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Keto Cuban Sliders 🥪

Published: · Updated: by Cast Iron Keto · 2 Comments

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Say hello to our Keto Cuban Sliders—a fantastic keto-friendly reinvention of the classic Cuban sandwich designed to satisfy your hankering for something hearty and delectable. This recipe is as easy as pie to follow, and we're pretty sure you're going to fall head over heels for these cloud-like buns, zesty pork, savory deli ham, and melt-in-your-mouth Swiss cheese.

For all you sandwich aficionados out there, this slider is a keto-approved dream come true.

Keto Cuban Sliders in a tray with white parchment paper, pickles and mustard on the side
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Preparation and cooking overview

Creating these scrumptious Keto Cuban Sliders is truly a joy, especially since we're going all in and making everything from scratch. Yes, it might take around an hour of your time, but trust us, the end result is absolutely worth every minute.

By adding delicious ham, pork, swiss cheese, crisp dill pickles, and onion to the fluffy, golden brown slider made from our popular Keto Dinner Rolls bread recipe, you can easily make multiple servings of these bite-sized sandwiches. 

Chef's note

The Keto Cuban Sandwiches are a fantastic keto spin on a classic Cuban dish. The traditional recipe is made with Cuban bread, but we have a keto alternative to it which is low-carb and won't break your ketogenic diet. By using Keto Dinner Rolls you can easily replace the traditional bread and make these sliders anytime you need a fun sandwich.

If you are busy throughout the week, you can easily make them in big batches and freeze them during weekends. This way, you will readily have tasty grab-and-go options for busy days. And you won't ever have to compromise on taste.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 5 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 12 Servings

🥪 Ingredients for this keto Cuban sliders recipe

  • 1 batch of keto dinner rolls
  • ½ lb Swiss cheese
  • ½ lb uncured deli ham
  • ½ lb pulled pork
  • 2 tablespoons minced white onion
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 large dill pickles (sliced)

Ingredient substitutions

If you need to replace some of the required ingredients, here's what you should opt for.

  • Swiss cheese: Replace with provolone cheese that has a mild and creamy flavor. It is also low in carbs and melts beautifully, making it an excellent choice for these sliders.
  • Uncured deli ham: Smoked turkey or chicken breast can be used instead. These lean meats provide a nice smoky flavor.
  • Pulled pork: We used store-bought pulled pork, but you can make shredded pork yourself as well. Alternatively, you can replace it with shredded chicken or beef. Opt for skinless, boneless cuts to keep the recipe lean and keto-friendly.
  • Minced white onion: If you prefer a milder flavor, minced shallots can be used as they have a delicate and slightly sweet taste.

Additional ingredients

  • Garlic powder: Sprinkle garlic powder on the pulled pork or mix it into the butter mixture to add a savory flavor. You can also add some herbs to the garlic butter mixture for an enhanced aroma.
  • Smoked Paprika: For a smoky and slightly spicy kick, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika on the pulled pork or mix it into the butter spread.
  • Dried oregano: Add a sprinkle of dried oregano to boost the flavor profile of the sliders. It adds a touch of Mediterranean flair.
  • Fresh cilantro: Finely chop some fresh cilantro and use it as a garnish on the sliders for a burst of freshness.
  • Hot sauce: If you like a bit of heat, drizzle some keto-friendly hot sauce over the assembled sliders before baking them. This will add a spicy and tangy element to the dish.
  • Lettuce Leaves: Place a crisp lettuce leaf on each slider bun as a bed for the fillings. This adds freshness, texture, and a low-carb element to the sliders.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Cuban Sliders recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Parchment paper
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula
  • Oven mitts
  • Serving platter

Tools substitute options

Having the right cooking tools at hand will have you zipping through the prep and baking process, guaranteeing a delicious final product. But don't worry if you don't have the exact tools, here are some handy substitutions you can use:

  • Toaster oven: If you can't access a full-sized oven, a toaster oven can be a suitable substitute. It provides a smaller cooking space and is ideal for toasting the assembled sliders.
  • Non-stick skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a non-stick skillet.
  • Oven mitts: Use heat-resistant gloves to handle the hot pans.

How to make Keto Cuban Sliders: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the required ingredients and cooking tools.
  2. Prepare the dough by mixing the dry ingredients for the slider roll and making them into balls.
  3. Preheat the oven to the specified temperature in the recipe.

Cooking instructions

  1. Prepare the Keto Rolls as per our recipe. Slice them horizontally into two layers.
  2. On the bottom layer, put the sandwich fillings — ham, Swiss cheese slices, pulled pork, yellow mustard, unsalted butter, and dill pickle slices.
  3. Cover the top of the rolls and place them in the preheated oven.
  4. Bake for approximately 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sandwiches are heated.
  5. Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool slightly before serving.
Keto Cuban Sliders in a tray with white parchment paper, pickles and mustard on the side

Chef's pro tip

One common challenge when making this low-carb Cuban sandwich is perfecting the sliders. They are prone to burns and becoming too crispy or overly browned. This can affect the texture we want. So to prevent this, we must keep a close eye on and add enough moisture through the butter and mustard.

So, stick to the script, follow the instructions to the letter, and you'll be serving up a meal that's sure to get rave reviews at your table.

How to make it healthier

  • Choose leaner meats: Opt for leaner cuts of deli ham and pulled pork to reduce fat content. Trim any visible fat before using.
  • Increase vegetable content: Add more vegetables to the sliders to boost their nutritional value. Consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers, spinach, or lettuce.
  • Make it meat-free or vegan: Replace the meat ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as vegan ham slices or marinated tofu to make it vegetarian. Choose dairy-free or vegan cheese substitutes to suit your dietary preferences.

Time-saving tips

  • Use precooked meats: Save time by using precooked pulled pork and deli ham. This way, you can skip cooking the meats from scratch.
  • Use ready-made sauces: Opt for pre-made keto-friendly mustard or dipping sauces instead of making the sauce yourself.
  • Pre-slice ingredients: Slice the Swiss cheese, minced onions, and pickles beforehand. This way, you can quickly grab the pre-sliced ingredients during assembly, saving you the time and effort of slicing them individually for each slider.
  • Buy store-bought keto bread: You can always purchase keto sandwich bread from a store. Ensure that it is 100% keto before making the purchase.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Keto dinner rolls: Prepare the keto dinner rolls and store them in an airtight container. You can make them a day or two ahead and reheat them slightly before assembling the sliders.
  • Meats: If you are making your own pulled pork or deli ham, you can prepare them and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble the sliders, reheat the meats before layering.
  • Sauces: If you are making the sauces yourself, prepare them ahead and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and eases the assembling process.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator storage: Place the leftover sliders in an airtight container and store them for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer storage: Freezing is a great option if you have a larger quantity of leftovers that you won't consume within a few days. Wrap the sandwiches with foil or plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months.

Reheating best practices

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat them for 10-15 minutes or until warm.
  • Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sliders in the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until heated thoroughly.
  • Microwave: Microwaving can make the sliders mushy. But if you don't have any other convenient option, you can use this with precaution. Just place a glass of water inside the microwave for moisture. And heat the sliders in 30-second intervals, checking and flipping in between.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Looking to wow your guests? These cheese-loaded sliders are your secret weapon. They're a home run for game-day nibbles, family shindigs, birthday snack spreads, or any gathering that calls for a delicious bite-sized treat that folks can pull apart. And the best part? They're totally in tune with your keto lifestyle!

Frequently asked questions

Of course! While pulled pork adds a delicious flavor, you can omit it if desired or replace it with other keto-friendly meat like cooked chicken or turkey. Feel free to customize within dietary regulations.

Absolutely! Adjust the recipe to accommodate your needs. Scale up or down the ingredient quantities to make more or fewer sliders as desired.

Experiment with the flavors of the sliders to suit your liking. Add seasonings or spices to the Cuban sliders with pulled pork or other keto-friendly condiments like spicy mayo or chipotle sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Sugar-free BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a tangy mustard sauce can make for keto-friendly dipping sauces. These add-ons enhance the taste and provide additional flavors.

Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the layers before baking. Adjust the spice according to your preferences and enjoy the zesty flavor.

Yes, you can! You can use the stovetop method if you don't have access to an oven. Assemble the sliders and heat them in a covered skillet over medium heat until the cheese melts and the sliders are heated through.

📖 Recipe

Keto Cuban Sliders in a tray with white parchment paper, pickles and mustard on the side

Keto Cuban Sliders

These Keto Cuban Sliders are packed with ham, pulled pork, mustard, cheese, and pickles! These are great for game day or anytime you need a tasty low-carb appetizer or fun sandwich!
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: cuban
Keyword: keto cuban sandwich, low carb cuban
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 431kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 batch keto dinner rolls
  • ½ lb swiss cheese
  • ½ lb uncured deli ham
  • ½ lb pulled pork
  • 2 tablespoons minced white onion
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 large dill pickles sliced

Instructions

  • Make the Keto Dinner Rolls according to their instructions.
  • Slice the rolls in half then layer on the swiss, ham, pulled pork, onion, butter, yellow mustard, and pickles. Top with the top half of bread.
  • Return to oven for 10 minutes until cheese is melty and the sandwiched are hot.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Cuban Sliders
Amount Per Serving
Calories 431 Calories from Fat 315
% Daily Value*
Fat 35g54%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Cholesterol 55mg18%
Sodium 397mg17%
Potassium 146mg4%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 26g52%
Vitamin A 352IU7%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 161mg16%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sydney says

    These turned out sooo good BUT- the recipe says it makes 20-22 rolls. The recipe also says serves 12. Do I assume one serving is...? If one serving were 2 (of 12) rolls, then the total made should be 24 rolls. I ended up making exactly 20 rolls. I guess for now to play it safe, I’m calculating 1 roll out of 20 rolls = 1 serving. This math isn’t working out right based on the information provided.

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      It all depends on how large or small you roll the buns, so there is a little bit a leeway. If you rolled them out small enough to make 24, then you'd have exactly 24 rolls with 12 servings of 2, but they'd be too small for sliders. If you made 20 rolls you could either adjust the math for 10 servings of 2 rolls, or 12 servings of 1.67 rolls.

      If you adjust to 10 servings of 2, the macros for the rolls would equal: 399 Calories / 19% Protein - 18 g / 77% Fat - 33 g / 4% Net Carbs - 4 g

      Reply

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