Vegan Cuban Style Sandwich Sliders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of Cuban flavors and crave a simple yet decadent dish, these Vegan Cuban Style Sandwich Sliders will quickly become your go-to. The combination of the warm, soft slider rolls with the tangy, creamy butter-mustard sauce makes every bite melt in your mouth. Add in the seitan, melty cheese, and caramelized onions, and you’ll find it hard to stop at just one! These sliders are an easy crowd-pleaser for parties, game nights, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 package seitan slices

• 1 pack 12 slider rolls

• Shredded vegan cheese or slices

• Hamburger dill pickles

• Caramelized onions:

  • 1 large yellow, white, or red (purple) onion, sliced thinly

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• Butter mustard sauce:

  • 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted

  • 2 tablespoons minced onion

  • 2 tablespoons prepared mustard (yellow, brown, or Dijon)

  • 1 tablespoon minced parsley (fresh or dried)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the caramelized onions (if using): Heat olive oil in a saucepan or frypan on medium heat and add the sliced onions and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, on medium/low heat, partially covered until the onions are melted and caramelized, which could take up to 20 minutes. Set aside.

2. Prepare the baking dish: Butter a 13×9 baking dish (or one that fits the shape of your rolls snugly) and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Make the butter mustard sauce: Grate your onions on the small side of a box grater or mince finely in a small food processor or by hand. Add to the rest of the ingredients and mix together well with a small whisk.

4. Assemble the sliders: Most slider rolls come in the package not sliced, so carefully slice the rolls in half using a serrated knife. Place the bottom half in the buttered dish. Layer the seitan, caramelized onions (if using), cheese, then pickle slices, and top with the roll tops.

5. Coat with butter mustard sauce: Brush the vegan butter and mustard sauce all over the top of the rolls with a small pastry brush or spoon, ensuring to coat the sides as well.

6. Bake: Cover the entire dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the rolls slightly. Depending on your oven, it may take more or less time to get the cheese melted perfectly. If necessary, bake for a few more minutes.

7. Serve: Once the sliders are done, cut them through all the way and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Cooking time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Cheese Variety: Switch up the flavor of your sliders by using different types of vegan cheese. Go for a sharp vegan cheddar or a creamy vegan mozzarella to add extra depth of flavor.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider rolls to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Add Vegetables: You can add a layer of roasted red peppers or even some spinach for added freshness and nutrients.

• Make it Spicy: Add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the sliders to give them a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven helps keep the texture of the rolls intact.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular seitan instead of pre-sliced seitan?

Yes, if you have block seitan, you can slice it yourself to the thickness you prefer for these sliders.

2. Can I use any type of mustard for the butter sauce?

Absolutely! You can use yellow, Dijon, or brown mustard depending on your taste preferences.

3. How can I make the caramelized onions faster?

You can cook the onions on medium-high heat for a quicker caramelization, but be careful not to burn them. Stir frequently.

4. Can I prepare these sliders in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them overnight. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

5. Are these sliders kid-friendly?

Yes! These sliders are a hit with kids, especially if you tone down the mustard and pickle flavors to suit their taste.

6. Can I freeze these sliders?

While the sliders can be frozen, the texture of the bread may change slightly when reheated. If you freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.

7. How do I make the onions sweeter?

For sweeter onions, cook them with a pinch of sugar or balsamic vinegar to bring out their natural sweetness.

8. Can I use other types of vegan cheese?

Yes! Feel free to try different types of vegan cheese like mozzarella, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different twist.

9. How can I make these sliders more savory?

You can add extra seasonings to the butter mustard sauce, like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of soy sauce for an added umami flavor.

10. What type of rolls are best for sliders?

Soft, slightly sweet rolls are ideal for sliders. Hawaiian rolls work well, or you can use regular dinner rolls that are soft enough to hold up the fillings without falling apart.

Conclusion

These Vegan Cuban Style Sandwich Sliders are a fantastic option for anyone craving a Cuban-inspired snack or meal. The easy-to-make sliders are loaded with flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re vegan or not, these sliders are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. Enjoy the savory layers of seitan, melty cheese, caramelized onions, and pickles, all brought together with the tangy mustard butter sauce for the ultimate sandwich experience!