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days While fresh is always best a quick reheat in a warm oven brings them back nicely Avoid the microwave for reheating as it makes the rolls rubbery

Ingredient Substitutions

No pulled pork on hand Double the ham for a simpler but still delicious result You can also sub turkey for a lighter flavor If you do not have poppy seeds simply leave them off or sprinkle with sesame seeds for a different spin

Serving Suggestions

These Cuban sliders pair perfectly with crispy potato chips crunchy slaw or a simple green salad I love serving them as part of a casual buffet with fruit and iced tea for low effort entertaining

Cultural History

Cuban sandwiches have roots in Cuban American communities especially in Florida Traditional Cubano sandwiches are pressed and layered with pork ham Swiss cheese pickles and mustard The slider format is a fun American twist that makes these flavors easy to serve party style

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pork works best?

Shredded, cooked pork without barbecue sauce delivers the best texture and classic flavor. You can use pre-cooked pork or even double the ham if needed.

→ How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Bake the sliders uncovered towards the end and let them stand for a few minutes after baking. Serve immediately for best results.

→ Can I prepare them ahead of time?

You can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate, but bake just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and the crust remains crisp.

→ What other cheese could I use?

Provolone or mozzarella are good alternatives, though Swiss is traditional and offers the best classic flavor for these sliders.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to help restore the crispness.