Easy Cuban Sandwich
Easy homemade Cuban sandwich recipe with roasted pork, ham, and melted Swiss cheese. Simple steps for crispy, authentic Cubano at home.
Ingredients
- 4 Cuban bread rolls or 1 loaf Cuban bread, cut into 4 portions
- 1 pound roasted pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces sliced honey ham, divided into 4 portions
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced or divided into 4 portions
- 1 cup dill pickle slices, drained
- 4 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for pressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, optional
Instructions
- 1
Slice each Cuban bread roll lengthwise, creating two halves that remain slightly connected like a book spine.
- 2
Combine the softened butter with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well blended.
- 3
Spread the garlic-herb butter mixture evenly on the interior of each bread roll, using about 3/4 tablespoon per sandwich.
- 4
Layer the roasted pork slices on the bottom half of each roll, dividing equally among the four sandwiches.
- 5
Top the pork with a portion of sliced ham, arranging it flat to ensure even coverage.
- 6
Place a portion of Swiss cheese slices directly over the ham on each sandwich.
- 7
Distribute the drained dill pickle slices evenly across the cheese layer on all four sandwiches.
- 8
Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of whole grain mustard on the top half of each bread roll.
- 9
Close each sandwich by pressing the top half down firmly onto the filling.
- 10
Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- 11
Place two sandwiches in the hot skillet and use a heavy press, second skillet, or bacon press to apply firm downward pressure on each sandwich.
- 12
Toast the sandwiches until the bread develops a deep golden-brown crust with crispy edges, about 4-5 minutes.
- 13
Flip each sandwich carefully using a sturdy spatula and press down again with your weight or a press tool.
- 14
Continue cooking the second side until the bread is equally golden and crispy and the cheese is completely melted inside, about 3-4 minutes more.
- 15
Transfer the finished sandwiches to a cutting board and repeat steps 10-14 with the remaining two sandwiches using fresh olive oil.
- 16
Slice each sandwich diagonally in half to create two triangular pieces, revealing the melted cheese and layered fillings inside.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cuban bread | whole wheat ciabatta or sprouted grain bread | Increases fiber content and provides more sustained energy with lower glycemic impact |
| whole grain mustard | spicy brown mustard mixed with 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice | Reduces sodium slightly while adding bright acidity and probiotic-rich fermented flavor |
| honey ham and roasted pork shoulder | roasted turkey breast and lean pork loin, equal amounts | Reduces saturated fat and cholesterol while maintaining protein content for better heart health |
| Swiss cheese | reduced-fat Swiss cheese or aged provolone | Lowers saturated fat and calories while maintaining the melting quality and tangy notes |
| unsalted butter | extra virgin olive oil mixed with fresh cilantro | Replaces saturated fat with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and adds anti-inflammatory compounds |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 598 |
| Total Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 1520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 40g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
