Cuban Sliders

Cuban Sliders are a delightful blend of flavors that will elevate any gathering. These mini sandwiches are perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy family dinner. Loaded with turkey, chicken, Swiss cheese, and zesty mustard, they offer a burst of taste in every bite. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these sliders are sure to become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of turkey, chicken, and Swiss cheese ensures a savory experience with each bite.
• Versatile Option: Perfect for appetizers or as a satisfying meal on their own.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love these sliders; they’re great for picky eaters!
• Easy Clean-Up: Baked in one dish, making clean-up a breeze after your gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this tasty recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Brush for butter

Why These Tools Matter

• Baking dish: Essential for holding all your sliders together while they bake perfectly.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine ingredients easily when preparing the butter topping.
• Knife: Necessary for slicing rolls and pickles with precision.
• Brush for butter: Ensures even distribution of melted butter over the slider tops.

Ingredients

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

• 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
• 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 so it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

1. Split your rolls in half horizontally.
2. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add Mustard

Spread yellow mustard evenly over the bottom buns to infuse flavor into every slider.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients

1. Top the mustard layer with sliced turkey.
2. Add pulled chicken on top of the turkey.
3. Insert dill pickle slices next.
4. Finally, layer Swiss cheese over all the toppings.

Step 5: Complete the Sandwiches

Place the top half of the buns carefully over the assembled fillings to create complete sliders.

Step 6: Prepare Butter Mixture

In a small bowl:
1. Mix melted butter with kosher salt, minced garlic, and fresh parsley until well combined.

Step 7: Brush Butter Mixture

Use a brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls with the melted butter mixture.

Step 8: Bake Covered

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

Step 9: Bake Uncovered

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

Step 10: Serve

Once baked, remove from oven. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm to enjoy!

How to Serve Cuban Sliders

Cuban Sliders are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, serving these sliders with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience.

Pair with Dips

• Mustard Dip: A tangy mustard dip complements the flavors of the sliders perfectly.
• Garlic Aioli: Creamy garlic aioli adds a rich taste that pairs well with the sliders’ ingredients.

Add Fresh Sides

• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm sliders.
• Pickled Vegetables: Tart pickled veggies enhance the flavors and add a nice crunch.

Offer Variety

• Mini Salad Bar: Create a mini salad bar for guests to customize their plates alongside the sliders.
• Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter adds sweetness and balances savory flavors.

How to Perfect Cuban Sliders

Perfecting Cuban Sliders is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your sliders are a hit!

• Bold Flavor Combinations: Use flavorful ingredients like fresh herbs and quality cheese for an extraordinary taste.
• Proper Layering: Layer your ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent overcooking the rolls, ensuring they remain soft and fluffy.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh turkey and chicken for better texture and flavor in your sliders.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different types of cheese, such as provolone or pepper jack, for additional depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cuban Sliders

Cuban Sliders are versatile and pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a hint of sweetness that complements the savory sliders.
2. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings a classic summer vibe to your meal.
3. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad offers heartiness and balances out the flavors of the sliders.
4. Vegetable Chips: Crunchy vegetable chips provide a fun alternative to traditional chips.
5. Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and color, making it an appealing side option.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These roasted veggies bring a savory crunch that pairs beautifully with Cuban Sliders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cuban Sliders, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid to ensure your sliders turn out perfectly.

• Incorrect Roll Type: Using the wrong type of rolls can affect texture and flavor. Stick with soft dinner rolls like Kings Hawaiian for the best results.
• Overloading Ingredients: Adding too many toppings can make the sliders messy. Aim for a balanced amount of turkey, chicken, cheese, and pickles for optimal taste and ease of eating.
• Skipping the Butter Topping: Neglecting the butter mixture can lead to dry sliders. Brush the tops well for a rich, golden finish that enhances flavor.
• Not Baking Long Enough: Failing to bake long enough may result in cold cheese. Ensure the sliders are hot throughout by baking until bubbly and golden brown.
• Cutting Too Soon: Slicing sliders before they cool slightly can cause them to fall apart. Let them sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cuban Sliders

• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.

Reheating Cuban Sliders

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place one slider on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Cuban Sliders?

Cuban Sliders are small sandwiches filled with turkey, chicken, cheese, mustard, and pickles, served on soft dinner rolls. They are perfect as appetizers or snacks.

Can I Make Cuban Sliders Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare Cuban Sliders ahead by assembling them and storing them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

How Do I Customize My Cuban Sliders?

Feel free to add other ingredients like roasted peppers or different types of cheese. Adjusting toppings allows you to personalize your Cuban Sliders to your taste.

Are Cuban Sliders Healthy?

Cuban Sliders can be made healthier by using lean meats like turkey or chicken and opting for whole grain rolls. They offer a balance of protein and carbohydrates.

Can I Use Different Types of Meat?

Absolutely! You can use any cooked meat you prefer, such as beef or lamb; just adjust cooking times accordingly if you need to warm it up.

Conclusion

These Cuban Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any gathering. Their simplicity allows you to customize fillings based on your preferences while still delivering a satisfying flavor. Try this recipe today and impress your friends and family!

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