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Cuban Sandwich Recipe

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This classic Cuban Sandwich recipe features ham, Swiss cheese, pulled pork, mustard, and pickles on a loaf of Cuban bread, cooked in a panini press until golden on the outside with gooey melted cheese inside. Serve with chips or coleslaw for an easy lunch or dinner!

Two halves of a Cuban sandwich piled on each other

Looking for a hearty lunch or easy dinner? This Cuban sandwich recipe might be just the thing! With so much piled on one sandwich, it’s super filling – even enough for growing boys who eat everything in sight! (Ask me how I know, ha.) This was our favorite thing to eat on our last try to Miami, Florida.

Why You’ll Love This Cuban Sandwich Recipe

Here are a few reasons why we love making this Cubano sandwich recipe.

  • Perfect for lunch. This Cuban sandwich recipe is one of my favorite things to make for lunch because it comes together in just a few minutes and you don’t need any sides (though I do like to add some chips or coleslaw).
  • Hearty & filling. This sandwich is piled high with meat, cheese, and pickles on thick slices of bread. You definitely won’t be left hungry after eating one!
  • Only a few ingredients. One of my favorite things about a Cuban sandwich is that even though it has SO much flavor, there’s actually only a few ingredients needed.
Two halves of a Cubano stacked on each other

What Is A Cubano?

A Cuban sandwich, commonly referred to as a Cubano in the United States, is a hearty sandwich piled high with Swiss cheese, ham, pork, pickles, and mustard. There’s no lettuce, tomato, mayo, or other typical sandwich ingredients added – just meat, pickles, cheese, and mustard. It’s typically cooked in a panini press and served warm with extra mustard.

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make a Cuban sandwich recipe

Recipe Ingredients

This classic Cuban sandwich is loaded up with mustard, cheese, and meat. Scroll down to the recipe card below for measurements.

  • Mustard – Classic yellow mustard is all you need!
  • Cayenne pepper – Cayenne pepper adds a nice kick but is optional, use as little or as much as you like.
  • Cuban bread – Cuban bread is the traditional choice but using a good-quality French baguette or Italian bread will work just as well.
  • Swiss cheese – Sliced from the deli, if possible.
  • Ham – I personally the best ham is black forest ham. The key is not too thinly sliced but not too thick either!
  • Pulled pork – You can use your favorite pulled pork recipe (or roast pork) or grab prepared pulled pork at the store.
  • Dill pickles – Sandwich pickles cut lengthwise, not the circles.
  • Butter – For toasting the outside of the bread.

How To Make A Cuban Sandwich

Here’s an overview of how to make this classic sandwich. You can find more detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

  • Prepare the bread. Trim the ends off each loaf of bread then slice horizontally.
  • Assemble. Spread a generous amount of mustard on each half of the bread and sprinkle with cayenne pepper. At two slices of cheese on the bottom of each loaf, followed by 6 slices of ham, a layer of pulled pork, and 4 slices of sandwich pickles. Top the pickles with 2 more slices of Swiss cheese then top with the other half of bread.
  • Cook the sandwich. Preheat the panini press or cast-iron skillet. For a panini press, spread the butter on the sandwich and for the skillet, melt it in the pan. Cook the sandwiches by pressing down firmly, for 5-8 minutes in the panini press or 3-5 minutes per side in the skillet, until the outside is golden and the cheese is melted.
Overhead view of a Cuban sandwich in a skillet

Tips & Variations

Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your Cubano sandwich.

  • Use weight to press the sandwich. Whether using a Panini press or a cast iron grill press, applying firm pressure is key for a traditional Cuban sandwich.
  • Be generous with the ingredients. Especially the mustard – a Cuban sandwich is supposed to be saucy! But don’t skimp on the meat, cheese, or pickles either.
  • Use sturdy bread. If you can’t find a loaf of Cuban bread, be sure to use something equally as hearty and strong. Normal white bread will collapse under the weight of all the ingredients!
  • Add salami. Though not in the classic version of this sandwich, genoa salami is a common addition in Cubanos in the Tampa area.
Two halves of a Cuban sandwich with a bite missing to show the ingredients inside

Serving Suggestions

To serve, cut the Cuban sandwiches in half diagonally and serve with additional pickles and yellow mustard on the side. I like to add coleslaw or chips to turn it into a complete (and easy!!) meal.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

The Cuban sandwiches are best served immediately, but can be stored if needed.

  • Fridge. Wrap each sandwich individually with aluminum foil, parchment paper or plastic wrap tightly. Then they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat. Reheat the sandwiches in a toaster oven, microwave, or oven preheat to 350℉.

More Sandwich Recipes To Try

Cuban Sandwich feature
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Cuban Sandwich Recipe

This classic Cuban Sandwich recipe features ham, Swiss cheese, pulled pork, mustard, and pickles on a loaf of Cuban bread, cooked in a panini press until golden on the outside with gooey melted cheese inside. Serve with chips or coleslaw for an easy lunch or dinner!
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 8- ounces loaves of Cuban bread if unavailable, good quality French baguettes or Italian bread can be used
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 12 slices deli ham
  • 2 cups prepared pulled pork
  • 8 sandwich cut dill pickles (lengthwise cut)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or as needed

Instructions

  • Trim the ends off of each loaf of bread then slice the loaves in half horizontally.
  • Spread a generous amount of mustard on each half of the bread, sprinkle desired amount of cayenne pepper over the mustard.
  • Start with 2 slices of Swiss cheese on the bottom half of each loaf, covering the surface well.
  • Layer on 6 slices of ham on each sandwich.
  • On top of the ham, layer half of the pulled pork on each sandwich.
  • Arrange 4 slices of sandwich pickles lengthwise across the layer of pulled pork.
  • Top the pickles with another layer of 2 slices of Swiss cheese, and finally place the top half of the bread over the sandwiches
  • Preheat a Panini press (if using) or a large skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, prepare a second skillet, steak weight, or a brick wrapped in foil to apply pressure.
  • If using a Panini press, spread the butter on the outer surfaces of each sandwich. If using a skillet, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter in the pan.
  • For the Panini add one sandwich at a time and press down firmly, cook for 5-8 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the outside is golden and crispy.
  • For the skillet, add one sandwich at a time and press down firmly using your makeshift press (second skillet, steak weight or foil wrapped brick). Cook each sandwich for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until you achieve a crispy, golden exterior and the cheese has melted.
  • Cut each sandwich diagonally and serve immediately. Serve with additional pickles and yellow mustard on the side. Enjoy!

Last Step:

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Equipment

Nutrition

Calories: 1.754kcal | Carbohydrates: 118g | Protein: 102g | Fat: 98g | Saturated Fat: 44g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 26g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 329mg | Sodium: 6.647mg | Potassium: 1.083mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 2.328IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 1.08mg | Iron: 10mg

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1 thought on “Cuban Sandwich Recipe”

  1. Come to Tampa,Florida for a true Cuban
    Native Floridian and never have I heard of pepper on a Cuban .
    The true Cuban is not thick with meat ,
    The meat is baked ham, slow roasted marinated pork . The cheese is Swiss and mustard is the condiment ( not saucy either) and of the star of the show is the Cuban bread ! This sandwich can be eaten cold or pressed ! Thanks and be well !