Authentic Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)

Ingredients

French bread

1 loaf, preferably cuban or italian

Roasted pork

1/2 pound, thinly sliced

Ham

1/2 pound, thinly sliced

Swiss cheese

4 slices

Dill pickles

1/2 cup, sliced

Yellow mustard

2 tablespoons, or to taste

Butter

2 tablespoons, softened for spreading

Instructions

1. Preheat a panini press or a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Slice the French bread in half horizontally to create a top and bottom half. If the loaf is too thick, you can hollow out some of the inside to make room for the fillings.
3. Spread yellow mustard generously on the inside of each slice of bread, ensuring an even coat.
4. On the bottom half of the bread, layer the roasted pork, followed by the ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles. Be generous with the layers for maximum flavor.
5. Close the sandwich with the top half of the bread, pressing down gently to compact the fillings.
6. Spread softened butter evenly on the outside of the sandwich to achieve a golden and crispy finish.
7. If using a panini press, place the sandwich inside and close the lid. If using a skillet, place the sandwich in the skillet and weigh it down with a heavy pan or spatula to press it.
8. Cook for 4-5 minutes, checking for a crispy and golden exterior. If using a skillet, flip the sandwich halfway through to ensure even cooking.
9. Once done, remove the sandwich from heat and let it rest for about a minute before slicing.
10. Slice the sandwich diagonally and serve hot, optionally accompanied by crispy plantain chips or a refreshing mojito.