Cuban Medianoche Sandwiches are a true delight that we discovered during our travels in Cuba. This pressed sandwich features layers of savory roast pork, salty ham, and cheese nestled between sweet egg bread.
Making a Cuban Medianoche sandwich is simpler than it may seem, and we’re excited to share our favorite recipe with you.
With just a few ingredients and some easy steps, you can enjoy a taste of Cuba right in your kitchen.
Our adventures exploring the flavors of different cultures have led us to this delicious creation, and we can’t wait for you to experience it too!
Join us as we break down the preparation, cooking methods, and tips to achieve the perfect Medianoche.
Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a comforting meal, this sandwich will surely please. Let’s dive into the mouthwatering details and start cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe
We absolutely love the Cuban Medianoche sandwich for its fantastic flavors. Each bite combines sweet and savory notes that simply delight the taste buds.
Here’s what makes it so special:
- Delicious Ingredients: Made with marinated pork, ham, and cheese, it’s a tasty blend. The pickles add a nice tang, while butter and mustard tie it all together.
- Perfectly Toasted: We enjoy pressing the sandwich until it’s golden brown. This gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft bread, making it hard to resist.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the fillings. Like a little spice? Add jalapeños. Want it a bit sweeter? Try adding more pickles or even a touch of honey.
- Great Any Time: This sandwich isn’t just for dinner. We find ourselves craving it for breakfast or lunch too. It’s versatile enough for any meal.
- Travel Inspired: Our love for travel brings cultural foods to our table. The Medianoche reminds us of the vibrant streets of Cuba and the joy of discovery.
We hope you give this sandwich a try. It’s easy to make and brings a taste of Cuba right to our kitchen!
What Makes This Recipe Special
The Cuban Medianoche sandwich holds a special place in our hearts. Its unique combination of flavors brings joy to every meal.
The bread is soft and slightly sweet. We love how it perfectly complements the savory fillings. The use of Medianoche bread sets this sandwich apart from others.
The layers of mojo pork, salty ham, and melted cheese create a tasty filling. Each bite offers a blend of textures and flavors.
Another standout feature is the way we cook the sandwich. We press it down using a skillet or sandwich press. This technique warms the ingredients and creates a golden, crispy crust that we can’t resist!
The marinade for the pork adds depth to the taste. It combines ingredients like garlic, sour orange juice, and oregano. This flavor-packed blend makes the pork tender and delicious.
Finally, the Cuban Medianoche is often enjoyed at celebrations, particularly during late-night gatherings. Sharing this meal with friends and family makes it even more special.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make a delicious Cuban Medianoche sandwich, we need some essential cooking tools. Here’s what we recommend:
- Panini Press or Skillet: These can help us press the sandwich down evenly while it cooks.
- Roasting Pan: Ideal for gathering our ingredients and keeping everything organized.
- Spatula: A sturdy spatula is key for flipping the sandwiches without mess.
In addition, these items will make the process easier:
- Resealable Plastic Bag or Shallow Dish: Great for marinating meats or ingredients.
- Mortar and Pestle: Useful for crushing garlic and spices to make a flavorful paste.
We also suggest using these items for better results:
- Aluminum Foil: Wrap up your sandwiches to keep them warm and crispy.
- Non-stick Spray: A quick spray in the skillet can prevent sticking.
Cooking Instructions
To make a Cuban Medianoche sandwich, we need to follow these simple steps.
- Prepare the Sandwiches:
Start by layering the roasted pork, ham, sweet pickles, mustard, and Swiss cheese inside the Cuban bread. - Butter the Outside:
Spread butter on the outside of each sandwich. This helps achieve a crispy texture. - Heat the Skillet:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. You can also use a sandwich press if you have one. - Cook the Sandwiches:
Place the sandwiches in the skillet. Press down using a plate or another heavy skillet. Cook for about 2-4 minutes on each side. We want them toasted and golden. - Add Cheese:
Check if the cheese is melting. If not, keep cooking until it does. It usually takes about 3-5 minutes in total. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the sandwiches from the heat. Cut them in half diagonally and serve hot.
Enjoy it with a side of plantain chips or a light salad for a complete experience.
Cooking Tips
Making the perfect Cuban Medianoche sandwich takes a few simple steps. Here are some tips to help you enjoy this tasty dish.
- Choose the Right Bread: Use soft, sweet bread like pan de medianoche. If that’s not available, challah or even ciabatta works well.
- Use a Sandwich Press: A sandwich press is great for getting that nice, crispy texture. If you don’t have one, a skillet works too. Just press down with a heavy plate.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Cook the sandwich for about 5 to 8 minutes, turning it to get both sides golden brown. Take your time and monitor the heat.
- Add Flavor: Don’t forget the pickles! They add a nice crunch and tang. We like to stack them inside the sandwich.
- Butter Makes it Better: Brush the outside of the bread with butter or olive oil. This helps achieve a golden crust and rich flavor.
- Experiment with Fillings: While ham and roast pork are traditional, feel free to add cheese or even a bit of mustard for an extra kick.
Ingredients Needed for the Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe
Sweet bread rolls
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Cooked ham
Cooked pork
Swiss cheese
Dill pickle slices
Butter, melted
Instructions For Preparing the Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe
Assemble the Sandwiches
Split the rolls in half and generously spread mustard and mayonnaise on the cut sides. Layer each sandwich with equal amounts of Swiss cheese, ham, and pork in that order, then add a few pickles. Place the top half of the roll on and brush with melted butter.
Press and Cook
Heat a sandwich press to medium-high and press the sandwiches for 5 to 8 minutes. If using a skillet, cook over medium-high heat, pressing down with a sturdy plate or another skillet. Flip once for even browning if needed.
Serve
Slice diagonally and serve your Cuban Medianoche Sandwich hot.
FAQs For the Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe
Question: What is the difference between a Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe and a Cuban sandwich?
A: A Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe is similar to a Cuban sandwich, but it uses a softer, slightly sweet egg-based bread instead of the traditional Cuban bread, giving it a unique texture and flavor.
Question: What kind of bread is used in a Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe?
A: A Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe uses Medianoche bread, which is a soft, sweet, and slightly yellow bread made with eggs, similar to brioche.
Question: Can I make a Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe without a sandwich press?
A: Yes, a Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe can be made without a sandwich press by using a heavy skillet or a cast-iron pan to press the sandwich while grilling it on medium heat.
Question: What are the key ingredients for an authentic Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe?
A: A Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe includes roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all layered on Medianoche bread and pressed until golden and crispy.
Question: What is the best way to serve a Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe?
A: A Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe is best served warm and crispy, accompanied by plantain chips, yuca fries, or a side of black beans for a complete Cuban meal.
Cuban Medianoche Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bread sweet rolls
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup mustard prepared
- 1 pound ham thinly sliced cooked
- 1 pound pork thinly sliced fully cooked
- 1 pound Swiss cheese sliced
- 1 cup dill pickle slices
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Split the rolls in half and generously spread mustard and mayonnaise on the cut sides. Layer each sandwich with equal amounts of Swiss cheese, ham, and pork in that order, then add a few pickles. Place the top half of the roll on and brush with melted butter.
Press and Cook
- Heat a sandwich press to medium-high and press the sandwiches for 5 to 8 minutes. If using a skillet, cook over medium-high heat, pressing down with a sturdy plate or another skillet. Flip once for even browning if needed.
Serve
- Slice diagonally and serve your Cuban Medianoche Sandwich hot.
Nutrition
1 comment
The Medianoche sandwich had the same amazing flavors as a Cuban sandwich but with a softer, slightly sweet bread. The contrast of flavors and textures was incredible, and my guests kept commenting on how well everything melted together. They all agreed this was a sandwich worth making again!