Cuban Sandwich (Best Recipe)

The Cuban sandwich might just be the most delicious sandwich you’ll ever taste! 

This bad boy is all about the layers, and each layer brings its own unique flavor to the party.

I’m talking layers of smoked ham and pulled pork that will have you drooling in no time.

But that’s not all, folks! The Cuban sandwich is stuffed to the brim with pickles, mustard, and melted Swiss cheese.

It all comes together in one delicious bite. 

And it’s so easy to make! Seriously, you can whip this baby up in no time and be chowing down on flavor town in minutes.

Cuban Sandwich

Ah, the Cuban sandwich! The king of all sandwiches.

The perfect balance of flavors and textures all rolled into one delicious bundle of joy. 

It’s crispy, it’s cheesy, it’s savory, and it’s oh-so-satisfying. This sandwich is the quintessential representation of Cuban cuisine.

And let me tell you, the Cuban sandwich is not your regular sandwich. It’s a true work of art that’s been perfected over the years.

Let’s start with the bread.

This sandwich is traditionally made with Cuban bread, which is kind of like French bread, but with a slightly sweeter taste. 

It’s light and airy, with a thin crust that’s super crispy and crackly. It’s basically the perfect canvas for all the amazing fillings that go inside.

And speaking of fillings, the Cuban sandwich is filled with smoked ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. 

The ham is thin and salty, the pork is juicy, the cheese is gooey, and the pickles add a perfect crunch and tanginess. 

And let’s not forget about the mustard, it gives the sandwich its signature spicy flavor.

Originally from Cuba, the Cuban sandwich has become a beloved favorite all over the world.

You can find it on menus in restaurants and cafes from Miami to Tokyo. 

It’s packed with history, culture, and flavor. So why not give the Cuban sandwich a try? 

Ingredients

• Cuban bread: This bread is light and airy with a thin, crispy crust. It’s perfect for a Cuban sandwich because it holds up well to the hearty fillings.
• Swiss cheese: This mild cheese is a classic choice for this kind of sandwich. 
• Smoked ham: This thinly sliced deli meat is a staple of a Cuban sandwich. It’s salty and savory and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Pulled pork: This tender, slow-cooked meat is a must-have for this sandwich. It adds a rich, smoky flavor and a meaty texture to the sandwich.
• Dill pickle: A slice of dill pickle adds a super nice tanginess. 
• Butter: It adds a rich, buttery flavor and helps the bread get crispy.
• Condiments: A combo of mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and mustard adds a deliciously tangy and spicy flavor to the Cuban sandwich.

How to Make a Cuban Sandwich

1. Make the sauce. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, and cayenne pepper until well combined. This sauce will give your sandwich the perfect kick!
2. Cut the bread. Get your loaf of bread and trim off the ends. Cut it in half to make two sandwiches, and then split each half evenly to make the tops and bottoms. 
3. Add the ingredients. Spread the mayo-mustard sauce generously on both sides of each half.

Now, on the bottom half of each sandwich, layer the ingredients.

Use the following order: two slices of Swiss cheese, three slices of ham, the heated pulled pork, thinly sliced pickles, and two more slices of Swiss cheese. 

Don’t be shy, add as much as you want! Finally, place the top halves of the bread on the sandwiches.

4. Time to toast. Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and press them down with a heavy weight. 

This will give your sandwich the perfect crispy texture.

Toast the sandwiches until the bread is crispy and the filling is heated through.

5. Serve and savor! Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve hot. Now, take a bite and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cuban Sandwich

• Use good quality ingredients: Use fresh bread, high-quality deli meats, and good cheese for the best flavor.
• If you can’t find Cuban bread, look for a long, wide French or Italian bread that’s fresh and easy to compress.
• Don’t skip the mayo, as it helps to prevent dry bread and overpowering mustard. It also adds a rich spreadability to the sandwich.
• Use thinly-sliced meats: They’ll cook more evenly and ensure that each bite of the sandwich is as delicious as can be.
• Butter the bread: Spread butter on the outside of the bread before pressing it to give the sandwich a crispy, golden brown crust.
• Serve it hot: Serve the sandwich hot off the press for the best flavor and texture.
• Experiment with variations: While the classic Cuban sandwich is delicious, feel free to experiment with different meats, cheeses, or condiments.

How to Store & Reheat

Here are some tips to keep your Cubanos fresh and tasty.

First, the shelf life of Cuban sandwiches depends on the freshness of the ingredients.

If your deli meat and pork are fresh, the sandwich can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. 

However, if they have been sitting in the fridge for a few days, it’s best to consume them within 3 days.

You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

To freeze a Cuban sandwich, prepare it according to the recipe instructions, including grilling.

Once the sandwich is cool, place it in an individual freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air. 

To reheat it, thaw it in the refrigerator, then let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

You can then re-toast the sandwich in a skillet or warm it in the oven.

You can microwave it for 20-30 seconds, and reheat it in a skillet.

Or, wrap it in foil and bake it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes.