Cuban sandwiches are a delightful treat that many people adore. An authentic Cuban sandwich features layers of marinated roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between crispy Cuban bread.
We’ve experienced the genuine flavors of this dish in Florida and want to recreate that magic in our own kitchen.
Traveling gives us unique opportunities to collect recipes, and we couldn’t resist sharing our love for the Cuban sandwich.
With just a few key ingredients and some simple steps, you can bring a taste of Cuba to your dining table.
Let’s explore how to make this iconic sandwich just right.
Why You’ll Love This Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe
We absolutely love this authentic Cuban sandwich recipe for its amazing combination of flavors. Each bite is a delightful mix of savory meats and tangy pickles.
Here are a few reasons why it stands out:
- Quality Ingredients: Using fresh Cuban bread, high-quality ham, and slow-roasted pork makes a big difference in taste.
- Perfect Harmony: The nutty Swiss cheese melts perfectly with the salty ham and rich pork, while the mustard adds a zesty kick.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, we can prepare this delicious meal in no time.
- Grilled Goodness: Pressing the sandwich gives it a crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
Whether we serve it at a gathering or enjoy it on a quiet night, everyone loves this sandwich. The mix of flavors and textures satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
Travel Inspiration
Each bite takes us back to the streets of Havana. It’s easy to recreate that authentic feeling in our own kitchen.
This sandwich is not just food; it’s a taste of our adventures worth cherishing.
What Makes This Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe Special
We love the way the Cuban sandwich combines flavors and textures in every bite. The layering of ingredients creates a delicious taste experience.
Key Ingredients:
- Cuban Bread: This bread is light and airy with a crunchy crust, perfect for holding the fillings without getting soggy.
- Ham and Roasted Pork: Using high-quality ham and slow-roasted pork ensures rich, savory flavors that truly represent Cuban cuisine.
- Swiss Cheese: It melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor that complements the meats perfectly.
- Dill Pickles and Yellow Mustard: These add a tangy taste that cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors.
What sets our recipe apart is the careful selection and preparation of each ingredient. We emphasize using fresh, high-quality components.
Also, the way we grill the sandwich is important. The pressure applied creates a crispy exterior, while keeping the interior warm and gooey.
We enjoy sharing this recipe because it reflects our travels and the authentic experience of tasting Cuban food. From our adventures, we learned to appreciate how each ingredient contributes to the overall taste. This recipe truly brings a little piece of Cuba into our kitchen, and we hope you love it just as much!
Cooking Equipment Needed
When making an authentic Cuban sandwich, having the right cooking equipment helps achieve the best flavor and texture. Here’s what we recommend:
- Griddle or Panini Press: This is key for pressing the sandwich down evenly. A heavy cast-iron skillet works too.
- Spatula: Use this to flip the sandwich and get that even heat on both sides.
- Butter Knife: For spreading butter on the bread before grilling.
- Cheese Grater: If you prefer freshly grated Swiss cheese, this is a good tool to have.
- Cutting Board: A clean surface for preparing your ingredients.
We also suggest using a sharp chef’s knife for slicing the bread and meats accurately.
If you enjoy cooking, consider investing in a mandoline slicer. It can help you get thin, even slices of pickles or any veggies you want to add.
Cooking Instructions
To start, we preheat a skillet over medium heat. It’s important to ensure it’s hot enough for proper toasting.
Next, we take our Cuban bread and slice it horizontally. Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of the bread. This gives it that nice, golden crust.
Now, we layer our meats and cheese inside the bread. We like to start with a generous amount of ham followed by juicy roasted pork. Adding Swiss cheese brings everything together perfectly.
Once our sandwich is assembled, we carefully place it in the hot skillet, buttered side down. To get that delightful crunch, we put another heavy skillet on top. This helps to press the sandwich down.
We cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes, checking for a golden-brown crust. When it’s ready, we carefully flip it over and repeat the process.
After both sides are beautifully toasted and the cheese is melted, we remove the sandwich from the skillet. It’s best to let it sit for a minute before slicing it.
Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters, and serve while it’s hot. Enjoying this Cuban sandwich brings a little taste of Havana right to our kitchen!
Cooking Tips
Making an authentic Cuban sandwich is all about quality ingredients and the right techniques. Here are some tips to help us create the best sandwich possible.
Choose the Right Bread
Cuban bread is key. It should be light, airy, and crusty.
If you can’t find Cuban bread, use a soft white bread or hoagie rolls as a substitute.
Ingredients Matter
For ham, go with high-quality deli ham. The flavor really shines through.
For the roasted pork, using pre-cooked or leftover pork can save time and add great taste.
Layer Smartly
When assembling, layer the meats in this order: ham, roasted pork, and then Swiss cheese. This helps everything melt together nicely.
Don’t Skip the Mustard
Spread yellow mustard on the inside of the bread. It adds a nice tang that balances the richness of the meats and cheese.
Press It Right
When cooking, press down firmly with a skillet or panini press. This helps the bread toast evenly and the cheese melt perfectly.
Watch the Heat
Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the bread while ensuring the insides are warm. We want a nice golden brown finish on the outside.
Ingredients Needed for the Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe
12 inch Cuban bread, halved
Yellow mustard
Swiss cheese, sliced
Pickles, sliced thin
Ham, sliced
Roasted pork
Genoa salami, (optional)
Butter
Instructions For Preparing the Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Preheat the Pan
Heat a panini press, cast iron skillet, or griddle over medium heat until hot enough to crisp the bread to a golden color.
Assemble the Sandwich
Lay the Cuban bread open and spread 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard on both halves. On the top half, layer 3 ounces of Swiss cheese and 3 ounces of pickles. On the bottom half, add 6 ounces of ham, 5 ounces of roasted pork, and 2 ounces of genoa salami (if using). Close the sandwich and press gently to hold everything in place.
Butter and Grill
Butter both sides of the sandwich and place it on the preheated panini press. Apply moderate pressure and cook for about 8 minutes until golden and crisp on both sides.
FAQs For the Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Question: What is the Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe?
A: The Authentic Cuban Sandwich recipe is a classic pressed sandwich made with Cuban bread, roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, creating a crispy and flavorful dish.
Question: What type of bread is used in the Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe?
A: The Authentic Cuban Sandwich recipe traditionally uses Cuban bread, which is light and crispy, but if unavailable, French or Italian bread can be used as a substitute.
Question: How do you press the Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe without a sandwich press?
A: If you don’t have a sandwich press, the Authentic Cuban Sandwich recipe can be pressed using a heavy skillet or a cast-iron pan to achieve the signature crispy crust.
Question: Can I make the Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe with different meats?
A: While the Authentic Cuban Sandwich recipe traditionally includes roasted pork and ham, some variations add salami, especially in Tampa-style Cuban sandwiches.
Question: What sides pair well with the Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe?
A: The Authentic Cuban Sandwich recipe pairs well with plantain chips, black bean soup, yuca fries, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 inch bread Cuban halved
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 3 ounces Swiss cheese sliced
- 3 ounces pickles sliced thin
- 6 ounces ham sliced
- 5 ounces pork roasted
- 2 ounces genoa salami (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
Preheat the Pan
- Heat a panini press, cast iron skillet, or griddle over medium heat until hot enough to crisp the bread to a golden color.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Lay the Cuban bread open and spread 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard on both halves. On the top half, layer 3 ounces of Swiss cheese and 3 ounces of pickles. On the bottom half, add 6 ounces of ham, 5 ounces of roasted pork, and 2 ounces of genoa salami (if using). Close the sandwich and press gently to hold everything in place.
Butter and Grill
- Butter both sides of the sandwich and place it on the preheated panini press. Apply moderate pressure and cook for about 8 minutes until golden and crisp on both sides.
Nutrition
1 comment
The crispy, golden bread sealed in all the delicious flavors of pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles. The sandwich was perfectly pressed and had the ideal balance of textures. My guests kept commenting on how authentic it tasted, and everyone agreed it was one of the best sandwiches they had ever had!