A Cuban sandwich, also called a Cubano or sandwich Cubano, is made with ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. The sandwich is lightly buttered, pressed until golden and crispy, and served warm. It's a Miami favorite that's easy to find in cafeterias and restaurants throughout South Florida.
If you can't make it to Miami anytime soon, don't worry. Most of the ingredients are easy to find, so you can make an authentic Cuban sandwich at home.
Ingredients
Roast pork - Leftover Cuban roast pork is the star of this sandwich. Make our Cuban roast pork recipe for dinner one night, then use the leftovers to make Cuban sandwiches the next day.
Cuban bread - Cuban bread is traditional, but it can be difficult to find outside South Florida. If needed, substitute a wide loaf with a crisp crust and a soft interior, such as Italian bread or a wide French loaf (not a baguette).
Ham - Choose a sweet deli ham sliced slightly thicker than usual so it stands up to the roast pork.
Swiss cheese - Traditional and the perfect complement to the pork and ham.
Dill pickles - Their tangy flavor balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
Yellow mustard - A classic finishing touch that brings all the flavors together.
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How to make a Cuban sandwich
Cut the Cuban bread into a 6- to 8-inch piece and slice it open lengthwise.
Spread yellow mustard on the top half of the bread. Layer the ham, roast pork, pickles, and Swiss cheese on the bottom half, then close the sandwich.
Brush the outside of the bread lightly with softened butter.
Press the sandwich on a plancha or in a panini press until the bread is golden and toasted and the cheese is melted.
If you don't have a sandwich press, heat a large, heavy skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and set another heavy skillet, a cast iron bacon press, or a large heavy lid on top. Press down gently while the sandwich cooks. When the bottom is toasted, carefully flip the sandwich and repeat until the other side is golden and the cheese is melted.
This recipe makes one sandwich. To make more, simply double, triple, or quadruple the ingredients.
If you enjoyed this Cuban sandwich, be sure to try our pan con bistec, medianoche, or pan con lechon. They're classic sandwiches that are easy to make at home.
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📖 Recipe
Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)
Ingredients
- 1 Loaf Cuban Bread cut into a 6 - 8 inch piece (use Italian or French if you can't find Cuban bread)
- ½ teaspoon Yellow Mustard or to taste
- 3-4 slices Sweet Ham (approximately 4 - 5 ounces)
- 3-4 ounces Roast Pork sliced or shredded
- 6-8 Dill Pickle Chips
- 2 slices Swiss Cheese (approximately 2 ounces)
- ½ teaspoon Butter softened
Instructions
- You will also need: pastry brush, sandwich press or panini maker
Build the Cuban sandwich
- Cut the Cuban bread into a 6 - 8 inch piece and slice it open.
- Lay the bread open and spread the top slice with mustard.
- Layer the ham on the bottom slice.
- Add the sliced roast pork
- Add the pickles, staggered to cover almost the entire area, so that every bite contains pickle.
- Top with Swiss cheese and cover with the bread.
- Heat the sandwich press to medium.
- Brush the top of the sandwich lightly with the softened butter.
- Gently place the sandwich on the preheated surface and press the top down. Don't press too hard, just place it and let the weight and gravity start flattening the sandwich. Let the sandwich cook until the bread is nice and toasted and the cheese has melted, about 7-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and check it after 5 minutes to gauge the remaining time.
- Cut the sandwich in half and serve.
Notes
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Nutrition
The nutritional information above is computer generated and is only an estimate. There is no guarantee that it is accurate. This data is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only.
Mike
Tampa Bay has a large Cuban population. Our cubanos are made using ham, seasoned pork, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles and mixed mustard/mayo dressing. Pressed or not pressed locally baked Cuban bread. Lived in Tampa area for 40 years but recently moved to North Florida and really missed the "cubano".
Now making my own and will try your recipe.
Elizabeth
Hi Mike,
I just got back from Tampa. I didn't get to try the Cubanos there but I will make it a point to. Hope you enjoy the recipe. Thanks for stopping by.
Lisa
Love Cubans and miss them. We used to live in Tampa,Fl. But now live in Ohio when I make Cubans it's a week-long event at our house and ends with making 25- 48cubans. All our boys and grand kids love them and ask for them for their birthday.
Elizabeth
They really are a great sandwich. It's wonderful that you make them for your family to enjoy! Thanks for stopping by and sharing.