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Cuban Sandwich Recipe

The Cuban Sandwich, or Cubano sandwich recipe, is a symphony of flavors and textures. This sandwich features tender Cuban pork, savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and sharp mustard, all pressed between crispy, crusty bread.

 

Main image for Cuban Sandwich Recipe

 

I love a great sandwich. And some of my favorite sandwiches are pressed sandwiches, or paninis.

Paninis are just a grown up grilled cheese sandwich. Perfect melty cheese, crispy outsides, and stuffed with your favorite flavors.

This Cuban sandwich recipe is a pork lovers dream. It uses perfect Cuban pork that is great on its own for dinner and also uses your favorite ham.

Cubano sandwiches combine smoky, savory, and tangy elements, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.

I have served it as a hearty lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a party treat.

The contrast between the crispy, pressed bread and the tender, juicy pork and melty cheese gives you a perfect texture that makes every bite a delight.

And this is the best cuban sandwich recipe because the cuban pork is homemade. Making it from scratch elevates this sandwich, giving it an authentic and rich taste.

 

Spices rubbed all over pork loin before cooking.

 

What is a Cuban Sandwich?

A Cuban Sandwich, or Cubano, is a traditional sandwich that originated in Cuba and became popular among Cuban-American communities, particularly in Florida neighborhoods such as Key West.

It features pork roast, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, which is then pressed and toasted to perfection.

If you like pork roast, you should try this Apple Pork Roast Slow Cooker, Crock Pot Carnitas and Pork Tenderloin with Fennel

 

Juices added to tenderloin and then cooked.

 

Who Invented the Cuban Sandwich?

The exact origins of the Cuban Sandwich are debated, but it is believed to have been created by Cuban immigrants in Florida in the late 19th or early 20th century.

Cities like Tampa and Miami each claim to be the birthplace of this beloved sandwich.

 

Cooked pork loin sliced on a cutting board.

 

What Ingredients are in This Cuban Sandwich Recipe?

  • Pork Tenderloin: The base of the Cuban pork, providing a tender and flavorful meat.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to sear the pork and adds a rich taste.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pork.
  • Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.
  • Cumin: Provides an earthy, warm flavor.
  • Oregano: Adds a herbaceous note; fresh herbs will add a more vibrant flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick of heat; adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
  • Lime Juice: Brings a bright, tangy flavor to the marinade; fresh squeezed will give the best taste.
  • Orange Juice: Adds sweetness and balances the acidity of the lime; fresh juice will give a more natural flavor.
  • Crusty Bread: The foundation of the sandwich, an essential ingredient. Ideally use sweet Cuban bread.
  • Yellow Mustard: Adds tanginess and complements the rich meats and cheese.
  • Deli Ham: Provides a savory, smoky element.
  • Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor; aged swiss will bring a deeper flavor
  • Bread and Butter Pickles: Add sweetness and tanginess.

Pro Tips:

  • Different kinds of pork do different things. Pork shoulder is fattier and needs longer cooking time. Tenderloin works best for shorter cooking and slicing for sandwiches.
  • If Cuban bread is unavailable, use a good quality French bread or Italian bread.
  • If you have a honey ham other leftover ham, use it in this sandwich! It adds great flavor to these traditional Cuban sandwiches. 
  • Spread a generous layer of mustard to ensure every bite has a burst of flavor.
  • Ensure the pickles are well-drained to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.

 

sliced cuban pork loin on top of mustard on bread.

 

How to Make a Cuban Sandwich?

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the spice mixture.
  2. Rub the pork with olive oil and the spice mixture, then sear until browned.
  3. Cook the pork with lime and orange juices until done, then slice.
  4. Slice the bread and spread mustard on one side.
  5. Layer the roasted pork, ham, cheese, and pickles on the bread.
  6. Place the top piece of bread, brush the outside of the bread with olive oil, and grill on a sandwich press.
  7. Serve when the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and golden brown.

Pro Tip: This cubano recipe uses a panini press to achieve the signature crispy crust. Use a cast iron skillet or other heavy skillet if you don’t have a panini press to press the sandwich while grilling.

 

Ham and swiss cheese layered on top of sliced pork loin.

 

Are Cuban Sandwiches Healthy?

Cuban Sandwiches offer a good balance of protein from the Cuban roast pork and ham, calcium from the cheese, and fiber from the bread and pickles.

However, they can be high in sodium and fat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What Kind of Pickles Go on a Cuban Sandwich?

Bread and butter pickles are the traditional pickles that go on Cuban Sandwiches.

They provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory meats and cheese.

However, you can also use dill pickles if you prefer a more sour taste.

 

Pickled placed on top of swiss cheese on sandwich.

 

How to Store a Cuban Sandwich?

If you have leftover Cuban Sandwiches, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator.

This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out.

What to Serve with a Cuban Sandwich?

This Cuban Sandwich Recipe can be served with a variety of sides.

We recommend serving it with the following:

 

Grilled sandwich on parchment paper.

 

How to Reheat a Cuban Sandwich?

To reheat this pork Cuban Sandwich Recipe the next day, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

You can also use a panini press or a skillet to reheat and restore the crispiness of the bread.

 

top angled view of sliced sandwich stacked on top of each other.

 

If you want the ultimate sandwich, you need to try this Cuban Sandwich Recipe.

With 2 kinds of meat and great flavors, you will enjoy a taste of Cuban heritage with this hearty sandwich, which brings a touch of Havana to your kitchen

 

top angled view of sliced sandwich stacked on top of each other.

Cubano Sandwich

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

This Cuban Sandwich recipe features marinated pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on crusty bread, grilled to perfection. Perfect for a taste of Cuba!

Instructions

Cuban Pork

  1. Preheat oven to 425*F
  2. Combine all spices together.
  3. Rub olive oil, then rub spice mixture all over pork tenderloin.
  4. Sear over medium high heat to brown meat.
  5. Add orange and lime juices and pork tenderloin to covered dish and cook for 15-20 min or until internal temperature is between 145-160 degrees.
  6. Slice pork.

Cuban Sandwiches

  1. Slice bread.
  2. Spread one side of bread with yellow mustard.
  3. Layer pork slices, 3-4 slices of ham, 3 slices of Swiss cheese, and pickles on top of mustard.
  4. Top with another slice of bread.
  5. Brush top and bottom of bread with olive oil, and grill on panini press.
  6. When cheese is melted, your panini is ready.

Originally Posted: February 16, 2017

Photos & Text Updated: December 10, 2024

This Cuban Sandwich is packed with flavor -- a mouthwatering combination of Cuban pork, ham, swiss cheese, and pickles, grilled to golden perfection!

Sharing is caring!

Judy McGinty

Friday 17th of May 2024

That is really how a Cuban sandwich is made, except on Cuban bread. I have asked at restaurants what goes in one. You would be surprised. One had mayo, lettuce, tomato. One has, as far as I let them tell me, sausage and egg. I was afraid to find out what else went. I was raised on these good Cuban sandwiches and can not get Cuban bread where I live but wish I could.

Leona Olson

Saturday 2nd of June 2018

I make a pork loin sandwich last week and now I need to make one with this recipe. Thanks for the info.

medinagrillo

Friday 3rd of March 2017

This looks delicious!!

Regan

Thursday 2nd of March 2017

Featuring on Family Fun Friday! Yum.

http://www.happyandblessedhome.com/comfort-food-7-delicious-recipes/

Julie is Hostess At Heart

Wednesday 1st of March 2017

That is one beautiful sandwich! I love a good Cubano and will have to give this one a try.

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