There’s something undeniably delightful about Cuban sliders. Picture this: juicy pork, melted cheese, and tangy pickles all nestled between soft, buttery bread. The aroma wafts through your kitchen as you prepare to indulge in a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. homemade focaccia bread delicious grilled cheese pairing Each bite is a harmonious blend of savory and sweet—trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one. savory croissant sandwiches. For more inspiration, check out this street corn chicken rice bowl recipe.
I first stumbled upon Cuban sliders at a family gathering where my uncle claimed he had the secret to the best sliders in town. With a twinkle in his eye, he unveiled his masterpiece, and let’s just say it was love at first bite. tropical chicken kebabs Perfect for parties or simply a cozy night in, these sliders promise to elevate any occasion with their irresistible charm.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cuban sliders are easy to make, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners
- Their incredible flavor profile combines savory pork with zesty mustard and melty cheese
- Visually appealing, they look fantastic on any platter and will impress your guests
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces for added flair
I remember serving these Cuban sliders at my niece’s birthday party last year. The kids devoured them like little locusts while the adults begged for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pork Shoulder: A tender cut that becomes succulent when slow-cooked; look for one with good marbling for flavor.
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Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture; opt for fresh slices for the best results.
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Dill Pickles: The tanginess balances the richness of the pork; choose whole pickles and slice them yourself for freshness.
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Mustard: Yellow mustard is classic; it provides a punchy kick that complements the other flavors perfectly.
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Slider Buns: Soft and fluffy buns hold everything together; Hawaiian rolls work great for a touch of sweetness.
For the Marinade:
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Garlic Powder: Adds depth; use fresh garlic if you prefer a stronger flavor.
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Oregano: Dried oregano brings an aromatic quality; use Mediterranean varieties for authenticity.
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Cumin: This spice lends warmth and earthiness; be generous to enhance that authentic Cuban taste.
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Olive Oil: Helps to moisten the pork during cooking; extra virgin is always a good choice!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. The aroma should be inviting as the spices blend together.
Marinate the Pork: Coat your pork shoulder generously with the marinade mixture. Allow it to sit in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight if possible—that’s when magic happens!
Cook the Pork Shoulder: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the marinated pork in a roasting pan covered tightly with aluminum foil. Slow-roast for about 4-5 hours until it’s fork-tender.
Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove from oven and let it rest briefly before shredding with two forks. It should pull apart easily—this is where patience pays off!
Assemble Your Sliders: Slice your slider buns in half horizontally. Layer shredded pork on each bottom half followed by Swiss cheese and dill pickles. Spread mustard on each top bun before placing it back on.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes until golden brown and melty.
Enjoy these Cuban sliders hot from the oven! They’re perfect as appetizers or main dishes that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds—or thirds! For more inspiration, check out this buffalo chicken stuffed peppers recipe.
You Must Know
- Cuban sliders are a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for parties or casual dinners
- The combination of savory meats, tangy pickles, and melty cheese creates a mouthwatering experience
- Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them every week!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven, then layer the sliders with meats and cheese before baking until golden. This method allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different meats like turkey or ham, or add jalapeños for extra heat. Personalizing your sliders can make them even more exciting!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm to maintain that crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your Cuban sliders, try using fresh bread rolls that have a slight crust
- Don’t skimp on the mustard; it adds zing!
- Always slice the sliders before serving to keep everything intact
I remember the first time I made Cuban sliders for a gathering; my friends devoured them in minutes! It was such a joy to see everyone enjoying something I created.
FAQ
Can I use other types of bread for Cuban sliders?
Absolutely! Brioche or ciabatta rolls work wonderfully as alternatives.
How do I know when my Cuban sliders are done?
Look for golden tops and melted cheese; about 15-20 minutes in the oven should do it!
Can I prepare Cuban sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them a day in advance and cover tightly until baking time.
Cuban Sliders
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x
Description
Cuban sliders are a mouthwatering blend of juicy pulled pork, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles, all nestled in soft, buttery buns. Ideal for gatherings or casual dinners, these sliders are not only easy to prepare but also irresistible. With their perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next event. Serve them hot from the oven and watch as friends and family come back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup dill pickles (sliced)
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat pork shoulder with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place marinated pork in a roasting pan covered with foil and slow-roast for 4-5 hours until fork-tender.
- Shred the cooked pork with two forks.
- Slice slider buns in half and layer shredded pork, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles on the bottom half.
- Spread mustard on each top bun and place it back on.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake assembled sliders for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (90g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
