Name: Cuban Pork Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 12 count Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls; 8 ounces thinly sliced deli ham; 2-1/2 cups cooked pulled pork; 12 slices Swiss cheese; 30 dill pickle chips, drained; 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1-1/2 teaspoons dried minced garlic; 1-1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion; 1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds; 3/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Jump to Recipe·5 from 23 reviews

If you’re craving something packed with bold flavors, melty cheese, and a touch of sweet and tangy goodness, then you’re in for a treat with this Cuban Pork Sliders Recipe. Trust me, once you try these sliders, they’ll become your go-to for game days, parties, or even casual weeknight dinners. They’re super easy to throw together, and the combo of tender pulled pork, ham, pickles, and mustard just hits all the right notes. Stick with me — I’m going to walk you through every step so your sliders come out perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Layered Flavors: The combination of sweet rolls, tangy mustard, salty ham, and tender pork creates a mouthwatering balance.
Effortless Preparation: Using pre-cooked pulled pork makes assembly quick, perfect when you want a delicious meal without fuss.
Perfect Melty Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully while baking, binding the sandwich flavors in every bite.
Buttery, Crispy Top: The seasoned butter glaze with garlic, onion, and poppy seeds crisps the rolls into golden perfection.

Cuban Pork Sliders, Cuban Pork Sliders Recipe, easy Cuban sliders, pulled pork sliders, party sliders - The image shows twelve soft golden-brown dinner rolls arranged in a 3 by 4 grid on a white marbled surface. Each roll has a smooth, shiny top with a slightly rounded shape, sprinkled generously with black and white sesame seeds and bits of coarse salt, giving them a textured look. The rolls fit closely together, creating visible but soft seams where they touch. The lighting highlights the warm, golden tones and the seed details clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in building the iconic Cuban slider experience. From the sweet Hawaiian rolls that keep things soft but sturdy to the tang of Dijon mustard balanced by the savoriness of pork and ham — each item has a purpose. When shopping, look for quality deli ham and Swiss cheese, and if you can find pre-cooked pulled pork, you’re halfway done before you start.

Cuban Pork Sliders, Cuban Pork Sliders Recipe, easy Cuban sliders, pulled pork sliders, party sliders - Flat lay of a stack of twelve glossy Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth Dijon-style mustard, a small white ceramic bowl holding dark Worcestershire sauce, thinly sliced delicate pink deli ham arranged neatly, a mound of tender pulled pork with a rich, juicy texture, twelve slices of pale yellow Swiss cheese laid flat, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with bright green dill pickle chips, a small white ceramic bowl containing melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl with dried minced garlic flakes, a small white ceramic bowl with dried minced onion flakes, a small white ceramic bowl with tiny black poppy seeds, and a small white ceramic bowl holding large flaky sea salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet texture pairs amazingly with savory meats.
Dijon-style mustard: Offers a tangy depth that contrasts deliciously with the richness of pork.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives subtle umami and a lightly savory kick to the mustard butter sauce.
Thinly sliced deli ham: Adds saltiness and a satisfying meaty layer alongside the pulled pork.
Cooked pulled pork: This tender, flavorful meat is the star that makes these sliders so memorable.
Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly and complements the meats without overpowering them.
Dill pickle chips: Bring the essential tang and crunch that lighten up each bite.
Unsalted butter: Used to brush the rolls for a golden, flavorful crust.
Dried minced garlic and onion: In the butter glaze, these add savory punch and aroma.
Poppy seeds: Provide a slight nuttiness and that classic Cuban sandwich visual flair.
Flaky sea salt: Perfect for finishing, adds bursts of crunch and saltiness without overpowering.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Cuban Pork Sliders Recipe is great as-is, but I love mixing things up depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. Feel free to make the sliders spicier, use different types of cheese, or swap the pork for a vegetarian filling if you want to try a fun twist. The key is keeping the balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

Variation: Once, I added a slice of ripe mango inside for a fresh, fruity surprise — it was a hit with my family!
Dietary Modifications: Swap Swiss for mozzarella for a milder cheese or use plant-based butter to make it dairy-free.
Seasonal Changes: Try adding a little mango habanero sauce or pickled jalapeños if you’re craving heat.
Make it Vegan: Use jackfruit as the pulled pork substitute and vegan cheese; it’s surprisingly similar in texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cuban Pork Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Slice the Rolls Like a Pro

Start by unwrapping your Hawaiian rolls. I always use a sharp serrated knife to slice horizontally through all the rolls in one go — keeping them attached like a big sandwich loaf. This way, you save time and keep the sliders from sliding everywhere as you assemble. Place the bottom half right into a 9×13-inch baking dish you’ve sprayed with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix and Spread the Mustard Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter that’s cooled slightly so it’s not too hot. Spread about half this mixture on the bottom layer of rolls and the rest on the inside of the top rolls. This sauce adds so much flavor, you won’t want to skip it!

Step 3: Layer Up the Good Stuff

Next, layer half your Swiss cheese slices evenly over the bottom rolls. Follow that with the ham, then the pulled pork, and finally the pickle chips (don’t be shy, pickles make this shine). Top everything off with the remaining Swiss cheese. Press down gently to compact everything. Then bake this open-faced for 10 minutes in your preheated 350°F oven so the cheese starts melting perfectly before the roll top goes on.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches and Bake

Remove the baking dish from the oven, place the top rolls over the melted cheese, and let’s get that beautiful crust on the outside. Mix the remaining 5 tablespoons melted butter with garlic, onion, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt. Brush this mixture generously over the top and sides of your rolls. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover for another 5–10 minutes until golden brown and irresistibly crispy.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the sliders rest for about 5 minutes — this helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t ooze everywhere when you slice. Use a sharp knife to separate the rolls and serve immediately. You’re about to enjoy one of the best little bites of porky goodness on the planet.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Keep Rolls Connected: Slicing the whole roll cluster at once helps you keep everything neat and makes assembly a breeze.
Don’t Skip the Sauce: The mustard butter sauce is where magic happens – it keeps the sliders moist and bursting with flavor.
Watch Baking Times: Underbaking leaves the cheese clumpy; overbaking dries out the pork – stick closely to timing for melty perfection.
Use Flaky Sea Salt: It adds crunch and salty bursts without overpowering, but if you use fine salt, go lightly to avoid oversalting.

How to Serve Cuban Pork Sliders Recipe

Cuban Pork Sliders, Cuban Pork Sliders Recipe, easy Cuban sliders, pulled pork sliders, party sliders - The image shows a close-up of a golden brown bread roll cluster with a shiny surface, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and black poppy seeds. There is a yellow silicone brush with black details gently spreading a glaze on the soft tops of the rolls. The bread rolls appear fluffy and slightly puffy, with visible seams and light texture. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually serve these sliders with a little extra pickle on the side, maybe some fresh thinly sliced red onions or even a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and brightness. If you like heat, a swipe of Dijon mustard or a drizzle of spicy aioli on top amps up the experience.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with classic Cuban black beans and rice or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a party, I love serving crispy sweet potato fries or plantain chips alongside – they keep the Caribbean vibes flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve arranged multiple Cuban Pork Sliders on a large platter layered with colorful toothpicks, garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges. You can also serve mini sliders in individual cupcake liners for a fancier look. They always disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep in mind the rolls might get a little softer and less crispy over time but the flavors remain delicious.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sliders once by wrapping each slider individually in foil and then sealing in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crispy again. It won’t be quite as good as fresh but still tastes fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to keep the rolls from becoming soggy. I preheat to 350°F, pop the sliders in wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes, then unwrap for the last few minutes to restore the crisp top.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without pulled pork?

Absolutely! If you don’t have pulled pork handy, you can double up on the ham slices or cook your own pork roast and shred it. Just avoid pre-cooked BBQ pork with sauce, as it changes the taste too much from classic Cuban slider flavors.
What kind of mustard is best for Cuban Pork Sliders Recipe?

I use a Dijon-style mustard for its balance of tangy and slightly sharp flavor. It complements the meats while adding a nice kick. But if you prefer something milder, yellow mustard works too.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

You can assemble the sliders up to the point before baking. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake following the recipe instructions just before serving for best results.
What if I can’t find Hawaiian rolls?

Try soft dinner rolls or slider buns that have a slight sweetness. The key is to pick something soft and slightly sweet to complement the savory fillings.
Can I make these sliders spicy?

Definitely! Add sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce in the mustard butter, or swap pickles for spicy pickled peppers to add some heat.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Cuban Pork Sliders Recipe countless times, and every single time it turns out to be a crowd-pleaser — from friends gathering around the TV to Sunday dinners when I want something comforting yet exciting. It’s that kind of recipe that’s simple, authentic, and totally addictive. I hope you give it a go and make it your own. Trust me, your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!