The Cuban Sandwich is a beloved classic known for its combination of flavors and textures. It's a harmonious blend of tender roasted pork, savory ham, Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and zesty mustard, all sandwiched between crispy Cuban bread. The result is a satisfying, savory, and slightly tangy sandwich that's sure to please your taste buds.

Two halves of a Cuban Sandwich on a wooden cutting board with chips

Why You'll Love This Tasty Sandwich

Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes, these Cuban Sandwiches are a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Easy. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making Cuban Sandwiches at home is a breeze.
Flavorful. Packed with the classic Cuban sandwich ingredients – tender roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard – these sandwiches are a burst of delicious, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Satisfying. Whether you're hosting a Cuban-themed dinner party or craving a hearty sandwich for lunch, these Cuban Sandwiches will hit the spot and leave you craving more.

Whether you're craving a classic Cuban sandwich or want to put your spin on this iconic recipe, making Cuban Sandwiches at home is a delightful culinary adventure. Share them with friends and family, and savor the mouthwatering flavors and textures of this beloved sandwich.

What Are The Two Types Of Cuban Sandwiches?

Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)

This is the classic and most well-known version of the Cuban sandwich. It consists of Cuban bread (or a similar type of bread), roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.

The sandwich is typically pressed and grilled, creating a crispy exterior and melting the cheese. It's a delicious combination of flavors and textures, with the savory pork, salty ham, tangy pickles, and mustard all coming together.

Media Noche Sandwich

The Media Noche, which means "midnight" in Spanish, is a variation of the Cuban sandwich. It's typically made on a softer, sweeter bread similar to egg bread or challah, which is also known as "media noche" bread.

The fillings are similar to the traditional Cuban sandwich, including roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. The key difference is the bread, which adds a slightly sweet and richer flavor to the sandwich.

What Is The Difference Between A Cuban Sandwich And A Cubano?

Cubano is simply the Spanish word for a Cuban sandwich. When you refer to it as a "Cubano," you are essentially calling it a "Cuban sandwich" in Spanish. It still includes the same ingredients of Cuban bread, roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.

What Is The Cuban Sandwich Made Of?

Cuban Bread or Baguette- The foundation of your sandwich, Cuban bread is traditionally used. If unavailable, a French baguette is a suitable substitute.
Roasted Pork- Tender, slow-cooked, and seasoned pork shoulder is the star of this sandwich. You can prepare it at home or buy pre-cooked roasted pork from a local deli.
Ham- Thinly sliced ham adds a savory and slightly salty element to the sandwich. Any variety of ham you prefer will work.
Swiss Cheese- Swiss cheese melts beautifully and provides a creamy, nutty flavor to balance the other ingredients.
Pickles- Dill pickle slices offer a tangy and crunchy contrast to the meats and cheese.
Yellow Mustard- Classic yellow mustard brings zesty and slightly spicy notes to the sandwich.

How To Make A Cuban Sandwich

Warm the Roasted Pork. Gently warm precooked roasted pork to use as one of the layers of your sandwich. Use this air fryer pork tenderloin for a quick solution!
Slice the Bread. Cut the Cuban bread or baguette into individual sandwich-sized portions. Then, slice each piece horizontally to create a top and bottom for your sandwiches.
Spread the Mustard. Spread a generous layer of yellow mustard on the inside of each bread slice.
Assemble the Sandwiches. Layer the roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickle slices onto the bottom half of each sandwich. Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Press and Grill. Heat a grill pan, panini press, or a regular skillet over medium-high heat. If you're using a skillet, you can press the sandwiches down with a heavy pan or a press if you have one. Place the assembled sandwiches on the hot surface.
Press and Grill. Grill the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side. If using a panini press, follow the manufacturer's instructions for timing.
Serve. Remove the sandwiches from the grill, let them cool slightly, then slice them in half diagonally. Serve your homemade Cuban Sandwiches while they're hot and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

Making a delicious Cuban sandwich requires attention to detail and a few tips and tricks to achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here are some tips and tricks to help you:

Use the Right Bread:

Use the Right Bread. Traditional Cuban sandwiches are made with Cuban bread, which has a thin, crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. If you can't find Cuban bread, a French baguette is a good substitute.
Proper Layering. The order in which you layer the ingredients matters. Start with the mustard, followed by pickles, ham, roasted pork, and Swiss cheese. Placing the cheese close to the bread helps it melt evenly.
Press and Toast. A crucial step is pressing and toasting the sandwich. Use a grill pan, panini press, or a skillet. Press the sandwich down with a heavy pan or a press to achieve that crispy, compressed texture.

Variations

While the classic Cuban Sandwich is a tried-and-true favorite, you can always get creative with variations. Here are some ideas to consider:

Cuban-Style Turkey Sandwich- Replace the roasted pork with thinly sliced turkey for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Cuban Sandwich- Make a veggie version by using grilled or roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini, along with Swiss cheese and pickles.
Spicy Cuban Sandwich- Add some heat with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

What To Serve With A Cuban Sandwich

Cuban Sandwiches are satisfying on their own, but you can also pair them with some delicious side dishes to create a complete meal:

Plantain Chips- Crispy and slightly sweet plantain chips make an excellent side or snack.
Black Beans and Rice- A classic Cuban side dish that complements the flavors of the sandwich.
Tropical Fruit Salad- A refreshing fruit salad with a mix of tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya.

How Long Do They Last?

Cuban Sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after cooking when they are hot, crispy, and the cheese is melted.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or on a grill pan to regain their crispiness.

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