Rarely have I hosted a party when King’s Hawaiian rolls didn’t make an appearance as a slider in one form or another. Sliders are perfect for any party or gathering. This Cubano style slider is a delicious bite and just plain awesome. This isn’t an authentic Cuban Sandwich, but a darn delicious hack nonetheless.
Cubans feel strongly about their Cuban sandwiches, commonly referred to as a Cubano. Unless it’s made with authentic Cuban bread, it’s just a sub. Cuban bread is an exceptional bread with a thin and crispy crust and a soft and pillowy center that’s made with lard. Many places substitute Cuban bread for French bread, but again, it’s just a sub if you’re not making it with Cuban bread.
HERE’S HOW I MADE IT
I’m substituting Cuban bread with King’s Hawaiian original rolls (sacrilege) and substituting Serrano ham and Cuban roasted pork with deli meat from my local grocery store. Preheat oven to 350°F, place oven rack in the center and line a baking tray or tin with parchment paper.
Note: If using a tin with sides, make sure you allow enough parchment paper to easily lift and remove the sliders. Shown below are traditional flavors in a Cubano sandwich. Serrano Ham is the ham commonly used for Cuban sandwiches. If you want it, ask for it at your deli along with Spanish Roasted Pork. I didn’t use Serrano ham as I prefer Sweet Slice Ham from Boar’s Head brand.
Since this isn’t an authentic Cuban sandwich, you can use any ham you like. I bought my favorite deli ham, Boar’s Head Sweet Slice ham, and Spanish Pork Roast. I asked for a very thin slice for a more enjoyable texture when you bite down. If you wish to make it Tampa style, add a little Italian salami too.
Melt the butter in a sauce pan. Remove from heat and combine with mustard, Worcestershire sauce and minced onions. Set aside. With a serrated knife, cut the rolls lengthwise through the middle, separating the top from the bottom. Spread some mustard sauce on the bottom bun. Spread some regular yellow mustard and place a pickle on each slider.
Begin to layer the roasted pork, making sure you overlap the pork and cover the entire surface. Repeat with ham and top with Swiss cheese. I did 2 layers of pork, 3 layers of ham and 2 layers of cheese. Top with the bun and score the sliders.
Note: Scoring or cutting the sliders completely through will help when plating and serving. I like to cut them and bake them together like you would biscuits or cinnamon rolls.
Transfer onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Using a silicone brush, spread remaining mustard sauce evenly over the sliders. Loosely cover with foil. Bake at 350°F in the center rack for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake until golden brown, about 5-10 minutes, depending on your oven. Remove from the oven, and serve immediately.
Adapted from King’s Hawaiian original recipe.
King’s Hawaiian Cubano Sliders
A delicious and easy to make Cubano style slider made with King's Hawaiian Rolls. Perfect for any party or gathering.
Ingredients
MUSTARD BUTTER SAUCE
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature prefer Plugra or Kerrygold brand
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Dijon or Country mustard prefer Grey Poupon brand
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
CUBANO SLIDERS
- 24 original King's Hawaiian Rolls
- ¾ – 1 lb. baby Swiss cheese, sliced thin
- ¾ – 1 lb. deli ham, sliced very thin – Serrano, Sweet Slice, Black Forest or Tavern ham prefer Boar's Head Sweet Slice
- ½ lb. deli roasted pork, sliced very thin
- 24 hamburger pickle chips
- Yellow mustard
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F, position oven rack in the center and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
MUSTARD BUTTER SAUCE
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Melt butter over medium heat in a sauce pan. In a separate bowl, whisk to combine with mustard, Worcestershire sauce and minced onion. Set aside.
MAKING THE CUBANO SLIDERS
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With a serrated knife, cut the rolls lengthwise through the middle, separating the top from the bottom. Using a silicone brush, spread some mustard sauce on the bottom bun and some regular yellow mustard to taste. Place a hamburger pickle chip on each slider.
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Evenly layer the pork, ham and cheese. I used 2 pork, 3 ham and 2 cheese layers, but it's whatever your preference is. Top with the bun and score the sliders.
Note: Scoring or slicing completely through will help when plating and serving right out of the oven. I cut them and bake them together much like biscuits or cinnamon rolls.
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Transfer onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Using a silicone brush, spread remaining mustard sauce evenly over the sliders. Loosely cover with foil.
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Bake in a 350°F preheated oven, in the center rack for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake until tops are golden, about 5-10 minutes, depending on your oven.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from King’s Hawaiian original recipe.
