Cuban sliders are like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, buttery bun filled with savory layers of marinated pork, tangy mustard, and gooey cheese. It’s a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds and fills the room with mouthwatering aromas. These little delights are perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner when you want to impress without sweating over the stove. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.
I remember the first time I made Cuban sliders for my friends. The moment those sliders came out of the oven, it was like I had just revealed the Holy Grail of comfort food. The laughter, the compliments, and the way everyone dove in like they hadn’t eaten in days—it was pure magic! Now, these sliders are my go-to dish for parties because they never fail to bring smiles and satisfied bellies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cuban sliders are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings
- Each bite bursts with bold flavors—sweet, savory, and tangy—that will leave your guests raving
- They look stunning on any platter with their golden buns and vibrant fillings, adding a pop of color to your table
- Versatile enough for any occasion, you can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs
I once served these Cuban sliders at my friend’s birthday party; they disappeared faster than cake!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Slider Buns: Choose soft, buttery slider buns for the best texture that holds all those amazing fillings.
Pork Shoulder: Opt for a well-marbled pork shoulder for juicy flavors; it’s essential for authentic Cuban taste.
Dijon Mustard: A tangy spread that elevates the flavor profile; don’t skimp on this zesty ingredient.
Swiss Cheese: Melty Swiss cheese adds a creamy richness that complements the pork beautifully.
Pickles: Crisp dill pickles provide crunch and acidity; they’re crucial for balancing flavors in each bite.
Butter: Melted butter brushed on the buns before baking gives them a golden finish and irresistible aroma.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle enhances flavor without overwhelming; it brings depth to the juicy pork.
Cumin: This spice adds warm earthiness reminiscent of Cuban cuisine; it’s a must-have in this recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cuban Sliders
Prepare The Pork Shoulder: Start by rubbing your pork shoulder with cumin and garlic powder. Let it marinate overnight in your fridge for maximum flavor infusion.
Slow Cook The Pork: Place the marinated pork in a slow cooker with some water. Cook on low for about 8 hours until tender enough to shred easily.
Shred The Meat: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks until you have lovely strands that are begging to be piled onto buns.
Assemble The Sliders: Slice slider buns horizontally and spread Dijon mustard generously on both halves. Layer shredded pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles before topping with the other half of the bun.
Brush With Butter And Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush melted butter over each bun’s top and bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve And Enjoy!: Remove from oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve hot while enjoying all those delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen!
These Cuban sliders are not just food; they’re an experience that brings people together. So grab some friends or family members (or even just yourself) and dive into this culinary adventure!
You Must Know
- Cuban Sliders are not just tasty; they’re a party in your mouth
- These bite-sized delights combine savory meats and gooey cheese, creating an irresistible flavor explosion
- Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for gatherings, making you the star of any show
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the pork overnight for maximum flavor. Then, sear the meat until golden brown before finishing it in the oven for juicy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the pork for chicken or even veggies. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or add pickles for tanginess.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warm for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfectly layered sliders, use fresh bread and let them cool slightly before cutting
- Keep an eye on cook times to avoid drying out the meat
- And don’t skimp on cheese; it’s what makes these sliders sing!
Cooking Cuban Sliders always reminds me of a friend’s birthday bash where I made them for everyone. They disappeared faster than my attempts to keep up with the demands!
FAQ
What type of bread is best for Cuban sliders?
Soft dinner rolls or slider buns work best, holding all fillings without falling apart.
Can I make Cuban sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance and bake just before serving.
How do I prevent soggy sliders?
To avoid sogginess, let cooked ingredients cool before assembling and use less sauce.
Cuban Sliders
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x
Description
Cuban sliders are a delightful fusion of flavors packed into soft, buttery buns. Each bite offers a savory combination of marinated pork, tangy mustard, creamy Swiss cheese, and crunchy pickles that will leave your guests craving more. Perfect for any occasion, these sliders are quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress without the hassle. Whether for a cozy dinner or a lively gathering, they’re a tasty treat that brings friends and family together.
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 12 dill pickle slices
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Rub cumin and garlic powder on the pork shoulder and refrigerate overnight.
- Place pork in a slow cooker with water and cook on low for 8 hours until tender.
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Spread Dijon mustard on sliced buns, layer shredded pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles, then top with the other half of the bun.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), brush melted butter on tops of buns, and bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (approximately 95g)
- Calories: 298
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
