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Pulled Pork Sliders

Featured in Meals That Make the Table Happy.

Pulled Pork Sliders combine all the best parts of a traditional Cuban sandwich with easy-to-eat sliders. These are made using soft rolls layered with warm pork, ham, gooey Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles, then drizzled with garlic butter and baked until perfectly golden-brown. The included creamy dipping sauce pairs wonderfully for gatherings, game days, or fun dinners. Yields 12 sliders in just 45 minutes, blending fast prep with melty, savory goodness every time.
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Updated on Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:27:18 GMT
A platter holding small sandwiches packed with meat and toppings. Pin it
A platter holding small sandwiches packed with meat and toppings. | mecooking.com

Take a bite of these warm, gooey sliders that pack all the amazing Cuban flavors into one small handful. My mini Cuban sliders turn the traditional sandwich into bite-sized treats with juicy pulled pork, tasty ham, and smooth Swiss cheese, all tucked between soft, toasty Hawaiian rolls. They've become what I always make for parties since I got this recipe just right in my kitchen.

I made these for my sister's birthday party last weekend, and everyone kept coming back for more. People were asking me how to make them before they'd even finished their first slider - that's how good the mix of textures and tastes is.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Hawaiian Rolls: Go for fresh, squishy rolls that feel soft when you touch them. Their hint of sweetness works amazingly with the savory stuff inside.
  • Pulled Pork: Use moist, lightly flavored pulled pork without any BBQ sauce. You want meat that pulls apart easily and stays juicy.
  • Ham: Pick thin-sliced, good quality ham with just the right amount of salt and smokiness.
  • Swiss Cheese: Get top-notch Swiss that melts really well. The stronger kinds taste best in this recipe.
  • Dill Pickles: Use crunchy, thin-sliced dill pickles for that zingy bite.
  • Yellow Mustard: Regular yellow mustard gives you that real Cuban flavor, but you can try Dijon for something fancier.
  • Fresh Butter: Stick with unsalted butter so you can control how salty your sliders end up.

Making Irresistible Cuban Sliders

Prep Work:
Cut and Get Ready: Carefully cut your Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping all the tops connected and all the bottoms connected.
Start Your Base:
Spread plenty of mustard all over the bottom half of the rolls.
First Layer:
Put down ham in an even layer, making sure it covers everything.
Main Attraction:
Spread pulled pork evenly on top of the ham layer.
Cheese Coverage:
Add Swiss cheese slices so they cover every bit.
Pickle Placement:
Put pickle slices throughout so you get some in every bite.
Finish Assembly:
Spread more mustard on the underside of the top buns.
Butter Touch:
Brush your butter mix all over the tops.
A tray of sandwiches with meat and vegetables. Pin it
A tray of sandwiches with meat and vegetables. | mecooking.com

I grew up in a family where food was a big deal, and pulled pork always took center stage at our gatherings. My grandma would start cooking it days ahead, and I put that same love into this recipe. The juicy, seasoned meat makes these sliders so much more than just ordinary sandwiches.

Tasty Side Dish Ideas

These Cuban sliders taste amazing with crunchy plantain chips for a real Cuban feel. A simple citrus slaw adds a fresh contrast to the rich sliders. If you're extra hungry, try serving them with a Cuban-style black bean soup. My family loves having these with fresh mango salsa on the side - the tropical flavors really brighten up the meal.

Ways To Switch It Up

Try changing these sliders by using different cheeses like provolone or Gruyere. You can also use leftover roast pork instead of pulled pork for a different feel. Make them spicier by adding some pickled jalapeños or chipotle mustard. Some of my blog readers tell me they've had great results using turkey ham to make a lighter version.

Storage Tips

You can put together these sliders without baking them and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to eat, just brush with butter mix and bake. Any baked sliders you don't eat will stay good in a sealed container for two days. Warm them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese gets melty again. Try not to microwave them if you can help it - it ruins the texture.

A plate of sandwiches with meat and cheese on a table. Pin it
A plate of sandwiches with meat and cheese on a table. | mecooking.com

I've spent years getting this recipe just right, and I love how these little sandwiches bring folks together. Whether I'm serving them at casual sports watch parties or fancy brunches, they always make people happy and get them talking. Something really magical happens when you combine tender pork, tasty ham, and melted cheese that makes these sliders way more than just the sum of what goes into them.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How far ahead can I prepare these sliders?
You can assemble everything up to a day earlier. Keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake with the butter topping added last minute.
→ What type of pulled pork works best?
Store-bought pulled pork from places like Costco works great, or you can use homemade. Just make sure it’s seasoned well and warmed up before assembling.
→ Is it possible to freeze these sliders?
Definitely! Wrap them tightly in foil unbaked and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking fresh.
→ What sides go well with these sliders?
They pair great with coleslaw, chips, macaroni salad, or even a green salad. Don’t forget the included aioli for dipping!
→ How can I keep the rolls from getting soaked?
Put the cheese directly on the bread to act as a shield, and don’t go overboard on mustard or use overly juicy pulled pork.

Pulled Pork Sliders

Soft Hawaiian rolls are stuffed with pulled pork, ham, and Swiss, finished with a rich garlic-butter topping. Perfectly baked for a tasty bite.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cuban and American Blend

Yield: 12 Servings (12 small sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Slider Ingredients

01 Soft, fluffy package of 12 King's Hawaiian Rolls
02 Yellow or Dijon mustard, split into 1/4 cup portions
03 Sliced honey ham or black forest ham, 8 ounces
04 Warm, tender shredded pork, 1 pound
05 Swiss cheese slices, roughly 12 pieces or 7 ounces
06 Pickles sliced longways, 3 to 4 dill pickles

→ Butter Topping Ingredients

07 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
08 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped for aroma
09 Kosher salt, just 1/2 teaspoon
10 1/2 teaspoon of powdered garlic spice

→ Dipping Sauce Ingredients

11 3/4 cup of creamy mayo
12 1/4 cup tangy Dijon mustard
13 4 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
14 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
15 A small pinch of cumin, about 1/4 teaspoon
16 Season with salt and a touch of fresh pepper to your liking

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray or butter to keep things from sticking later.

Step 02

Take a serrated knife and carefully cut the entire batch of rolls horizontally to make a top and bottom layer. Put the bottom half into the prepared baking pan.

Step 03

Spread a generous amount of mustard over the roll bottoms. Layer on the ham slices, followed by Swiss cheese, warm pork, and pickle slices. Slather more mustard on the top half of the rolls and place it over the fillings.

Step 04

Combine melted butter with garlic powder, chopped parsley, and salt. Pour it over the slider tops and make sure each roll gets covered completely.

Step 05

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is gooey. Remove the foil and bake another 5-10 minutes for a lovely golden top. For a glossy finish, you can brush with more melted butter after baking.

Notes

  1. Purchase pre-cooked pulled pork from places like Costco (comes in 2 lb containers) or opt to make your own homemade pork.
  2. These mini sandwiches deliver all the flavors of a Cuban classic in an easy-to-serve size for groups.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large 9x13 baking pan
  • Sharp serrated knife
  • Brush for spreading butter
  • Foil for covering the baking dish

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy ingredients like cheese and butter
  • Uses bread rolls containing gluten
  • Contains eggs due to the mayonnaise

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 330
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 14 g