Name: Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 12 count Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls; 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 8 ounces thinly sliced deli ham; 2-1/2 cups cooked pulled pork (see note 1); 12 slices Swiss cheese; 30 dill pickle chips, drained; 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 (see note 2)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 10 reviews

If you’re searching for a game-changing snack or party dish that brings a whole lot of flavor in just one bite, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe. These sliders are packed with tender pulled pork, ham, melty Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and a buttery poppy seed topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Honestly, every time I make these, people ask me to save some for them because they can’t get enough of that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet. Trust me, you’ll want to keep reading because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic—and easier than you might think!

💙

Why This Recipe Works

Layered Flavors: Combining ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles creates that iconic Cuban flavor fusion you crave.
Buttery Poppy Seed Topping: The garlic, onion, and poppy seed butter glaze crisps up the rolls, adding texture and aroma that’s irresistible.
Simple Assembly: With a layered approach, you can prep everything quickly and bake all at once for melty, messy-good sliders.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy family meal—these sliders wow everyone every time.

Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders, Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Easy Pulled Pork Sliders, Party Slider Recipes, Flavorful Pulled Pork Snacks - 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

There’s a magic in these ingredients working together—each bringing its own punch. The slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls balance the savory pork and ham, while the pickles add that perfect tang. Plus, the butter with garlic and poppy seeds? That’s the secret that pulls it all together, making these Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders truly unforgettable.

Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders, Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Easy Pulled Pork Sliders, Party Slider Recipes, Flavorful Pulled Pork Snacks - 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 contrasts beautifully with savory fillings.
Dijon-style mustard: Adds tang and a touch of spice to brighten flavors.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami complexity without overpowering.
Deli ham: Thinly sliced, it complements the pulled pork without stealing the show.
Cooked pulled pork: Tender, juicy, and full of flavor—this is the heart of the sliders.
Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey, creamy bites.
Dill pickle chips: Provide a crisp, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness.
Unsalted butter: Acts as the base for the savory topping—using unsalted lets you control seasoning better.
Dried minced garlic & onion: These give subtle punch and aroma to the butter glaze.
Poppy seeds: Add crunch and that classic buttery topping look.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for bursts of salty crunch that elevate every bite.

📝

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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe is. Whether you want it spicier, more garlicky, or even vegetarian-friendly, there’s room to make it your own—and I encourage you to experiment!

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a bit of chipotle mayo or a dash of hot sauce layered under the ham for a smoky heat that wakes up the palate.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap pulled pork for shredded jackfruit seasoned with similar spices; it gives similar texture and flavor vibes.
Cheese Variation: Occasionally, I switch up Swiss for provolone or mozzarella for a milder, creamier melt.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider buns, and make sure Worcestershire sauce you pick is gluten-free-friendly.

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

Step 1: Prep the Rolls with Care

First things first: unwrap your Hawaiian sweet rolls and grab a sharp serrated knife. I like to slice horizontally through the entire batch in one smooth motion, which can be a little nerve-wracking, but it makes assembling so much easier. Keep the rolls connected like a little sandwich cake—this way, they hold together well during baking. Place the bottom half in your sprayed baking dish and get ready for the fun layering!

Step 2: Make the Mustard-Worcestershire Sauce Blend

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a few tablespoons of melted butter that’s cooled slightly. This combo is where things start to pop flavor-wise. Spread half of this luscious sauce over the bottom layer of rolls, then save the rest for the top halves—it ensures every bite is zingy and rich.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Stack

Layer on half the Swiss cheese slices to cover the bottom rolls, then pile on your ham and the pulled pork. Don’t skimp here—I like to be generous with the meat so it’s satisfyingly meaty in every bite. Add the cooled and drained dill pickle chips for crunch and zest, then top it all with the remaining Swiss slices. Press down gently to even everything out.

Step 4: Baking That Melty Magic

Bake the assembled bottom layer (without the top rolls) at 350°F for 10 minutes. This step melts the cheese and heats the filling evenly—trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Step 5: Butter Topping & Final Bake

Mix your remaining melted butter with the minced garlic, minced onion, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt in a small bowl. Once your cheese is melty from the first bake, place the top half of the rolls over the filling in the baking dish. Brush the butter mixture over the tops and sides of the rolls—this step is what makes the crust golden, flavorful, and a little bit crispy. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until golden brown all over. Let everything rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to keep the gooey cheese from oozing out too fast!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Slice Rolls Carefully: Using a serrated knife smoothly helps keep the slider sandwiches intact for neat layers.
Use Pre-Cooked Pulled Pork: Saves tons of time—look by the rotisserie chickens in your store or make your own slow-cooker batch a day ahead.
Don’t Skip Resting: Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing to maintain that melt without runaway cheese.
Butter Mixture Balance: Ensure your butter glaze isn’t too hot when mixing ingredients or you’ll lose the subtle punch of garlic and onion.

How to Serve Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these sliders with a little extra dill pickle on the side for crunch and adding a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or parsley—it brightens the plate and adds a fresh note that pairs beautifully with the richness of the sliders. Sometimes I even sprinkle a tiny bit of smoked paprika over the butter topping before baking to add warmth and color.

Side Dishes

As for sides, I typically keep things simple and fresh: think crispy sweet potato fries or a zesty coleslaw. A light Cuban black bean salad or tangy mango salsa works perfectly too if you want a tropical vibe. The key is a crisp, refreshing side to balance the savory, cheesy sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, I sometimes serve the sliders on wooden boards with little flags stuck in each one for a fun touch. Another favorite is arranging them like a slider tower—stacking them slightly offset—so guests can grab and go easily. They also make fantastic finger food at potlucks or backyard barbecues!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be tough since these go fast!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The rolls soften a bit in the fridge but remain tasty. I find placing a paper towel underneath helps soak up any excess moisture to keep them from getting too soggy.

Freezing

Personally, I haven’t frozen the fully assembled sliders because of the bread texture, but you can freeze cooked pulled pork separately for quick future slider nights. Just thaw the pork in the fridge overnight, then assemble fresh to keep that awesome texture in the rolls.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer popping the sliders back in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes, which warms evenly without drying out the meat or melting every last ounce of cheese (unless you want it extra gooey). Avoid microwaving to keep the rolls from turning chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Can I make the pulled pork from scratch for this Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe?

Absolutely! While you can find pre-cooked pulled pork for convenience, making your own in a slow cooker or oven is straightforward. Season a pork shoulder with Cuban-inspired spices, cook low and slow until tender, then shred it. This homemade touch can add extra depth and freshness to your sliders.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?

While Hawaiian rolls’ sweetness pairs beautifully here, you can use any soft dinner rolls or slider buns you like. Just make sure they’re soft enough to soak up flavors without falling apart. If you want to replicate the sweetness, lightly brush the buns with a honey-butter glaze before assembling.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything a few hours ahead and keep the baking dish covered in the fridge. Bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking. This is great when hosting to save prep stress.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the pulled pork in this recipe?

Definitely. Shredded jackfruit seasoned with smoky and tangy spices works as a fantastic pulled pork substitute. It mimics texture and absorbs flavors, making your Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe vegan-friendly with some smart swaps.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe, it brings back memories of sharing good food and laughter with friends and family. It’s a recipe that feels special but comes together with ease, which is why it’s a staple in my kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these sliders as much as I do—they really do bring a little Cuban sunshine to any day. Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!