If you have a craving for something packed with layers of bold flavor and a satisfying crunch, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cuban Sandwich (Cubano) Recipe. This classic Cuban favorite brings together tender slow-cooked pork, smoky ham, tangy pickles, and melty Swiss cheese all pressed between buttery Cuban bread. Every bite is a perfect harmony of savory, creamy, and tangy elements wrapped in a warm, golden crust. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, it’s a delicious experience that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cuban Sandwich (Cubano) Recipe lies in its simplicity – just a handful of ingredients that each play an essential role in creating this iconic sandwich. From the creamy mustard-mayo spread to the perfectly crisped pork and buttery Cuban bread, every component adds something special to the final masterpiece.
- Yellow mustard: Adds tangy sharpness that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheese.
- Mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and balances the mustard with smooth texture.
- Cuban bread: The foundation of the sandwich with a soft interior and crisp crust perfect for pressing.
- Butter: Ensures a golden, crispy exterior when toasted in the skillet.
- Slow cooker Cuban pork: Tender, flavorful shredded pork lightly crisped for texture and depth.
- Deli ham: Adds smoky, salty notes that complement the pork.
- Dill pickle chips: Provide a zesty crunch that brightens the entire sandwich.
- Swiss cheese: Controls the gooey factor with its mellow, nutty flavor and melting quality.
How to Make Cuban Sandwich (Cubano) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mustard-Mayo Spread
Start by mixing yellow mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl. This simple spread is crucial as it delivers a creamy, tangy layer that mingles perfectly with the rich pork and melted cheese later on. Set this aside while you get everything else ready.
Step 2: Prep the Cuban Bread
Trim the ends of your Cuban bread loaf so each sandwich portion has clean, straight edges. Cut the loaf into four generous sandwich-sized pieces and slice each piece horizontally. Spread softened butter on the outside surfaces of the bread to create a golden crust when cooking, then flip and slather the cut insides with your mustard-mayo mix for that essential tangy creaminess inside.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Working on two sandwiches at once, evenly divide the shredded slow cooker Cuban pork across the bottom halves of the bread. Spread it into a uniform layer to cover each slice. Top the pork with one or two slices of your chosen deli ham variety, then add 4 to 5 tangy pickle chips for crunch. Place two slices of Swiss cheese over the pickles. Finally, cap the sandwich with the top halves of bread, butter-side facing out to help in toasting.
Step 4: Press and Toast the Sandwiches
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the prepared sandwiches in the hot pan, then weigh them down with a second heavy skillet to replicate the classic pressed Cuban sandwich effect. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and toasty, and the cheese begins to melt into the pork and ham combination. This pressing step seals all the flavors and textures into one perfectly crispy package.
Step 5: Keep Warm and Finish
Once cooked, transfer the sandwiches to a foil-lined baking sheet and keep them warm in a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven while you finish the remaining sandwiches. This ensures everyone enjoys their sandwich fresh, warm, and melty.
How to Serve Cuban Sandwich (Cubano) Recipe
Garnishes
A classic Cuban sandwich is mighty flavorful all on its own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, consider serving with a few simple garnishes. Pickle slices on the side can invite your guests to add even more tangy crunch, or a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper over the top can enhance the layers of savory goodness. Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro aren’t traditional but can add a surprising brightness when sprinkled just before serving.
Side Dishes
The Cuban Sandwich (Cubano) Recipe pairs wonderfully with some simple sides that won’t steal the spotlight but will round out the meal beautifully. Classic options include crispy plantain chips or sweet fried plantains, which echo the Cuban roots of the sandwich. A cool, crisp coleslaw or a bright citrusy salad can also contrast wonderfully with the richness of the sandwich, providing balance and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this sandwich at a party or want to make it feel special, slice it into smaller portions to create a Cuban sandwich platter for sharing. Layer the sandwich strips creatively on a wooden board along with some extra pickles and small bowls of mustard or aioli for dipping. This makes for a visually stunning spread that invites everyone to enjoy the classic flavors in a casual, fun way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), wrap the Cuban sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 2 days without losing much of their delicious flavor or texture.
Freezing
While Cuban sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze assembled but un-toasted sandwiches by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before pressing and toasting freshly for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, avoid the microwave to preserve crispiness. Instead, re-toast your sandwich in a skillet over medium heat, pressing down occasionally, until warmed through and the bread regains its crunch. This method revives the magic of the fresh sandwich just like when it was first made.
FAQs
What makes a sandwich a Cuban sandwich?
A Cuban sandwich is distinguished by its signature ingredients: slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and Cuban bread. It’s then pressed and toasted to create a warm, crispy, melty masterpiece.
Can I use another type of bread if I don’t have Cuban bread?
While Cuban bread is traditional and ideal due to its slightly crusty outside and soft, airy interior, you can substitute a French baguette or Italian bread for a similar texture, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Is slow cooker Cuban pork necessary?
Slow cooker Cuban pork is perfect because it’s tender and easy to shred, absorbing all those wonderful Cuban spices. However, you can roast pork shoulder in the oven as an alternative if preferred.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, replace the meats with marinated grilled vegetables or a smoky tempeh, and keep the Swiss cheese and pickles for that melty, tangy feel. It won’t be a classic Cubano but still delicious!
Why is the sandwich pressed with a heavy skillet?
Pressing the sandwich with a heavy skillet compacts the ingredients, melts the cheese evenly, and crisps the bread beautifully, giving the Cuban sandwich its iconic texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cuban Sandwich (Cubano) Recipe is truly a celebration of comfort and culinary tradition. It’s one of those rare sandwiches that hits all the right notes in every bite, offering a perfect balance of meaty richness, tangy crunch, and gooey cheese. I encourage you to give it a try soon — whether for a casual meal or sharing with loved ones. Once you do, it might just become your new favorite sandwich to make again and again!
Print
Cuban Sandwich (Cubano) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
A classic Cuban Sandwich featuring slow-cooked shredded pork, deli ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles layered inside buttery Cuban bread spread with a tangy mustard-mayo blend, then grilled to golden perfection for a crispy, melty finish.
Ingredients
Sandwich Spread
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
Sandwich
- 1 loaf Cuban bread (about 10 ounces), cut into 4 sandwich portions
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 to 2½ cups slow cooker Cuban pork, shredded and lightly crisped
- 4 slices deli ham (black forest, honey, smoked, or your favorite variety)
- 16 to 20 dill pickle chips (4 to 5 per sandwich)
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Spread: In a small bowl, combine the yellow mustard and mayonnaise thoroughly and set aside for assembling the sandwiches.
- Prepare the Bread: Trim the ends off the Cuban bread for straight cuts, then slice into 4 sandwich-sized portions. Slice each portion horizontally to create top and bottom halves. Spread softened butter on the outside surfaces of both halves (about 1 tablespoon per sandwich). Flip each half over and spread about 1 tablespoon of the mustard-mayo mixture on the inside cut sides.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Working with two sandwiches at a time, evenly distribute half the shredded Cuban pork onto the bottom halves of the bread, spreading it out evenly. Layer each with 1 or 2 slices of deli ham, 4 to 5 dill pickle chips, and 2 slices of Swiss cheese, arranging the cheese as needed to fit the bread. Place the top halves of the bread over the fillings with the buttered sides facing outward. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to assemble the other two sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the sandwiches in the hot skillet and then set a second heavy skillet on top of each sandwich to press them down—cast iron skillets work especially well here. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the bread is nicely browned and the cheese melts thoroughly.
- Keep Warm: To keep the sandwiches warm while cooking remaining batches, place the cooked sandwiches on a foil-lined baking sheet and transfer to a preheated oven at 200°F until all sandwiches are ready to serve.
Notes
- Slow cooker Cuban pork should be shredded and lightly crisped before assembling for best texture.
- Using Cuban bread is key to achieving the authentic taste and texture of a Cuban sandwich.
- Pressing the sandwiches with a heavy skillet mimics a traditional panini press or sandwich grill.
- If you don’t have a second skillet, use a heavy weight or foil-wrapped bricks to press the sandwich.
- Serving immediately after grilling ensures the best balance of crispiness and melty cheese.
