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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.

Mustard spread on one half of a loaf of bread and ham and pulled pork on the other

Two halves of a loaf of bread, one with meat and cheese, the other with mustard.

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

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