Cuban Sandwich Recipe (2024)

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Delicious, cheesy and full of meat this Cuban sandwich Recipe is a hit among the family! A devious and tasty dinner time meal that you can’t resist.

Cuban Sandwich Recipe (1)

Cuban Sandwiches, what can I say other than that I absolutely love them. If I see them on any menu you bet your butt that I am going to order one.

We absolutely cannot get enough of this Cuban Sandwich Recipe! They are one of our favorites that we make over and over again. I fell in love with them a long time ago and had to make them at home.

They seem like a daunting task, but trust me they are absolutely delicious and pretty easy to prepare. We recently ordered some from Goldbelly from a Cuban restaurant down in Miami to compare flavors and ugh, we just love both of them.

This is more of a simplified recipe than you would find at any Cuban restaurant but trust me they are just as delicious! You will want this sandwich all the time.

I know that my husband asks me more often than not to make these and I’m always happy to oblige to that request because I’m addicted to them hands down.

Some of our other favorite sandwich recipes we have on our site include Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Philly Cheesesteaks and Homemade Sloppy Joes.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

  • With easy to find ingredients, this sandwich can come together quickly.
  • You can use any pulled cooked pork that you like.
  • Double the recipe to serve more people.

Cuban Sandwich Recipe (2)

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (FULL RECIPE AT BOTTOM):

French or Italian Loaf (If Cuban bread can’t be found at your local store)
Shredded cooked pork
Deli ham
Swiss cheese
Dill pickles
Mustard
Butter

HOW TO MAKE A CUBAN SANDWICH RECIPE, STEP BY STEP:

  • Cut the loaf of bread in half, then cut into 4-6 even pieces.
  • Open each piece of bread and cover the bottom slice with cheese, pickles, pork, ham, and cheese, topping the top slice of bread with mustard.
  • Coat the outer sides of the bread with butter.
  • Place on an open skillet, indoor grill, orpanini press.
  • Allow the bottom of the sandwich to cook until golden, before turning.
  • While the second side is cooking, use a second pan, or skillet lid to press down on the sandwich to flatten it together.
  • Once the sandwich is compressed, and both sides are golden brown, remove from heat and serve.

Cuban Sandwich Recipe (3)

As hard as a Cuban Sandwich Recipe may look, they are super simple and the flavor is absolutely amazing, trust me everything works together so well.

WHAT IS A CUBAN SANDWICH?

A Cuban Sandwich is traditionally made with Cuban bread, roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. They are all layered and grilled or pressed until warm and melty.

The are suspected of originating in cafes down in Florida who were catering to Cuban workers.

All I know is that Cuban’s are absolutely delicious, addictive and filling. You will not need a whole sandwich to fill you up, but it is so hard to stop at just one bite.

So eventually you keep eating and eating and boom the sandwich is gone. Luckily enough the ingredients are easy to come by.

Cuban Sandwich Recipe (4)

HOW TO STORE:

If you have a leftover Cuban Sandwich Recipe you can wrap it in foil and place it in an airtight container place it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

You can reheat in the microwave, oven, on the stovetop or on a press, you just don’t want the bread to get too much more browned or it will burn, you want to make sure that the inside of the sandwich is warmed so low and slow.

These can also be frozen. To freeze wrap in foil and place freezer bag, they should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, let defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • Use a sweeter ham, like a honey ham
  • A crusty bread like Italian or French, is very similar to true Cuban bread. I found the Italian loaf looked closest if you cannot find Cuban bread in your area.
  • I used the top of a smaller pan’s lid to press down on my sandwich. It should press down to ⅓-½ of the original size.
  • Use any type of pork as long as it’s roasted pork, that gives the best flavor. You can shred it or slice it.
  • You can also purchase pre sliced pork or shredded at your local grocer.
  • These sandwiches can be frozen, see my tips above.

Cuban Sandwich Recipe (5)

If you want a deliciously flavorful sandwich that is easy to whip up then you have to try this amazing Cuban sandwich Recipe.

If you like this recipe you might also like:

  • Pulled Pork Sandwiches
  • Ham and Cheese Sliders
  • Roast Beef Commercial

If you’ve tried thisCUBAN SANDWICH RECIPEor any other recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and what shenanigans I’m getting into!

Cuban Sandwich Recipe (6)

Cuban sandwich Recipe

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Course: Main Course, Sandwiches

Cuisine: Cuban

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 1498kcal

Author: Tornadough Alli

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French or Italian bread (If Cuban bread can’t be found at your local store)
  • 1 lb shredded cooked pork
  • 1 lb sliced deli ham
  • 1/2 lb sliced baby swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • 1/4 cup butter sliced and softened

Instructions

  • Cut the loaf of bread in half, then cut into 4-6 even pieces.

  • Open each piece of bread and cover the bottom slice with cheese, pickles, pork, ham, and cheese, topping the top slice of bread with mustard.

  • Coat the outer sides of the bread with butter.

  • Place on an open skillet, indoor grill, or panini press.

  • Allow the bottom of the sandwich to cook until golden, before turning.

  • While the second side is cooking, use a second pan, or skillet lid to press down on the sandwich to flatten it together.

  • Once the sandwich is compressed, and both sides are golden brown, remove from heat and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 1498kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 79g | Fat: 102g | Saturated Fat: 51g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 255mg | Sodium: 2394mg | Potassium: 1047mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 877IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 497mg | Iron: 5mg

Tornadough Alli is not a nutritionist or dietitian, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and nutritional value is important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and values can vary depending on which brands were used.

Tried this recipe?Mention @TornadoughAlli or tag #TornadoughAlli!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Cuban Sandwich Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a traditional Cuban sandwich made of? ›

The sandwich is made with ham, (mojo) roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread. Salami is included in Tampa, where there is a large Italian population, but is not usually included in South Florida.

What is the difference between a Cubano and a Cuban sandwich? ›

The Cuban sandwich, better known as a Cubano, begins with soft, slightly sweet Cuban bread. Heaps of heavily seasoned pork roast and sliced ham alternating between layers of Swiss cheese and sour pickles. The sandwich is cemented together with yellow mustard and a garlic butter schmear.

What bread is closest to Cuban bread? ›

If you live near a Latino bakery, you will probably be able to find Cuban breads. Lacking these, the best substitute for pan cubano is the long, soft French or Italian breads you find at the supermarket (a high-quality bakery baguette is too crusty). Challah or brioche makes a good substitute for pan suave.

What is the difference between a Cuban sandwich and a Tampa Cuban sandwich? ›

Tampa's version includes salami, and it might have a swipe of mayo, depending on who's making it. Each city uses differently-shaped bread. Those are about the only substantive differences. Now, most food historians agree the sandwich was invented in Tampa's Ybor City, but that's not the end of our story.

What is the best bread for a Cuban sandwich? ›

Cuban bread is a soft white bread made with lard. Look for it in Latin bakeries or groceries. If unavailable, use any not-too-crusty, soft white rolls, preferably with some lard or fat baked into them.

What is a Miami Cuban sandwich? ›

This pressed sandwich is a South Florida staple, and features sliced Cuban roast pork, sliced sweet ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickle chips, and yellow mustard, served on buttered and pressed Cuban bread.

What makes a Cuban sandwich special? ›

A traditional Cuban sandwich is layered with ham, roast pork, swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard – there's no lettuce, tomato, or mayo on this baby. As with any dish, the better the ingredients, the better the sandwich – this becomes even more imperative with fewer ingredients.

Do Cuban people eat Cuban sandwiches? ›

Spanish speakers called it a mixto, because of the mixed meats. English speakers called it a Cuban, because that's who they saw eating it. Most Cubans who still live in Cuba have never experienced the satisfaction of a Cuban sandwich.

How to make a Cuban sandwich without a press? ›

No problem! You can make Cuban sandwiches in a hot griddle or frying pan. Place a heavy cast iron skillet on top, then weigh it down with some cans so it presses the sandwiches evenly. You will need to flip the sandwiches to cook both sides, but this method totally works.

Are Cuban sandwiches served hot or cold? ›

Cubans can be served either hot or cold but let's be real here -- swiss cheese makes for an undeniably gooey cheese pull. Between melty cheese, toasty bread, and juicy roast pork, we have to dub the hot Cuban sandwich the clear winner.

What is an original Cuban sandwich made of? ›

A true Tampa Cuban is layered from bottom to top: ham, roast pork, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. The better the quality of the ingredients, the better the sandwich.

Why are Cuban sandwiches so good? ›

It's packed with flavorful meats and cheeses, served on crusty herbed bread and is readily available. Locals count on it and travelers look for its deliciousness to add to their hungry bellies and Instagram® feeds. Be it from south or west Florida, an authentic Cuban sandwich packs quite a punch.

What city is famous for its Cuban sandwiches? ›

Ybor City, Tampa

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ybor City saw a huge influx of immigrants from Cuba. They came to work in the cigar factories and a vibrant Cuban community formed in Ybor City. The Cuban sandwich became popular among working-class residents in Tampa.

What is the most popular Cuban sandwich? ›

Pan con lechón is a traditional sandwich originating from Cuba, but it's also very popular in Miami. This pressed sandwich is made with Cuban bread, lechón roasted pork, butter, onions, and mojo sauce.

What are the staple ingredients in Cuban food? ›

Spices: garlic, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cilantro. These ingredients are used in virtually all savory Cuban cooking and are a must-have in your kitchen. Vegetables, Grains, and Legumes: onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, beans, and rice.

What is on Panera Cuban sandwich? ›

Cuban sandwich (artisan ham, shredded pork, Emmental Swiss, mustard, sweet & spicy pickles,artisan ciabatta) - Picture of Panera Bread, Gambrills - Tripadvisor.

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