These easy Cuban sliders, also known as mini medianoche sandwiches are made with leftover pulled mojo pork (lechon asado), ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and creamy mustard sauce and served on sweet Hawaiian rolls. These mouth-watering sliders are a great addition to your game day menu or as a quick and tasty snack are low on time and need something fast.
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Why We Love this Recipe
- Easy to make: This recipe is simple and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a quick and delicious snack or game day appetizer.
- It’s delicious: The combination of shredded mojo pork, honey ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and mustard sauce all served on sweet Hawaiian rolls, creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
- Creative use of leftovers: Using leftover mojo pork roast is a creative way to repurpose leftovers and create a new dish that’s equally as delicious as the original meal.
- Perfect for sharing: These mini sliders are ideal for sharing. They’re great for entertaining or as a fun and tasty snack.
What’s the difference between a Cuban sandwich and a Medianoche?
Both Cuban sandwiches and medianoche are delicious sandwiches that are staples in Cuban cuisine, but there are a few key differences between the two.
A Cuban sandwich, also known as a Cubano, is typically made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles, all served on Cuban bread. The bread used in a Cubano is usually crusty and pressed, giving the sandwich a crispy exterior. On the other hand, a medianoche, which translates to “midnight” in Spanish, is a similar sandwich to the Cubano but made with a different type of bread. A medianoche is served on a softer, sweeter bread and is typically smaller than a Cubano.
Overview of Ingredients
FOR THE GARLIC BUTTER TOPPING:
- Melted Butter: We chose to use unsalted butter but you can also use salted butter.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds a savory flavor to the butter topping.
- Dried Oregano and Parsley: Feel free to get creative and use your favorite herbs.
- Poppy seeds: These add a slightly nutty flavor to our herbed garlic butter.
FOR THE CUBAN SLIDERS:
- Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet, soft rolls are a popular type of bread that are commonly used for making sliders. They add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- Ham Slices: Sliced deli ham adds a salty, savory flavor to the sandwiches.
- Mojo Pork: This is a traditional Cuban dish made with slow-cooked pork marinated in a citrus and garlic sauce. The tender, flavorful pork is a key ingredient in these sliders. See our Mojo Pork Roast recipe.
- Swiss Cheese: Deli-sliced Swiss cheese is commonly used in Cuban sandwiches. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Dill Pickles: Sliced dill pickles or pickle chips add a crunchy texture and tangy flavor. Please don’t leave these out!
- Yellow Mustard: This tangy condiment adds a bold flavor to the sliders. You can also use Dijon mustard.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is mixed with the mustard to provide a creamier and richer sauce.
How to Make Cuban Sliders (Mini Medianoches)
Gather all of your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, which together the yellow mustard and mayonnaise.
In another small bowl, add melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley and poppy seeds. Mix well to combine.
Spoon a few tablespoons of the garlic butter mixture into the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish. Spread it out evenly to coat bottom of dish.
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish. Spread half of the mustard sauce on the bottom of the rolls. Add a layer of sliced ham, followed by the shredded mojo pork. Top the pork with Swiss cheese slices and sliced dill pickles.
Spread the remaining mustard sauce on top layer of rolls and place on the top. Finally, drizzle the butter topping over the top of the sliders saving a few tablespoons.
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove from oven and drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the sliders.
Let rest for a few minutes before slicing with a sharp knife. Serve the hot and enjoy!
What to Serve With Cuban Sliders?
- Plantain Chips: These crispy, salty chips made from sliced plantains make a great side item for Cuban sliders.
- Black Beans and Rice: This classic Cuban side dish features rice and black beans cooked with onions, garlic, and spices. It’s a hearty and flavorful complement to the sliders.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal while also complementing the flavors of the sliders.
- Cuban-style Corn on the Cob: This delicious side dish is made by grilling corn and brushing it with a mixture of butter, lime juice, and spices like paprika and cumin.
- Tostones: These crispy, twice-fried plantain slices is a great alternative to traditional french fries.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with mango, pineapple and papaya can add some sweetness and balance to the savory flavors of the sliders.
How to Store Leftover Cuban Sliders
To store leftover Cuban sliders, let them cool then place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can store the sliders in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you can either warm them in the microwave or oven until they are heated through. Just be aware that the texture of the bread may change slightly when reheated, so they may not be as toasty as when they were originally made.
Cuban Sliders FAQs
Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat them in the oven before serving. Anything past 2 days and the bread may get a little too moist.
Can I use regular dinner rolls or another type of buns instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! But keep in mind, the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls adds a nice touch to these sliders
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss cheese?
Yep! Feel free to use your favorite cheeses and whatever you have on hand. Provolone cheese would be a great alternative to the Swiss cheese.
Can I substitute the mojo pork with something else?
You can use shredded pork that has been seasoned with other herbs and spices. Just note, the authentic flavors of the dish may be slightly altered.
In conclusion, Cuban sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the bold flavors of Cuban cuisine into a small, bite-sized sandwich. Using ingredients such as mojo pork, ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and a creamy mustard sauce, these sliders are the perfect appetizer for game day, parties or any day of the week. It’s a delicious way to use up leftover Lechon Asado (Mojo Pork). Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out!
Cuban Sliders (Mini Medianonche Sandwiches)
Ingredients
FOR THE GARLIC BUTTER TOPPING:
- ½ Cup Melted Butter, 1 stick
- 4 Garlic Cloves
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley
- 1 tsp Poppy seeds
FOR THE CUBAN SLIDERS:
- 1 Pack of 12 Hawaiian Rolls
- ¼ cup Mustard
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 12 Slices Sliced Ham, thinly sliced
- 2 cups Pulled Mojo Pork
- 12 Slices Swiss Cheese, thinly sliced
- 8-10 Dill Pickle Slices, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Gather all of your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, which together the yellow mustard and mayonnaise.
- In another small bowl, add melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley and poppy seeds. Mix well to combine.
- Spoon a few tablespoons of the garlic butter mixture into the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish. Spread it out evenly to coat bottom of dish.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish. Spread half of the mustard sauce on the bottom of the rolls. Add a layer of sliced ham, followed by the shredded mojo pork. Top the pork with Swiss cheese slices and sliced dill pickles.
- Spread the remaining mustard sauce on top layer of rolls and place on the top. Finally, drizzle the butter topping over the top of the sliders saving a few tablespoons.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove from oven and drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the sliders.
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing with a sharp knife. Serve the hot and enjoy!
3 Responses
I love sliders! So simple and quick to make, not to mention, everyone loves them! These look so delicious!
Wow! These sliders look amazingly yummy and very delicious! Such a perfect treat that everybody will definitely love and enjoy! Loved it!
These sliders are perfect appetizers for any occasion. It is so easy and so delicious!