Cubano Sandwich – If you’re, in the mood for a culinary experience right in your own kitchen you’ve come to the perfect place. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating the timeless Cubano Sandwich. Brimming with layers of flavors this sandwich is a choice for lunch or a satisfying main course. With its crispy exterior and tantalizing combination of ingredients, it’s sure to please any crowd and transport your taste buds straight to Havana.
I still vividly recall my first encounter with a Cuban sandwich. It happened on a sunny afternoon at a Cuban café and I was immediately enchanted by the seamless melding of flavors and textures. The ham, roasted pork, tangy pickles, and melty Swiss cheese nestled between slices of perfectly toasted bread—it was pure love from that very first bite.
When I recreated this sandwich at home both my husband and child had similar reactions. It swiftly became a beloved family favorite. Now holds a spot on our lunch menu. More than a sandwich it’s, like savoring tradition itself—a slice of Cuban culture we can relish anytime.
What makes this Cubano Sandwich truly delectable?
The Cubano Sandwich stands as a masterpiece bursting with a fusion of ingredients. Featuring smoky ham, pork, tangy pickles and creamy Swiss cheese this sandwich brings together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The key is toasting the bread right achieving a crunch that perfectly complements the garlic butter and mustard spread. With its versatility and ability to please a crowd this sandwich isn’t a meal—it’s an experience that takes you on a culinary adventure, through the vibrant flavors of Cuba.
What You Need To Make This Cubano Sandwich Recipe?
Bread: The recipe suggests using either Cuban or Italian bread. Both options work well. If you want an authentic Cuban, Cuban bread is the traditional choice. If you can’t find Cuban bread, Italian bread is a substitute.
Garlic Butter Spread: The garlic butter spread is an important addition, to this sandwich. It imparts a garlic flavor to the bread. Make sure the butter is softened for mixing and adjust the amount of garlic to your liking.
Mustard: Yellow mustard is the option for a Cuban sandwich. Feel free to experiment with other types of mustard for a unique twist. Dijon or spicy brown mustard can add a layer of flavor if desired.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese adds its creamy and slightly nutty taste to the sandwich. Make sure your cheese slices are thinly cut and evenly distributed to ensure a melt throughout.
Shredded Pork Roast: To achieve best results warm up the shredded pork roast until it’s heated through. You can do this in the microwave or, on the stovetop. This step ensures that the pork becomes tender and ready to be layered onto your sandwich.
Pickles: Sliced dill pickles bring a tangy and crispy element to your Cubano sandwich. Adjust the amount of pickles based on your personal taste preferences. If you like a milder taste you can reduce the number of pickles or increase them if you want a stronger pickle flavor.
Ham: For the ham, it is suggested to use Black Forest or smoked ham for its taste. However, feel free to select your type of ham. Make sure to arrange the ham slices to achieve a balanced flavor in the sandwich.
Steps To Make Cubano Sandwich:
Step 1: Heat a skillet or griddle on medium heat. If using a panini press, set it to medium heat. We want the heat to be enough to toast slowly without burning.
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Step 2: Slice the loaf horizontally. If your skillet is small, you may need to cut it vertically too. Toast both cut sides of the bread until they turn a light golden brown. This step keeps the sandwich from getting soggy later.
Step 3: While the bread is toasting, mix the softened butter and crushed garlic to make a flavorful spread. Once the bread slices are toasted, spread the garlic butter on one half and the yellow mustard on the other.
Step 4: On the mustard side, add a layer of Swiss cheese, followed by the warm shredded pork. Then comes the dill pickles and ham slices. Top it all off with any remaining cheese, and close the sandwich with the other bread half.
Step 5: For extra melty cheese, wrap your Cubano in aluminum foil before grilling (totally optional). If using two skillets, once they’re heated through, lift the top one and place the sandwich on the bottom skillet. Put the top skillet directly onto the sandwich. If you’re using something else to weigh it down, that works too!
Step 6: Grill the Cubano for 5-6 minutes on one side before gently flipping it and grilling for another 5-6 minutes on the other side. If using a panini press, grill for a total of 6 minutes or until the cheese gets all gooey, and the sandwich turns crispy and golden.
Step 7: Remove your sandwich from the skillet or griddle. Slice it according to the number of servings you need. Serve it up with some potato chips and extra dill pickles on the side.
Tip:
To give your Cubano Sandwich a touch you might want to think about including a small portion of thinly sliced boiled ham commonly referred to as “sweet ham ” alongside the Black Forest or smoked ham. This added layer of ham will enrich the flavors of the sandwich providing a blend of sweetness that beautifully complements the ingredients. It’s a variation that has the potential to take your Cubano Sandwich to a new level of scrumptiousness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other types of cheese in my Cuban sandwich?
Sure you have the option to use types of cheese in your Cubano Sandwich. While Swiss cheese is traditionally used you can get creative. Try using cheddar or provolone for a twist, on the classic Cubano.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this sandwich?
Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian version of this sandwich you can easily substitute the ham and pork with your vegetarian or vegan alternatives. Additionally adding extra veggies and flavorful spreads will make for a vegetarian Cubano.
Can I make the Cubano Sandwich in advance for a party?
Certainly! If you’re planning for a party you can prepare the Cubano sandwiches ahead of time. Simply wrap them in foil. Store them until needed. When it’s time to serve reheat them either in the oven or, on a skillet to ensure that delightful crunch stays intact.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
How to Make Cubano Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 1 lb loaf Cuban or Italian bread
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1 small clove garlic crushed
- 2 tbsp. yellow mustard
- 8 oz. thinly sliced Swiss cheese about 10 slices
- 1 lb. shredded pork roast heated until warmed through
- Sliced dill pickles as needed
- 10 slices Black Forest or smoked ham
To Serve:
- Potato chips
- Dill pickles
Instructions
- To cook the Cubano sandwich place two cast iron skillets, on medium heat. Use a panini press set to medium heat.
- If you're using the skillet method slice the loaf vertically if necessary to fit it in the pan.
- Toast both sides of the bread with the cut side facing until they turn a golden brown color.
- Create a spread by mixing butter and crushed garlic.
- Once the bread is toasted, spread the butter on one half and mustard on the other.
- Start building your sandwich by layering cheese on top of the mustard side followed by roast pork.
- Add pickles and ham. Then finish off with any remaining cheese.
- Cover your sandwich with a piece of bread.
- For gooey melted cheese you can choose to wrap your Cubano in aluminum foil if desired.
- If you're using two skillets, grill each side for 5 to 6 minutes. If you're using a panini press, grill for a total of 6 minutes or until the cheese has melted and your sandwich turns golden and crispy.
- Take out your sandwich from either the skillet or press carefully.
- Slice it according to how many servings you need.
- Serve your Cubano with some potato chips and dill pickles, on the side.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
