traditional cuban sandwich recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best traditional cuban sandwich recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my take on the traditional Cuban sandwich recipe. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it. The combination of flavors and textures is absolute perfection.

I love how the crispy bread gives way to the tender ham, roasted pork, and melted cheese. It’s a true delight for the senses. My family and I have always been huge fans of this recipe, and we’ve even started making it for special occasions like birthday parties and holiday gatherings.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to get in some extra protein and healthy fats.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how quick and easy this recipe is to whip up on a weeknight or during the weekend. My kids adore it, and it’s always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings. In fact, I’ve even started serving it at our weekly family dinner nights.

The kids love how the flavors all come together in perfect harmony. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in some delicious comfort food? I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, but I still get excited every time I take that first bite.

There’s something about the combination of flavors that just hits all the right notes. And did I mention how versatile it is? You can serve it as is or add some extra toppings like pickles or mustard for an added burst of flavor.

Traditional Cuban Sandwich

4.7 from 1763 votes

A classic Cuban sandwich filled with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles, then pressed to perfection. Served on crusty Cuban bread, this sandwich is a flavorful delight.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

1 lb pork shoulder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sandwich

4 sub rolls or Cuban bread
1/2 lb ham
1/2 lb Swiss cheese
1/2 cup yellow mustard
1/2 cup dill pickles
1/2 cup pickle juice

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2Trim the pork shoulder of excess fat.
3In a small bowl, mix salt, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.
4Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.
5Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6Add the pork and sear on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
7Place the pork in a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
9While the pork is roasting, prepare the sandwich components.
10Slice the ham and Swiss cheese.
11Spread yellow mustard on the inside of each sub roll.
12Layer the sliced ham, roasted pork, and Swiss cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
13Place pickles on top of the cheese and drizzle with pickle juice.
14Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich.
15Preheat a panini press or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
16Place the sandwiches in the panini press or skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
17If using a skillet, place a heavy object on top of the sandwich to press it down.
18Flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
19Serve the Cuban sandwiches hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Panini press or heavy skillet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat bread for a healthier option. For a spicier sandwich, add sliced jalapeños or a layer of sliced avocado.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Cuban Sandwich Works

This traditional Cuban sandwich recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want something special for a family gathering or party.

The key is to keep things simple yet flavorful with ingredients like ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on crispy bread.

You can even customize this recipe by adding your own favorite toppings or substitutions – just be sure to balance out the flavors so nothing overpowers everything else.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Sandwich

What is a traditional Cuban sandwich?

A traditional Cuban sandwich, also known as a Cubano, is a pressed sandwich made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard served on crispy bread.

What kind of bread should I use?

You’ll want to use a crusty bread that can hold up to the fillings – something like a baguette or ciabatta works perfectly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Do I need to press the sandwich?

While pressing the sandwich isn’t strictly necessary, it does help bring all the flavors together and gives it that signature Cubano texture.

Can I customize this recipe?

Sure thing! Feel free to add your own favorite toppings or substitutions – just be sure to balance out the flavors so nothing overpowers everything else.

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