Cuban Sandwich

A Cuban sandwich, also known as a Cubano, is a type of sandwich that originated in Cuba and has become popular in many parts of the world. It is typically made with Cuban bread, which is a type of bread similar to French or Italian bread but with a slightly different texture. The sandwich usually consists of roasted pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, although variations can be found.

The key to a traditional Cuban sandwich is the way it is prepared and cooked. The ingredients are layered on the bread and then pressed and grilled until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. The sandwich is often heated in a press called a plancha or a sandwich press, which gives it its distinctive flat and pressed appearance.

The combination of flavors in a Cuban sandwich is what makes it unique and delicious. The roasted pork and ham provide a savory and salty taste, while the Swiss cheese adds creaminess. The pickles add a tangy and crunchy element, and the mustard adds a hint of spiciness. All these ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying sandwich.

Cuban Sandwich

Recipe by caion

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

4

minutes

Cuban sandwiches are commonly found in Cuban restaurants, cafes, and food trucks, as well as in other establishments that offer international cuisine. They have gained popularity in the United States, especially in areas with a large Cuban population such as Miami and Tampa, where they are often considered a local specialty.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of Cuban bread (or French or Italian bread)

• 1/2 pound of roasted pork, thinly sliced

• 1/2 pound of ham, thinly sliced

• 1/4 pound of Swiss cheese, thinly sliced

• Dill pickles, thinly sliced

• Yellow mustard

• Butter (for grilling)

Directions

• Preheat a sandwich press, panini press, or a large skillet over medium heat.
• Cut the Cuban bread loaf in half horizontally to create two sandwich halves. If you’re using French or Italian bread, you can cut it into individual sandwich-sized portions.
• Spread a generous amount of mustard on both cut sides of the bread.
• Layer the roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles evenly on one half of the bread.
• Place the other half of the bread on top to create a sandwich.
• Spread butter on the outer sides of the bread to give it a crispy texture when grilled.
• Place the sandwich in the preheated press or skillet and press it down with a spatula or a heavy object, such as a cast-iron skillet, to flatten it slightly.
• Cook the sandwich for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If using a skillet, you can place another heavy pan on top of the sandwich to press it down.
• Remove the sandwich from the press or skillet and let it cool for a minute.
• Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters and serve hot.