How to Make the best Cuban (Cubano) Sandwich
A Cuban sandwich features savory roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese. dill pickles and mustard layered on Cuban bread. The sandwich is pressed and griddled until it is golden and crispy. It is definitely not your average “ham and cheese sandwich.” It will be one of the best sandwiches you have ever eaten.
The Cuban or Cubano sandwich has become a culinary staple found all across Florida. The origins of the classic sandwich is often debated between the cities of Key West, Tampa, and Miami. Even though some regional variations exist, like the addition of Genoa salami in Tampa, the preparation is pretty consistent.
This recipe is for the Miami version of the Cuban sandwich made without salami. This version is pressed and cooked until it is flat, crispy and the cheese is melted. Once you take that first crispy bite, you will be hooked.
Made with mojo marinated pork, thin sliced ham, and Swiss cheese, this flavor-packed sandwich also includes pickles and mustard. They add the needed zing to combat the richness.
A Cuban sandwich is a great way to use leftover roast pork. I suggest preparing the succulent Cuban pork dish called lechon asado one evening for dinner. There should be plenty of roast pork left for Cuban sandwiches the next day. You can choose to slice or shred the pork, it can be made both ways. For lunch, add plantain chips or fries on the side. Opt for black beans and rice or a green salad if you want a much bigger evening meal.
Miami-Style Cubano Sandwich
Serves 2, adjust the recipe accordingly
- 1 loaf Cuban bread or 2 individual 7 inch Cuban bread rolls (Italian or French bread can be substituted if Cuban bread is unavailable)*
- 3 – 4 Tbsp. mustard (yellow is traditional but I prefer Dijon)
- 6 slices of deli ham
- 6 or more slices of roasted Cuban pork (depending on thickness)
- 10 – 12 dill pickle chips (enough to have pickles in most every bite)
- 6 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 – 2 Tbsp. butter
*If using a loaf of bread, cut the loaf of bread into two pieces. Then, cut each half horizontally If you are using bread rolls, slice them horizontally.
- Spread about a tablespoon of mustard on each piece of bread.
- Layer slices of ham on the bottom then slices of the roast pork.
- Top with pickles, then the Swiss cheese.
- Melt butter in a large skillet and add the sandwiches.
- Weigh down with a heavy cast iron pan or something similar. (This will press the sandwiches and insure that they get nice and crispy)
- Cook until golden brown and the cheese is starting to melt, about 3 – 5 minutes.
- Turn the sandwiches and press. Continue cooking until golden brown and cheese has melted, about 3 minutes more.
- Remove to a cutting board and slice each in half diagonally.
Notes From The Kitchen:
Cuban bread or bread rolls can be difficult to find in certain parts of the world. If unavailable, you can substitute using a French or Italian bread roll. Yes, the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Yet, they are still a good substitute. It’s better than not making the sandwich at all.
Slice the meat thinly, whether you use roasted pork shoulder, pork loin, or pork tenderloin. This will make it easier to eat the sandwich.
Not many people will have a sandwich press. However, a heavy pot works just fine for pressing the Cuban sandwich.
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This decadent sandwich offers a delicious combination of textures and flavors. Many restaurants in Florida make a Cuban sandwich but when you make it at home you will have more options. Want some mayonnaise, why not. Or perhaps a drizzle of mojo, yes but don’t make the bread soggy. Don’t care for Swiss cheese, white american is a good melting cheese. I believe that once you try making this incredibly good sandwich at home, it will become a favorite.
I’ve got a large pork joint for dinner tomorow and home made dill pickle in the fridge. I will be making your Cuban Sandwich on Monday!
A nephew’s favorite – I will have to try and make it for him as he is an “expert” on this sandwich 🙂
Don’t think I have ever had a Cuban sandwich…looks so GOOD with melted cheese and ham.
Oh how I love Cuban sandwiches! So doggone delicious and this recipe is sublime. I think I’ve got Monday’s supper in hand now. Thanks!
I’ve always wanted to try a Cuban sandwich, where do you find/get the pork?
Jenna
i’m on my way to the bakery in a few minutes to pick up Cuban rolls. I’ll be making the Cubanos for dinner tonight and, of course, photographing them for a future blog. Thanks for your advice on cooking the pork… It worked perfectly! My recipe for the sandwiches is based on the movie “Chef” but obviously is pretty identical to yours. Although, I am using the yellow mustard (even though I, too, prefer Dijon). I’m so excited to have the sandwiches! And see yours and how perfectly they came out.
Hello Karen, I made these a few years ago for an alfresco dinner party. Everyone loved them. I wrapped a brick in foil to flatten the sandwiches. They are wonderful.
Hi Karen!! Hope you’re doing well! Your Cuban sandwich looks delicious! We need to try your recipe soon! 🙂
A totally different ham-and-cheese sandwich to any I have sighted – most interesting! Was not aware there was an entity called ‘Cuban bread’ and have never seen pork and ham in the one dish together . , , am learning .. . thanks!
I love Cuban sandwich! Looks so delicious!
Karen, I have never tried a Cuban sandwich. Yours looks and sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
While I know longer have a strong desire to travel, the one trip I still think about is a drive across the southern part of the US from west to east eating all the great southern food and foods influenced by your southern neighbours. Then I’d drive north to New York for sandwiches and pizza.
I expect I’d need to buy bigger waisted trousers each time I cross a state border.
That should have been “no longer”
I’ve never had a Cuban sandwich and after seeing the ingredients, I wonder why not! It looks fantastic!
sure, i could go for the cheese and pickles and mustard but no to the piggy bits. I do enjoy a cheese toastie tho :=)
sherry https://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/
Looks just right and we really enjoy a good Cuban sandwich. We had our first one many years ago after ending up in Miami’s Little Havana by mistake and being hungry.
Both Joe and I love Cuban sandwiches. We don’t always find the perfect roll but it always tastes good. This reminds me of a Cubano we had a few years ago in the Florida Keys; Oh My it was so delicious! Now I want to go make one.
Your Cuban sandwich sounds delicious! I had one in Ft. Lauderdale once and I enjoyed it. Happy August!
I can see it would be a favourite! We don’t often see Cuban sandwiches in uk.
Layers of deliciousness made to perfection!
The Cubano is such a classic, and a perfect example of the elegance in simplicity. The beauty of it is who uncomplicated the whole assembly is, and how well everything harmonizes.
I have never heard of Cuban bread – I will look for a recipe for it. I have considered using my waffle maker as a sandwich press, as I am sure it will work 🙂
There is really nothing like a good, old fashioned Cubano sandwich. We only have a couple of Cuban restaurants in Toronto so it’s good to have a delicious recipe on hand.
Cuban sandwiches really are delicious. And that’s coming from someone who isn’t a big fan of sandwiches in general!
I’ve yet to try these but I’m very willing – they look yummy.
Amalia
xo
This sounds like a great recipe for sandwich Cubano – and thanks to Janis for sharing the link. I especially like the notes at the end – with tips for other bread options and ways to press the sandwich without a press.
Karen, you’ve got me craving a proper Cubano right now! I love how you’ve broken down the Miami-style version so clearly, and that tip about using leftover lechon asado is spot on, nothing beats the combo of crispy bread, tangy pickles, and juicy pork.
Seriously delicious and have not made a Cubano in ages. Need to sort that out straight away. Healthy World Cuisine
You are killing me with these pork recipes. Well, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but my mouth sure is watering.
This is such a Florida classic, Karen! I don’t personally eat pork but all the guys in my family love it so I’m super excited to try this recipe and surprise them. They’ll be over the moon! Hugs, CoCo
My husband would scarf this up. He is a total sandwich fiend, and this one is right up his alley.
Oooh, so delicious! Very well prepared, Karen.
I loved these down in FL.
I am a big fan of Cuban Sandwiches but my husband is crazy for them. Why have I never tried to make them…
I have made your Miami Cuban sandwich recipe before with the Dijon, would not change a thing! OMG! Thank you, it is now our family Cuban sandwich recipe. 😋