Who needs a new game day recipe? Or rather, who doesn't?!? This recipe is inspired by the Cuban sandwich known as a "Cubano" - a grilled ham and cheese sandwich variation that was created in Florida by Cuban immigrants who needed a filling lunch that was also easy to carry. The combination of flavorful, juicy pork, gooey Swiss cheese, dill pickles, yellow mustard, and slightly sweet Cuban bread have made it a hit well beyond the borders of Florida.
One of the things that makes this recipe so easy is that the sliders are assembled all together. Instead of separating the rolls, simply slice across the entire package of rolls, almost as if you are slicing a bagel and taking care to keep all the tops connected and all the bottoms connected. These sliders can be prepared hours ahead, refrigerated and covered. Simply take them out of the fridge 30-60 min before you want pop them in the oven so they can come to room temp, heat to melting, and serve!
Ingredients
1 pkg (12ct) King's Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (or other slider buns) sliced crosswise (see explanation above) - do not separate
8-12 slices deli ham, to allow for one layer of 2-3 slices
Dill pickles
4-8 slices swiss cheese, to allow for one layer of 1-2 slices
Mustard (we recommend yellow, brown or dijon)
1/3 stick butter
Optional: Roasted or smoked pork, thinly sliced or pulled
Optional: Dried dill or poppy seeds, salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350. Grease a baking dish or sheet pan.
Slice the entire set of 12 rolls in half crosswise so the top halves are still connected and the bottom halves are still connected. Place bottoms onto pan.
Add in layers over the bottoms: deli ham, pickles, roasted pork if you are using, and swiss cheese.
Spread a layer of mustard evenly across the bottom of the tops. Flip over and add top layer of rolls over swiss cheese layer.
Melt butter and brush liberally on tops and outer edges of rolls. Sprinkle with dried dill or poppy seeds and a little salt. Use salt sparingly because we are already using several salty ingredients.
Cover and heat at 350 on center oven rack for 15 minutes. Uncover and heat for 5 more minutes or until tops begin to darken and cheese is melted all the way through, even in the middle.
Let cool a few minutes, then cut into 12 sliders and serve. Enjoy!
Recipe inspired by ham & swiss sliders from club members Sara & Brandon - thank you!