Cuban-Inspired Sweet Rolls
Experience a delightful fusion of sweet and savory with these Cuban-Inspired Sweet Rolls! This unique recipe combines the classic flavors of a Cuban sandwich with the tender, fluffy goodness of cinnamon rolls. Bursting with layers of pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles, all slathered in honey mustard and a citrus vinaigrette, these rolls are perfect for sharing at gatherings, brunches, or as a comforting family meal. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated, they are sure to impress and satisfy everyone's taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
25
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
3/4 cup (warm)
unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
large eggs
2 (plus 1 beaten for egg wash)
large egg yolk
1
sugar
1 tablespoon
kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
active dry yeast
1 (2 1/4 teaspoon) package
all-purpose flour
4 cups (plus more for the counter)
olive oil
2 -4 tablespoons (for coating bowl and baking dish)
olive oil
1/4 cup
limes
2 (juiced)
orange
1 (juiced)
honey
2 tablespoons
cumin
1 teaspoon
kosher salt
1 tablespoon
garlic cloves
4 (finely chopped)
shredded cooked pork shoulder
1 1/2 lbs
honey mustard
3/4 cup (plus more for serving)
thinly sliced swiss cheese
8 ounces
thinly sliced ham
8 ounces
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup
cilantro leaf
1 cup (plus more for garnish)
dill pickles
2 (sliced into quarters lengthwise, plus 1 cup chopped for topping)
egg
1 (beaten)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cuban-Inspired Sweet Rolls?
They are a unique fusion dish that combines the classic savory flavors of a Cuban sandwich with the soft, fluffy texture of sweet rolls.
What makes these rolls savory rather than a dessert?
Despite being called sweet rolls, they are filled with pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles, making them a savory meal.
What kind of meat is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of shredded cooked pork shoulder and 8 ounces of thinly sliced ham.
What type of cheese is included in the recipe?
The filling uses a combination of 8 ounces of thinly sliced Swiss cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What is the citrus component in the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is made using the juice of 2 limes and 1 orange, providing a bright, tangy flavor.
How are the pickles prepared for this recipe?
Two dill pickles are sliced into quarters lengthwise for the inside, and an additional cup of chopped pickles is used as a topping.
What type of flour is best for these rolls?
The recipe specifies 4 cups of all-purpose flour to achieve the desired roll texture.
Is yeast required for the dough?
Yes, one 2 1/4 teaspoon package of active dry yeast is used to help the dough rise.
What role does honey mustard play in the recipe?
Honey mustard is used both inside the rolls and as a side for serving to provide a sweet and tangy contrast.
Are there fresh herbs in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of cilantro leaves inside the rolls and more for garnish.
How many eggs are needed for the dough?
The dough requires 2 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk, with an additional egg used for an egg wash.
What temperature should the milk be?
The milk should be warm to help activate the active dry yeast.
What seasonings are added to the dough?
The dough is seasoned with sugar, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
How much butter is in the dough?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
Is there garlic in the recipe?
Yes, 4 finely chopped garlic cloves are included in the citrus vinaigrette.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
One beaten egg is used as a wash to give the rolls a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
Can I use olive oil in this recipe?
Yes, olive oil is used both for coating the bowl and baking dish and as an ingredient in the vinaigrette.
Is there honey in the vinaigrette?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of honey are used to balance the acidity of the citrus and vinegar.
What spice gives the pork a Cuban flavor?
One teaspoon of cumin is added to the vinaigrette to provide that signature smoky, earthy flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 25 ingredients used to make these Cuban-Inspired Sweet Rolls.
When should I serve these sweet rolls?
They are perfect for gatherings, brunches, or as a comforting family meal.
Can these rolls be reheated?
Yes, they can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated later while still satisfying everyone's taste buds.
What is the texture of these rolls?
The rolls are described as tender, fluffy, and bursting with layers of savory filling.
Is this recipe considered easy to bake?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy baking recipe suitable for various skill levels.
What makes the pork filling unique?
The shredded pork is tossed in a mixture of citrus juices, honey, cumin, and garlic for a flavorful punch.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese?
While Swiss is traditional for a Cuban sandwich flavor, you could try other melting cheeses if preferred.
Do I need a special baking dish?
A standard baking dish coated with olive oil is sufficient for baking these rolls.
Is mozzarella cheese a traditional Cuban sandwich ingredient?
No, it is a fusion addition that adds extra creaminess and melt to these specific rolls.
How is the honey mustard used during serving?
Extra honey mustard is recommended as a dipping sauce or drizzle for serving.
What is the flavor profile of the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is tangy, citrusy, and slightly sweet with a savory garlic and cumin undertone.