How To Make Cuban Sandwich Recipe

 

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A Crispy, Juicy, Irresistible Bite of Florida’s Favorite Handheld Delight

If you've ever sunk your teeth into a warm, toasty Cuban sandwich, then you already know—it’s more than just a sandwich. It's a crispy, juicy, cheesy bite of Cuban-American history. This classic handheld has roots in Tampa and Miami but has made its way into kitchens across the country. And today, you’re going to learn how to make a Cuban sandwich recipe that’s authentic, flavorful, and totally drool-worthy.

Whether you're prepping for a weekend gathering, a fun lunch idea, or just looking to treat yourself, this sandwich recipe is going to change your sandwich game forever.

What Is a Cuban Sandwich?

A Cuban sandwich, or “Cubano,” is a pressed sandwich that traditionally includes roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard, all tucked into fresh Cuban bread. It's toasted to golden perfection using a sandwich press called a plancha, but a skillet or panini press works just fine too.

This sandwich is the epitome of comfort food—salty, tangy, crunchy, and satisfying in every bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the perfect Cuban sandwich recipe, gather these ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• Cuban bread (or French bread if you can’t find Cuban bread)

• Yellow mustard

• Dill pickles (sliced lengthwise)

• Swiss cheese (2 slices per sandwich)

• Sweet or smoked ham (thinly sliced)

• Mojo roast pork (homemade or store-bought)

Optional (but recommended):

• Butter for grilling the bread

• Garlic aioli for a flavor boost (non-traditional but delicious)

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Step-by-Step: How To Make Cuban Sandwich Recipe at Home

1. Prep the Bread

Start with fresh Cuban bread, if available. If not, opt for soft French or Italian bread with a crisp crust. Slice it lengthwise and lightly butter the outside of each half. This step ensures that iconic golden crunch.

2. Spread the Mustard

Generously slather yellow mustard on the inside of both halves of the bread. Don’t skip this step—mustard adds the tangy depth that balances the rich meats and cheese.

3. Layer the Meats and Cheese

Now comes the layering:

• Add 2 slices of Swiss cheese

• Follow with a generous amount of sliced ham

• Then pile on that juicy mojo pork

• Add the pickle slices to give it that signature crunch and zing

Top it all with the second piece of bread, mustard side down.

4. Press and Grill

If you have a sandwich press or panini maker, use it. Otherwise, heat a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and press it down with another heavy pan or a foil-wrapped brick.

Grill for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Tips for the Best Cuban Sandwich

• Use mojo pork: Marinate pork shoulder in a citrus-garlic marinade for 12–24 hours, then roast low and slow. The flavor is unmatched.

• Don’t overstuff: Balance is key. Too much filling can make the sandwich fall apart.

• Press it properly: A tight press makes a huge difference in texture.

• Use real Cuban bread if you can get your hands on it—authenticity matters here.

How To Make Mojo Pork (Optional but Authentic!)

Here’s a quick recipe if you want to go the extra mile with homemade mojo pork:

Mojo Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

• Mix all marinade ingredients.

• Marinate 2 lbs of pork shoulder for 12–24 hours.

• Roast at 325°F for 3 hours or until tender.

• Let cool and slice thinly.

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Why This Sandwich Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box

There’s something magical about the contrast between the warm, melty inside and the crispy, buttery crust. The saltiness of the ham, the richness of the pork, the sharpness of the Swiss cheese, and the acidity from the pickles—it all comes together in perfect harmony.

Not to mention, this Cuban sandwich recipe is perfect for:

• Weekend brunches

• Game day snacks

• Family dinners

• Meal prep sandwiches

Plus, once you learn how to make it at home, you'll never want to settle for a store-bought version again.

Variations You Can Try

While purists might disagree, there’s always room for some fun twists:

• Turkey Cuban – Swap out pork for roasted turkey breast

• Vegetarian Cuban – Use grilled mushrooms and vegan cheese

• Spicy Cuban – Add jalapeños or spicy mustard

• Breakfast Cuban – Add a fried egg and enjoy it in the morning

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make a Cuban sandwich recipe is more than just mastering a dish—it's embracing culture, tradition, and flavor. Whether you're sharing it with friends or savoring it solo, the Cuban sandwich brings the joy of great food right to your fingertips.

Don’t forget to press it right, layer with love, and serve it hot and crispy!

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