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The classic Cuban Sandwich (Cubano) ~ a hearty and delicious combination of sweet ham, juicy tender pork, melted Swiss cheese, dill pickles with a nice bite from a slathering of yellow mustard.
Apparently, the original Cuban sandwich was invented in a Key West cafe, popular with the local Cuban workers. That first Cubano sandwich was made with salami, but later ham became the standard.
It’s hard to resist this cheesy, meaty, flavorful sandwich.
You probably knew this amazing sandwich would be the next after posting the wonderful, flavorful Grilled Cuban Mojo-Marinated Pork Tenderloin last week. The lime, citrus and garlic marinade adds incredible flavor to the pork, and this sandwich. This hearty sandwich is loaded with meat and cheesy goodness; nobody goes away hungry!
The Cuban is a pressed, or grilled sandwich typically made with hard-to-find Cuban bread which is similar to a French or Italian loaf.
First, I used an Italian loaf for this recipe, and trimmed off the top and bottom crusts. The bread is lightly buttered and the sandwich assembled. Next, cook the sandwich in a skillet and sear the bread pressing firmly until the cheese is melted and the bread toasted. To press your sandwich place a heavy skillet (like cast iron) on top of the sandwich while cooking or if you have a panini press, that will work great too!
If you’ve traveled in the Miami area, perhaps you’ve had a great Cuban sandwich served with chips and a cold beer. Sounds like summer perfection to me! However, if you don’t want to go all the way to Miami to enjoy a terrific Cuban sandwich, I’ve got your recipe right here!
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A hearty and delicious combination of sweet ham, juicy tender pork, melted Swiss cheese, dill pickles with a nice bite from a slathering of yellow mustard.
- loaf Italian, French or Cuban bread
- 1 ounce unsalted butter
- 1 ounce yellow mustard
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 6 slices sweet (honey) ham
- 6 slices dill pickles
- 8 slices roasted pork or pork tenderloin
Remove the crusty top and bottom of half a loaf of Italian bread and cut in half (each piece should be about 6-inches long.) Cut the pieces in half lengthwise, and butter the top and bottom of the bread.
Generously spread mustard on the inside of each slice then layer 4 slices of Swiss cheese over the mustard. Divide the pickles, ham, and pork on the two sandwiches then top with the remaining Swiss cheese.
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the sandwiches. Reduce the heat slightly and cook until the bottom is lightly browned. Carefully turn the sandwich over and "press" the Cuban using a heavy skillet or other clean heat proof pan. Cook until the cheese is melted and both sides are browned.
Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve with chips and a cold beer if desired.
A not-too-crusty Ciabatta loaf would work well here too.
Use a panini press if you have one.
I love the occasional sandwich, and especially a meaty one with cheese like this Cuban. It’s a nice splurge that completely satisfies, plus it’s easy to make, too. This Cuban sandwich is good enough to serve at an informal gathering of friends. Each of the components for this sandwich can be prepared a head of time making it great for entertaining.
Check out our favorite panini pan below: (click on the photo for more information)
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Finally, there is something about a classic sandwich that keep me coming back for more. These Homemade (Baked) Chick-Fil-A Sandwiches from Barefeet in the Kitchen have been on my list of must-make recipes forever! Another crazy delicious ham & cheese variation is this Monte Cristo Sandwich from She Wears Many Hats. Amy says they make an amazing breakfast sandwich too! Yummy stuff. And I could never resist a big bite of this beautiful Grilled Chicken Cordon Blue Sandwich from The Cookie Rookie.
Susan says
I’m drooling! How delicious this sandwich looks and perfect with a refreshing beer chaser 🙂 Great pics, Tricia!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Susan – it’s popular sandwich for good reason! And yes, the cold beer isn’t bad either 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
Wendy says
A Cuban sandwich is my mother’s favorite! She orders it whenever it is available. I am delighted that you created a recipe so that I can make this for her on my visit ! Thank you!
Liz says
I’ve been dying to make a Cubano ever since I tried my first one, but never could find the right bread. I’m giving up on the search and using an Italian loaf. Yours looks amazing and it’s definitely an inspiration!!! Pinning!!!
Tricia Buice says
I gave up on trying to find the Cuban bread Liz – but loved it made with the Italian loaf. Enjoy!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
Love a good Cuban sandwich! Never had one until we moved to Tampa in the 90s, then fell in love with them. Such a wonderful flavor, and you’ve captured it all. Really good recipe — thanks.
Tricia Buice says
Thank you John! It’s a classic 🙂
[email protected] is How I Cook says
My man would be very happy with this man sandwich! I’ve never tried one but your photos sure are enticing!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Abbe! My husband was thrilled 🙂 Have a terrific week and hope all the home improvement projects get finished soon 🙂
cheri says
Saw this first on IG, what a beautiful sandwich Tricia, I think you captured it’s essence perfectly. Great idea to cut off the crust to make it more authentic! hope you are having a great week.
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Cheri 🙂 My husband went nuts for this sandwich and said it was one of his favorite savory recipes ever – guess that’s a good thing? Haha – have a great week!
Monica says
It’s so hot here right now that it feels like Miami and now you’ve got me craving the amazing Cuban food we had there! This sandwich is a total knockout…looks really scrumptious! A great sandwich is a perfect meal, especially in the summer.
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Monica! I was thinking of you when I wrote about Miami – wondering if you had one while in the deep south 🙂 It’s hot here too – crazy summer already!
Gerlinde says
I have been wanting to eat sandwiches lately and this one fits the bill. It looks absolutely delicious!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Gerlinde – sandwiches appeal to me more in summer for some reason. This is a hearty, easy and delicious treat for sure!
Melissa Griffiths says
I love me a good sandwich, and this one looks to die for!
Tricia Buice says
Me too Melissa – thanks so much for visiting and commenting 🙂
Larry says
After accidentally ending up in Little Havana we tried our first sandwich at an authentic Cuban place and have loved them since. Your version looks and sounds delicious.
Tricia Buice says
How fun Larry – we adore those little discoveries and food memories!
Monique says
I love the pickles IN it..and the cheese..mouth watering:) Thank you
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Monique!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
Oh yeah, this is what I call a sandwich! Love the layers, love the drippy cheese, love the pickles!! I even have one of those electric sandwich grill/press gadgets in my cupboard, I’m going to haul it out for this, thanks Tricia, pinning and sharing!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Sue! I want an electric grill/press too – 🙂 But then I guess I’d be eating more sandwiches and have to work out more haha – thanks so much for sharing!
Lisa @ Wine & Glue says
This looks *incredible* My husband and I love Cuban sandwiches so much! I can’t wait to try this!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Lisa! Hope you had a lovely weekend.
Chris Scheuer says
It’s 7:30 in the morning and you’ve got my mouth watering Tricia! What a wonderful way to use up your leftover pork! I’m not crazy about leftover pork tenderloin as a meal, but this is fantastic!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Chris – I’m afraid there are no safe leftovers in our house. My husband will eat just about anything, cold too!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
When it comes to sandwiches, I say go big or go home! So yes, I’m drooling over this one 🙂 Such a great combination and flavours and so pretty, too!
Tricia Buice says
Haha – thick and meaty is a favorite of ours too 🙂 Thank you Jennifer!
tanna says
YUM! Sometimes there’s just nothing like a good sandwich! blessings ~ tanna
Tricia Buice says
Amen Tanna! Have a lovely week!
[email protected]'s Recipes says
That looks like a real man’s sandwich! I am drooling at that cheese layer, Tricia.
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Angie! It is a tasty sandwich and very filling too.
Ella says
Women are allowed to have big appetites! We can also have careers and use tools and lift heavy things.
Tricia Buice says
Haha – thanks Ella!