Cuban Sliders

These Cuban Sliders are a delightful treat that brings the vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine right to your table. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy family night, these sliders are perfect for any occasion. They combine savory ham, creamy Swiss cheese, crunchy pickles, and zesty mustard, all nestled between soft slider buns. The light pressing during baking enhances their flavor and texture, making them an irresistible snack everyone will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Sliders
• How to Make Cuban Sliders
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Buns
• Step 3: Add Ham
• Step 4: Layer Cheese
• Step 5: Pickles & More Mustard
• Step 6: Press Down
• Step 7: Bake Under Pressure
• Step 8: Crisp Up
• Step 9: Serve Warm
• How to Serve Cuban Sliders
• With Dipping Sauces
• Accompanied by Pickles
• On a Platter
• With Fresh Vegetables
• How to Perfect Cuban Sliders
• Best Side Dishes for Cuban Sliders
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cuban Sliders
• Reheating Cuban Sliders
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Cuban Sliders?
• Can I make Cuban Sliders ahead of time?
• What can I substitute for Swiss cheese in Cuban Sliders?
• How do I serve Cuban Sliders at a party?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and is straightforward to follow, making it perfect even for beginner cooks.
• Flavor Packed: Each bite bursts with savory ham and melted cheese combined with tangy pickles and mustard.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or a casual dinner, these sliders fit right in.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize these sliders by using different meats or adding your favorite toppings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Cuban Sliders, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Nonstick spray
• Foil
• Second dish for pressing

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A large baking dish ensures all your sliders fit comfortably while they bake.
• Nonstick spray: This helps prevent the buns from sticking to the baking dish, making cleanup easier.
• Foil: Covering the sliders with foil retains heat and moisture during baking for perfectly cooked sliders.
• Second dish for pressing: Using another dish allows you to press the sliders down evenly, creating that signature pressed texture.

Ingredients

These Baked Cuban Sliders are stuffed with ham, pickles, swiss cheese, and mustard and lightly pressed while they bake. So delicious!

For the Sliders

• 12 slider buns
• 1 pound deli ham
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• ¼ cup mustard (divided)
• 3 medium pickles (sliced longwise)
• Nonstick spray

How to Make Cuban Sliders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400˚F. While it heats up, spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray to prepare it for the slider buns.

Step 2: Prepare the Buns

Slice the slider buns in half. Lay the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the mustard (about 2 tablespoons) evenly on these bottom halves.

Step 3: Add Ham

Top the mustard-covered buns with sliced deli ham. Feel free to mix different varieties of ham if desired.

Step 4: Layer Cheese

Place sliced Swiss cheese over the ham. Make sure to cover as much surface area as possible for that melty goodness.

Step 5: Pickles & More Mustard

Add sliced pickles on top of the cheese layer. Drizzle remaining mustard over them. Finally, place the top halves of the slider buns on top.

Step 6: Press Down

Lightly spray the tops of the buns with nonstick spray. Cover them with foil and use a second baking dish to press down firmly on top.

Step 7: Bake Under Pressure

Bake your sliders at 400˚F while they are being pressed for about 20 minutes. This helps meld all flavors together.

Step 8: Crisp Up

After 20 minutes, remove both the press pan and foil. Return the sliders to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and cheese is melted.

Step 9: Serve Warm

Once baked to perfection, serve your Cuban Sliders warm for maximum flavor enjoyment!

How to Serve Cuban Sliders

Baked Cuban Sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings. Their delicious combination of flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser, and they can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

With Dipping Sauces

• Spicy Mustard: A zesty mustard adds an extra kick that complements the ham beautifully.
• Garlic Aioli: This creamy dip offers a rich flavor that pairs well with the sliders.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce can provide a delightful contrast to the savory sliders.

Accompanied by Pickles

• Dill Pickles: Crunchy dill pickles enhance the overall flavor and add a refreshing bite.
• Sweet Relish: A spoonful of sweet relish on the side brings out the slider’s savory flavors.

On a Platter

• Party Platter: Arrange sliders on a large platter with toothpicks for easy serving at parties.
• Mini Sandwich Board: Display them alongside other mini sandwiches for variety.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Veggie Sticks: Carrots and celery sticks offer a crunchy side that balances the richness of the sliders.
• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad can serve as a refreshing complement to the hearty sliders.

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How to Perfect Cuban Sliders

To ensure your Baked Cuban Sliders turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh slider buns and high-quality ham make a significant difference in flavor.
• Don’t overfill: Keep fillings balanced. Too much can make sliders hard to manage.
• Press evenly: Use a heavy dish to press down on the sliders while baking for even cooking and melting cheese.
• Toast the buns slightly: Lightly toasting slider buns before assembly helps prevent sogginess.
• Let them cool briefly: Allowing sliders to rest for a few minutes after baking makes them easier to cut and serve.

Best Side Dishes for Cuban Sliders

Pairing your Cuban Sliders with delicious side dishes enhances their appeal. Here are some great options:

1. French Fries: Crispy fries are always a favorite and add crunch to your meal.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast that complements the savory flavors of the sliders.
3. Sweet Potato Wedges: These baked wedges offer a hint of sweetness that pairs nicely with the richness of ham and cheese.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is perfect for summer gatherings.
5. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a classic side that goes well with any sandwich.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh your palate between bites of sliders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cuban Sliders, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect taste and texture.

• Skipping the nonstick spray: Not spraying your baking dish can lead to sliders sticking, making them difficult to serve. Always use nonstick spray for easy removal.
• Overstuffing the sliders: Adding too much filling can cause the sliders to overflow and not bake evenly. Stick to the ingredient amounts in the recipe for best results.
• Neglecting to press down: Failing to apply pressure while baking may result in sliders that are too fluffy. Use a second dish as a weight during baking for a compact slider.
• Ignoring baking time: Overbaking or underbaking will affect the slider’s texture. Follow the timing closely for a perfect golden crisp on top.
• Forgetting about customization: Sticking strictly to the recipe limits creativity. Feel free to add ingredients like jalapeños or different cheeses for a personal touch.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cuban Sliders

• Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cuban Sliders

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat sliders for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds. Check and heat in additional 10-second intervals if necessary.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add sliders, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cuban Sliders?

Cuban Sliders are bite-sized sandwiches traditionally made with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on slider buns. They are baked until warm and crispy.

Can I make Cuban Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them up to the baking stage, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just increase baking time slightly if they are cold from the fridge.

What can I substitute for Swiss cheese in Cuban Sliders?

You can use provolone or mozzarella cheese as alternatives if you prefer different flavors or have dietary restrictions.

How do I serve Cuban Sliders at a party?

Serve Cuban Sliders warm with sides like chips, pickles, or a light salad. They make great finger food for gatherings!

Final Thoughts

These Baked Cuban Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the ingredients according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s guaranteed to be a hit!