Pickle Garlic Cuban Sliders

These pickle garlic butter Cuban inspired pull apart sliders bring together everything I love about a party snack in one golden pan Tangy pickles rich ham melty Swiss cheese and a punchy garlic butter top make each bite irresistible I first made these for a movie night with friends and they were gone before the opening credits ended

The first time I baked these I was short on time but everyone kept raving about the pickle kick and buttery richness It quickly became my go to for potlucks and lazy Sunday afternoons

Ingredients

• Slider rolls: such as Hawaiian or brioche provide a tender and slightly sweet base Look for ones that are soft and pillowy
• Thinly sliced ham: adds protein and classic Cuban flavor Quality deli ham makes all the difference
• Swiss cheese: brings creamy meltiness Choose a block and slice it yourself for freshness
• Dill pickle slices: deliver that signature tang Opt for thin crisp pickles I love Grillos
• Mayo and Dijon mustard: combine for a creamy zesty spread Use real mayo and a good quality Dijon for best flavor
• Unsalted butter: forms the rich base for the finishing glaze Always go for fresh high quality butter
• Garlic: offers aromatic depth Freshly minced packs the most punch
• Pickle juice: gives the butter its unique zip Use extra from your favorite jar
• Poppy seeds optional: add a little texture and visual flair Buy fresh for the best taste
• Pickle seasoning: enhances the pickle notes Try to find blends without artificial colors or flavors
• Fresh parsley: finishes with color and herby freshness Flat leaf parsley is most flavorful

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit bringing it to temp before you assemble ensures even baking

Make the Garlic Pickle Butter:

Melt butter gently in a small saucepan over low heat Stir in freshly minced garlic pickle seasoning and a splash of pickle juice Do not rush this step as gentle melting brings out the garlic’s best flavor

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with a thin layer of your garlic pickle butter mixture You can line the pan with parchment for easy cleanup but this is optional

Slice the Rolls:

With the rolls still connected slice them horizontally to create a top and bottom slab Place the bottom half cut side up into your prepared baking dish

Add the Mayo Mustard Spread:

In a small bowl mix equal parts mayo and Dijon mustard Spread this creamy mixture across the inside of the top half of the rolls This ensures every bite gets tang and moisture

Layer the Fillings:

On the bottom half of the rolls layer first the ham then a hearty layer of Swiss cheese then arrange pickle slices evenly across the top Make sure you reach the edges so each portion is well filled

Brush with Butter and Add Poppy Seeds:

Generously brush the tops of the assembled sliders with your remaining garlic pickle butter Sprinkle poppy seeds if desired for crunch and color

Bake:

Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil and bake for ten minutes Remove the foil and bake for five to seven minutes longer until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown

Finish and Serve:

As soon as the sliders emerge from the oven garnish with freshly chopped parsley Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing so everything stays neatly in place

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I always linger at the kitchen counter when I make these because the smell of garlic butter and toasty rolls is pure comfort The pickles are what my family fights over they give the sandwich its irresistible punch

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers wrap them tightly and refrigerate They reheat beautifully in a warm oven at three hundred degrees until the cheese is gooey again Avoid microwaving as this can make the bread soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

No Swiss cheese Try provolone or mozzarella instead For the ham you can use roast turkey for a lighter twist If you prefer a bit of heat swap in spicy brown mustard or add a layer of sliced jalapenos

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders hot and fresh straight from the oven They pair well with potato chips or a crunchy salad For a festive touch offer extra pickles and mustard on the side

Cultural Context

Inspired by the flavors of a Cuban sandwich these sliders borrow the combo of ham Swiss cheese pickles and mustard but present them in a social pull apart format While not a traditional Cuban dish it pays homage to the beloved flavors found in Miami s iconic pressed sandwich

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

Spread the mayo-mustard mix only on the top buns and layer pickles between ham and cheese to keep bread from absorbing excess moisture.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, Swiss is classic for Cuban flavor, but provolone or mozzarella can be substituted for a mild, melty alternative.

→ Is it necessary to use poppy seeds?

Poppy seeds add texture and visual appeal but are optional. You can skip them without affecting the overall flavor.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm sliders in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep them moist yet crisp on top.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sliders and refrigerate, baking and brushing with butter just before serving to maintain their texture.