Craving a sandwich that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with incredible flavor? Look no further than the classic Cuban sandwich! Today I’m going to show you how to easily make a delicious Cuban sandwich.
This simple yet satisfying dish is a staple in Cuban cuisine, and with just a few key ingredients, you can recreate it right at home.
While traveling one year in New York City, we headed over to the John Derian store which is always one of my favorite shops to visit. While walking, we passed a little lunch place that was packed full of people, all eating these yummy sandwiches, elote corn, and other drool worthy finds. We decided to stop in.
Since then, every time I think about New York, I dream of that sandwich. Whenever we travel and eat something delicious, I often try and recreate it at home.
Since we sometimes roast a pork shoulder, this is the thing we will always end up making with leftover pulled pork. It was so fun to recreate it and I have made many versions since.
Let’s answer a few questions and then we can get eating!
What is a cuban sandwich made of?
A traditional cuban sandwich is classically made of roast pork, ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard all grilled to perfection in a heavy skillet or panini press. I do love the grill marks, so if you have a press, I prefer this method.
What is the best bread for a cuban sandwich?
Of course, when you’re in Cuba or traveling to an authentic restaurant, the bread will be a bit different. But to recreate one at home, at your local grocery store you will want to find a soft french style loaf, or soft Italian bread that will grill up nice and allow the insides of the sandwich to sing.
Trader Joe’s actually makes a single soft sandwich roll that works really well. It is the right size and is super soft. It can also be hollowed out a bit if preferred. If you have access to a great authentic bakery, ask for a sweet cuban bread. But this sandwich is best made with a white flour bread.
What’s the difference between a Cuban sandwich and a Cubano sandwich?
You might see either of these names, but don’t be confused. They are the same hearty sandwich. Every time I see Cubano sandwiches listed on a menu, my mouth starts watering.
It’s the ultimate sandwich with layers of melty cheese and yummy pork and more. This sandwich satisfies on many levels and makes a hearty meal for lunch or dinner.
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What type of ham should I use for a Cuban sandwich?
The easy answer is, what you have in your fridge so you can get eating a Cuban sandwich soon. But if you’re shopping for ingredients, look for a honey ham or black forest ham. I’m not a huge fan of the boiled ham, but you choose what you like. I have even replaced it for Genoa Salami in a pinch. For the ultimate pork sandwich, simply buy the best ham that you like.
How to make the perfect Cuban sandwich?
If you’re hungry, let’s head right into the best Cuban Sandwich recipe. Grab these ingredients and you’ll be eating the best cuban sandwiches in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of soft Cuban, Italian, or French bread
- 1 pound of roast pork, sliced thin or shredded
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of cheese
- 3-4 dill pickles, sliced
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- pinch of paprika, chili powder or cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prep the sauce
Mix the mustard and mayonnaise together until well incorporated. Add a pinch of spice to your liking. I have even added a squeeze of lime juice in the past, and it adds a nice little tang that speaks to the flavors. You can use a brown mustard or dijon if you like. If you don’t like mayonnaise, you can even just keep your yellow mustard pure and enjoy that way. But I feel a tangy mustard really makes the sandwich.
Slice the bread
Slice the bread lengthwise. If the bread you have purchased is too thick, you can hollow it out slightly, but leave a good amount of the soft bread intact. It will be getting smashed down in the panini press anyway. Slather the bread on both sides with your plain mustard or mustard sauce.
Prep the insides
Let’s talk pickles for a minute. Pickles are an essential ingredient of a cuban sandwich, so if you’re a hater, you may not love this. But I am always willing to try things in restaurants “how they are supposed to be made” even if I don’t love an ingredient. I realize that sometimes things come together in the most harmonious way and really add to the flavor. So I urge you to try it out.
I also prefer classic dill style pickles on this sandwich. Normally I love butter pickles, but avoid them here. I feel they are a bit too flavorful in a strange way that does nothing for me in a Cuban. Pat the pickles dry.
Separate the ham and cheese slices, and make sure your roasted pork is nicely shredded. If you don’t ever roast any types of pork yourself, you can buy ready-made pulled pork at Costco and probably your local grocery store as well. This makes the sandwich super easy to put together.
Layer on the insides
Start by layering the pork roast on one half of the bread. If you have really juicy pork, strain it enough so you don’t end up with too much juice that makes your loaf of bread soggy before it toasts. Next place the best ham you can get, along with the cheese slices, and the pickles.
I like the pickles next to the cheese because the flavors meld well, and when the cheese melts, it holds the pickles in. You can even layer, one slice of cheese and pickles on both insides of the bread so they melt on the outsides to hold all the yummy ingredients in.
Press and toast
If you have a panini press, now is the time to get it out! If you don’t, simply use a skillet that you normally use to make your grilled sandwiches. I like one with ridges. The thing about a cuban sandwich though, it needs weight on the top to smash the ingredients down and grill, as this is a pressed sandwich. So if you have a heavy cast iron pan, use that on top of the sandwich to keep it tight so the internal temperature can heat through fully.
If you like buttery bread, and who doesn’t? Simply grease your pan with a bit of butter as needed. This is generally not needed on the panini press as most are non-stick. Place the whole thing in the pan, and cover with the heavy pan to smash it down, panini style until golden brown. Grill over medium heat, watching to make sure you don’t burn your sandwich! It should be melty and yummy after about 3 minutes on each side.
Serve and enjoy your Cuban sandwich
Once everything is completely heated through, remove your sandwich to a cutting board, and cut in half. Enjoy all that cheesy goodness! This is such a great sandwich. Serve with extra pickles, and your favorite sandwich side.
I hope you try this yummy sandwich. It’s so good. To be inspired from other recipes, DIYs, and lifestyle hacks, follow me on these platforms.
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Thanks so much Kim for sharing. Enjoy this yummy sandwich!
Jill, this looks so yummy! My husband loves Cuban sammies and I am definitely going to try your recipe. Sharing this week on my Mitten Moments. Have a great weekend, friend! 💚
If you need a quick shredded pork option, try Costco’s version. Let me know how it goes.
That looks amazing! We both love Cuban sandwiches, but I have never made them. I’ll have to give them a try!