Teresa's Recipes
Authentic Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)
Dive into the heart of Cuban cuisine with this delightful Cuban sandwich, affectionately known as a Cubano. This pressed sandwich is a harmonious blend of tender layers of marinated roasted pork, savory ham, sharp Swiss cheese, crunchy dill pickles, and a bold spread of yellow mustard. Each bite offers a crispy exterior, giving way to a melty, savory filling that transports you straight to the streets of Havana. With roots tracing back to Cuban immigrants in Florida, the Cubano has become a cherished staple, loved by many for its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Serve it with crispy plantain chips or a refreshing mojito for the complete experience.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf, preferably Cuban or Italian French bread
- 1/2 pound, thinly sliced Roasted pork
- 1/2 pound, thinly sliced Ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup, sliced Dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons, or to taste Yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons, softened for spreading Butter
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 2
- Dish Type: Sandwich
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 50g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Preheat a panini press or a large skillet over medium heat.
- 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.
- Spread yellow mustard generously on the inside of each slice of bread, ensuring an even coat.
- 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.
- Close the sandwich with the top half of the bread, pressing down gently to compact the fillings.
- Spread softened butter evenly on the outside of the sandwich to achieve a golden and crispy finish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once done, remove the sandwich from heat and let it rest for about a minute before slicing.
- Slice the sandwich diagonally and serve hot, optionally accompanied by crispy plantain chips or a refreshing mojito.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sandwich.
- If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute with provolone or cheddar.
- For an extra crunch, add a layer of crispy fried onions or lettuce.