This Cuban sandwich recipe combines all the must-have ingredients of a Cubano such as juicy roast pork, ham, melty Swiss cheese, pickles, and tangy mustard sandwiched between golden toasted Cuban bread.
Why this recipe works
A Cuban sandwich, otherwise known as a Cubano, is simply a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with heaps of pickles and tangy mustard. Of course, as the name states, it’s believed to originate in Cuba by the Taino tribe in the late 1800s and from there the sandwich has blossomed into many different variations throughout the years garnering a huge following in not only Tampa Florida but all around the world.
You start with classic Cuban bread that’s both soft and crunchy layered with mustard, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and sliced cooked pork then pop it into a panini maker or onto the grill for a melty, warm inside and crisp golden brown exterior. There’s a good reason this sandwich has amassed such popularity!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
BREAD – To keep it classic, we are using Cuban bread. It’s a hearty white bread that can sometimes be difficult to find in stores. If you can’t seem to find it, substitute with French or Italian bread.
PORK – Traditionally, a Cubano uses Mojo marinated pork or pork shoulder that’s slowly roasted over a long period of time. However, pork tenderloin is a quicker option while still incorporating tons of flavor. We can even show you how to make pork tenderloin in the air fryer. A Cuban sandwich is really the perfect way to use up roast pork from last night’s dinner.
HAM – You can use deli ham such as black forest, smoked ham, and even honey ham. You want to use thicker sliced ham as opposed to the thin sandwich cut variety.
How to Make a Cuban Sandwich
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Layer on both sides of the bread the Swiss cheese, ham, and pickles.
- To one side of each sandwich layer the pork tenderloin slices.
- Add mustard to the pork tenderloin.
- Combine the two sides to make the sandwich.
- Place sandwich in panini press and brush with melted butter.
- Cook in a panini press until grill marks are achieved and cheese is melted.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Yes, absolutely. If you’d like to make your Cuban as they do down in Tampa, feel free to incorporate Genoa salami while layering the other ingredients.
You can still make a delicious Cubano without a panini press. Simply cook the sandwich on a griddle or in a skillet. Use something like a cast iron pan or heavy bottom skillet to press the sandwich down while it’s cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cuban sandwich with potato chips, french fries, or black beans and enjoy!
More Sandwich Recipes
- Tuna Melt
- Philly Cheesesteak
- Reuben Sandwich
- Corned Beef Sandwich
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
- Monte Cristo Sandwich
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Cuban Sandwich
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 4 slices Cuban bread or two French loaf sandwich buns
- ½ pound pork tenderloin cooked
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 16 pickle rounds
- 2 Tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 Tablespoon butter or margarine
Things You’ll Need
- Panini press or indoor grill/skillet
Before You Begin
- To keep it classic, we are using Cuban bread. It’s a hearty white bread that can sometimes be difficult to find in stores. If you can’t seem to find it, substitute with French or Italian bread.
- You can use deli ham such as black forest, smoked ham, and even honey ham. You want to use thicker sliced ham as opposed to the thin sandwich cut variety.
- You can still make a delicious Cubano without a panini press. Simply cook the sandwich on a griddle or in a skillet. Use something like a cast iron pan or heavy bottom skillet to press the sandwich down while it’s cooking.
- These are very hearty sandwiches, so feel free to reduce the amount of the ingredients to fit your tastes.
Instructions
- Layer on both sides of the bread the Swiss cheese, ham, and pickles.
- To one side of each sandwich layer the pork tenderloin slices.
- Add mustard to the pork tenderloin.
- Combine the two sides to make the sandwich.
- Place sandwich in panini press and brush with melted butter. Cook in a panini press until grill marks are achieved and cheese is melted.
Nutrition
Chef Antoine Davis
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