If you are ready to dive into a sensational flavor journey that combines savory, tangy, and melty goodness all in one bite, this Cuban Sandwich Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food. This classic Cuban sandwich perfectly layers succulent marinated pork, smoky ham, gooey Swiss cheese, crisp pickles, and a punchy spread of mustard and mayo, all nestled inside the warm embrace of crispy Cuban bread. Whether you are reminiscing about a sunny Miami moment or just craving a robust, satisfying sandwich, this recipe delivers every element with love and authenticity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun with this Cuban Sandwich Recipe. Each component brings something special to the table, from the aromatic spices that infuse the pork to the creamy and tangy spreads that elevate the entire sandwich. Let’s gather the essentials and set ourselves up for a delicious adventure!
- Fresh cilantro (¼ cup finely chopped): Adds a bright, herbal note to the marinade balancing the rich pork.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides a pungent, savory depth essential for the pork marinade.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Helps tenderize the pork and infuses moisture during cooking.
- Orange juice (¼ cup): Offers a subtle sweetness and acidity for marinating the pork shoulder.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Adds zing and helps break down meat fibers for tenderness.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Introduces a warm, slightly bitter herbal flavor to the marinade.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy warmth that complements the Cuban spices beautifully.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the pork and sandwich layers.
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- Pork shoulder or butt roast (1 pound): The star protein, slow-marinated for juicy, tender meat.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Creamy base for the spicy spread that balances the meat.
- Yellow mustard (¼ cup): Classic tangy punch characteristic of Cuban sandwiches.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon): A little heat that wakes up the sandwich without overpowering it.
- Cuban bread (1 loaf, cut into 4 equal pieces and sliced horizontally): Essential for its soft, airy texture and crusty exterior perfect for toasting.
- Swiss cheese (8 slices): Melts beautifully, adding a mild nuttiness and creamy texture.
- Honey ham (8 slices, thinly sliced): Provides a subtle sweetness and smoky savoriness.
- Dill pickles (2 whole, thinly sliced lengthwise): Brings crisp acidity and crunch that perfectly contrast the rich meats.
- Salted butter (optional, for grilling): Helps achieve that golden, crispy crust on the bread during grilling.
How to Make Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Pork
Begin by mixing the chopped cilantro, garlic, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, oregano, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl to create a vibrant marinade bursting with flavor. Next, coat your pork shoulder thoroughly with this marinade and let it rest for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This step is crucial because it infuses the meat with those amazing Cuban flavors and ensures the pork stays juicy and tender once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Pork
Slowly roast the marinated pork shoulder in a preheated oven at a low temperature until it is fall-apart tender, which usually takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on your oven and meat thickness. Once cooked, let it rest briefly before slicing it thinly. This slow roast is where the magic happens, turning simple pork into the succulent centerpiece of your Cuban Sandwich Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Slice open your Cuban bread and spread a mixture of mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and cayenne pepper on the inside surfaces; this gives the sandwich its signature tangy creaminess with a hint of spice. Layer the sandwich with slices of pork, honey ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles. Press the sandwich firmly before moving on to the final step.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
Heat a panini press or grill pan and optionally spread some salted butter on the outside of the bread slices for that perfect golden, crispy crust. Grill each sandwich until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted, which typically takes about 5 minutes on a medium heat. The grill seals all those layers into one harmonious bite you’ll crave again and again.
How to Serve Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of fresh lime wedges alongside your sandwich can brighten each bite beautifully. Adding a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or a light sprinkle of paprika on the plate adds color and a touch of aroma, making your presentation feel thoughtfully finished.
Side Dishes
Classic sides can elevate your Cuban Sandwich Recipe experience. Crispy plantain chips, black beans and rice, or even a tangy cabbage slaw offer contrast in textures and flavors. These sides complement the sandwich’s robust meats while keeping things fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing your Cuban sandwiches into smaller sliders for a party platter or wrap the sandwich in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming picnic presentation. You might also pair the sandwich with a refreshing mojito mocktail or soda to channel the Cuban vibe fully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps everything fresh without drying out the bread or meats.
Freezing
While freezing a fully assembled Cuban sandwich isn’t ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze cooked pork slices separately in airtight bags for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw and assemble the sandwich fresh to maintain optimal flavors and textures.
Reheating
Reheat your Cuban sandwich in a skillet or panini press to restore the crispy crust and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery. A quick grill does wonders to bring back that freshly made charm.
FAQs
What type of bread is best for a Cuban sandwich?
Cuban bread is the traditional choice due to its light, airy crumb and slightly crunchy crust, perfect for grilling. If you cannot find Cuban bread, a soft French bread or Italian bread with similar texture can work as a substitute.
Can I use other meats besides pork and ham?
While pork shoulder and honey ham are the classic proteins for a Cuban Sandwich Recipe, some variations include roasted turkey or even salami, especially in Tampa-style Cuban sandwiches. Feel free to experiment, but the traditional flavors come from pork and ham.
Is the pickle essential?
Yes, pickles provide a crucial bright acidity and crunch that cuts through the richness of meats and cheese, offering balance and freshness in every bite.
How spicy is this Cuban sandwich?
This recipe uses just a hint of cayenne pepper in the spread, adding subtle warmth without overwhelming the sandwich – perfect for most palates. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or leaving it out altogether.
Can I make the pork in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Using a slow cooker is an excellent alternative to oven roasting. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours with the marinade for tender, flavorful pork ready for your Cuban Sandwich Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the warmth, bold flavors, and gooey goodness of this Cuban Sandwich Recipe truly feels like a hug from the inside out. Once you grill your first crispy, melty sandwich packed with savory pork, ham, cheese, and pickles, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try making it at home. So gather those ingredients, fire up your grill, and prepare to enjoy a timeless Cuban classic that’s as soulful as it is delicious.
Print
Cuban Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
This authentic Cuban Sandwich recipe features slow-cooked pork shoulder marinated in a zesty mix of citrus and spices, layered with Swiss cheese, honey ham, dill pickles, mustard, and mayonnaise, all nestled inside crusty Cuban bread and grilled to perfection. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, these sandwiches deliver rich, bold flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Marinade and Pork
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound pork shoulder or butt roast
Sandwich Assembly
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 loaf Cuban bread, cut into 4 equal pieces and sliced in half horizontally
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices honey ham, thinly sliced
- 2 whole dill pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise
- Salted butter, optional, for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, dried oregano, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate and Cook the Pork: Place the pork shoulder in a large zip-top plastic bag or a deep dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover, then refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor. After marinating, remove the pork and place it in a slow cooker or oven-safe pot. Cook the pork shoulder on low heat for approximately 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
- Prepare the Sandwich Spread: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and cayenne pepper until smooth. This spicy spread will add a creamy kick to the sandwich.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the Cuban bread horizontally into 4 equal pieces. Spread the prepared mayo-mustard mixture evenly on the inside of each bread piece. Layer each sandwich with 2 slices of Swiss cheese, 2 slices of honey ham, generous shredded pork shoulder, and several slices of dill pickle.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Optional but recommended, heat a large skillet or panini press over medium heat. If using a skillet, butter the outside of the sandwich lightly with salted butter for a golden crust. Place the sandwiches in the skillet or panini press and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, pressing down gently, until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the heat, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the pork overnight to infuse flavors deeply.
- If Cuban bread is not available, use a soft but sturdy white bread like French or Italian bread.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in the spread according to your spice preference.
- Slow cooking the pork ensures tender, juicy meat perfect for shredding.
- Grilling the sandwich adds a crisp, buttery crust and melts the cheese beautifully.
