Cuban Sandwich Cubano Recipe

If you’re looking to transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Havana, you can’t miss the ultimate Cuban Sandwich Cubano. Golden bread, luscious layers of mojo-marinated pork, smoky ham, melted Swiss Gruyere, punchy pickles, and creamy mustard-mayo sauce—this sandwich is far more than the sum of its parts. Every bite brings crunch, tang, juiciness, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re hosting friends or just channeling your inner sandwich artist, this recipe for Cuban Sandwich Cubano will set the new gold standard in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a classic Cuban Sandwich Cubano is that it’s lovingly built from simple but high-impact ingredients, with each element adding a distinct note to the medley of color, texture, and flavor. Take a moment to source good bread and quality meats—your effort will pay off with every mouthwatering bite.

• Cuban loaf, wide Italian or French bread (1 pound): The foundation! Choose a loaf with a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior—authentic Cuban bread is ideal, but a wide French or Italian loaf works if that’s what’s on hand.
• Butter (2-4 tablespoons, softened): Essential for achieving that signature golden, crackly crust. Use more if you’re grilling or using a panini press for extra decadence.
• Yellow deli mustard (3 tablespoons): The tang and sharpness cut through the richness of the meats and cheese, balancing the flavors perfectly.
• Mayonnaise (3 tablespoons): Blends seamlessly with mustard and mojo, lending a creamy, luscious finish to every bite.
• Reserved unused mojo pork marinade (1 1/2 tablespoons): Adds a bright, garlicky punch—be sure to use the marinade only from a freshly made batch, set aside before the pork is cooked.
• Swiss Gruyere cheese (8 ounces, thinly sliced): Melts magnificently, enveloping the other fillings with its nutty character.
• Dill pickles (4 large, thinly sliced): Bring zing and crispness—layer generously for max flavor and texture contrast.
• Mojo Cuban roast pork (1 pound, sliced): The star ingredient! Cooked with plenty of citrus, garlic, and herbs, it’s what truly defines the Cuban Sandwich Cubano.
• Black Forest or smoked ham (6 ounces, thinly sliced): Adds smoky-salty depth and heartiness to round out the sandwich.

How to Make Cuban Sandwich Cubano

Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Bread

Start by slicing your bread in half lengthwise, then cut each piece in half vertically to create the perfect canvas for those luscious layers. Heat your panini press, grill pan, or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if necessary, toast the cut sides of all bread halves until they’re golden and crisp—around 2 minutes. This simple step ensures your Cuban Sandwich Cubano is never soggy, only irresistibly crunchy from the first bite to the last.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Mojo Mustard Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the yellow deli mustard, mayonnaise, and reserved mojo pork marinade. (Tip: Reserve this marinade from your mojo pork before you cook the meat!) The sauce should be tangy, garlicky, and creamy—a spread that will seep into every nook and cranny, infusing your sandwich with signature Cuban flavors.

Step 3: Layer on the Goodness

On the bottom of each toasted loaf, spread generous amounts of your sauce. Start with a quarter of the cheese, followed by half the pickles, half the sliced roast pork, then half the ham. Top that melting tower of flavor with another layer of cheese—this sandwich glues itself together as it presses, thanks to the cheese! Repeat the layers for the second half of your Cuban Sandwich Cubano.

Step 4: Grill or Press to Perfection (Panini Press Method)

Heat your panini press over medium. Brush both the top and bottom plates with butter for that extra golden finish. Place the sandwich inside and grill for about 6 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese transforms into molten deliciousness. If you’re using a press, there’s no need to flip—just let the magic happen.

Step 5: Cook in a Skillet (Alternative Method)

No panini press? No problem! Brush your grill pan with softened butter, or melt a tablespoon of butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Place your sandwich in the pan, then set another (clean) cast iron skillet right on top to press it down. If you don’t have a second skillet, fill a lighter pan with cans. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then brush more butter on the top side, flip, re-press, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is toasted and the cheese has surrendered to oozy bliss. Repeat for the second sandwich and slice each one in half or quarters for sharing.

How to Serve Cuban Sandwich Cubano

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, sometimes simple is best. Serve your Cuban Sandwich Cubano with a few extra pickle slices on the side and perhaps a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a hint of bright, fresh green. If you’re a citrus lover, a wedge of lime can be a zippy addition to squeeze over the sandwich just before eating.

Side Dishes

Classic pairings make this sandwich an event: think crispy plantain chips, a cool avocado salad, or even a small cup of black bean soup. For the true Miami café experience with your Cuban Sandwich Cubano, nothing beats a pile of hot, crunchy yucca fries served right alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cuban Sandwich Cubano into sliders for a party platter—just cut smaller bread, layer and press as usual, then skewer each mini sandwich with a pickle on top. For a picnic-ready vibe, wrap each warm sandwich half in parchment paper and tie with baker’s twine. It’s a surprisingly beautiful way to present what’s truly the king of all pressed sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

(Store any leftover Cuban Sandwich Cubano tightly wrapped in foil or cling wrap.) Refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sandwich will soften in texture, but it still makes an incredibly tasty cold snack, or, with proper reheating, you can revive that crispy exterior.

Freezing

If you want to stash extra sandwiches for later, assemble but do not grill them. Wrap each Cuban Sandwich Cubano tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw completely in the refrigerator before grilling as usual.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated or thawed sandwiches, preheat your oven to 350°F. Unwrap and place the sandwich on a baking sheet, pressing it down with a heavy oven-safe skillet for best results. Warm for 10-15 minutes until the sandwich is heated through and the cheese is once again gooey—your Cuban Sandwich Cubano will taste almost as good as the day it was made!

FAQs

What is the difference between a Cuban Sandwich Cubano and a regular ham and cheese sandwich?

The Cuban Sandwich Cubano uses layers of mojo-marinated pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and that essential mustard-mayo-mojo sauce, all pressed inside crusty bread. The combination of meats and sauce, plus the crunchy pressed bread, sets it apart from an ordinary ham and cheese.

Do I need a panini press to make this sandwich?

No! While a panini press gives your Cuban Sandwich Cubano that signature uniform crust and melt, a heavy skillet with another pan on top works perfectly. Just press firmly and cook each side to golden perfection.

Can I use regular pork instead of mojo pork?

Mojo-marinated pork really is the soul of the Cuban Sandwich Cubano. If you’re in a hurry, you can use leftover roasted pork, but marinate it with citrus, garlic, oregano, and cumin if possible for that authentic zing.

Is it okay to skip mayonnaise or mustard?

For a truly classic Cuban Sandwich Cubano flavor, don’t skip the mustard—it’s a crucial ingredient! Mayonnaise can be omitted if you must, but the creamy combo brings everything together. Play with ratios if you want, but both belong in the real deal.

What type of bread is best if I can’t find Cuban bread?

Look for a wide French or Italian loaf with a light, slightly crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. Avoid breads that are too dense or strongly flavored, which can overpower the fillings in your Cuban Sandwich Cubano.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made a Cuban Sandwich Cubano at home, now is your moment! It’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and Cuban spirit—perfect for sharing, savoring, or turning any ordinary meal into a little party. Gather your ingredients, press up a batch, and prepare for sandwich greatness!

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