Nina Johnson
A Cuban Sandwich Cubano is everything you want in a grilled sandwich—crispy on the outside, melty and savory on the inside, with layers of bold flavor packed into every bite. This iconic sandwich from Cuban-American cuisine is a satisfying combination of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between slices of buttery Cuban bread.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, a hearty lunch, or something quick for dinner, this sandwich is always a hit. Its balance of salty meats, tangy pickles, and melty cheese gives it the kind of crave-worthy taste that keeps you coming back. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home with simple ingredients you can find in any deli.
What Kind of Bread Should I Use for a Cuban Sandwich Cubano?
Cuban bread is the gold standard here—it has a soft interior with a crisp crust that holds up well when pressed. If you can’t find authentic Cuban bread, go for a soft hoagie roll, Italian loaf, or even French bread. The key is a light texture that crisps up beautifully when grilled.
Ingredients for the Cuban Sandwich Cubano
Roasted Pork: This is what gives the sandwich its depth. Slow-roasted pork shoulder, marinated in citrus and spices, is traditionally used and worth the extra effort for that authentic flavor.
Sliced Ham: Adds a salty and smoky layer. You can use honey ham or smoked ham depending on your taste preference.
Swiss Cheese: Melts smoothly and balances the savory meats with its nutty flavor.
Pickles: Use dill pickles for a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich pork and cheese.
Yellow Mustard: This adds a zesty sharpness that ties all the flavors together.
Cuban Bread: Light, slightly sweet, and crusty—perfect for pressing.
Butter: A thin layer on the bread helps it toast to golden perfection on the outside.
How To Make the Cuban Sandwich Cubano
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
If you’re roasting your own pork, season it with a blend of garlic, citrus juice, oregano, cumin, and salt. Slow-roast until tender, then slice or shred. You can also use leftovers or deli-style roasted pork in a pinch.
Step 2: Layer the Sandwich
Slice the bread lengthwise and lightly butter the outside. Spread mustard generously on the inside, then layer in this order: Swiss cheese, ham, roasted pork, pickles, and another layer of cheese. Close the sandwich.
Step 3: Grill and Press
Use a panini press or a cast-iron skillet with a heavy pan on top to press the sandwich. Grill over medium heat until the bread is crisp and golden and the cheese is perfectly melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Cut the sandwich diagonally for that classic deli look. Serve hot and melty for maximum flavor.
Serving and Storing a Cuban Sandwich Cubano
Serve the Cuban sandwich hot off the grill with a side of plantain chips, sweet potato fries, or a light salad. It’s best eaten fresh, but if you’re making extras, wrap them tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to bring back that crispiness.
For meal prepping, keep the components separate and assemble just before cooking. The key to a great Cuban sandwich is that crunchy, just-pressed exterior—so avoid microwaving leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a Cuban sandwich without a press?
Absolutely. A heavy skillet or even a foil-wrapped brick can work just as well. Just make sure to press down firmly while grilling.
What’s the best cut of pork to use?
Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal because it’s marbled and tender when slow-cooked. Marinate it overnight for the best flavor.
Can I use a different cheese?
Swiss is traditional, but provolone or mozzarella can be good substitutes if you want a milder taste.
What makes it different from a regular ham and cheese sandwich?
The combination of roasted pork, ham, pickles, mustard, and pressed grilled bread is unique to the Cuban sandwich—it’s all about bold flavor and texture.
Are there regional variations?
Yes! In Tampa, Cuban sandwiches sometimes include salami. Miami versions stick to the traditional pork and ham combo.
Want More Sandwich Ideas?
If this Cuban Sandwich Cubano hit the spot, check out these other delicious creations from the Life with Nina kitchen:
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a comfort-packed dinner.
- Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie if you’re craving meat-lovers flavor in every bite.
- Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta with a bold, cheesy twist.
- Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites for easy weeknight meals.
- One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta if you love a skillet-style dinner with a kick.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sandwich board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go traditional or put a twist on it with spicy pickles or salami?
I love seeing your creations. Questions are always welcome, too—let’s make lunch more delicious, together.
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Delicious Cuban Sandwich Cubano
Description
This classic Cuban Sandwich Cubano is layered with roasted pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and mustard, pressed between slices of Cuban bread and grilled to crispy, melty perfection. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make at home for lunch, dinner, or weekend cravings.
Ingredients
1 loaf Cuban bread
6 tablespoons butter, softened
4 tablespoons yellow mustard
6 slices Swiss cheese
6 slices roasted pork
6 slices ham
12 dill pickle chips
Instructions
1. Preheat your panini press or a skillet over medium heat.
2. Slice the Cuban bread in half lengthwise. Spread butter on the outside of both pieces and mustard on the inside.
3. On the bottom half, layer Swiss cheese, then ham, roasted pork, pickles, and another layer of cheese. Top with the second half of bread.
4. Press the sandwich using a panini press or a heavy skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Slice diagonally and serve warm.
Notes
If you can’t find Cuban bread, use a soft hoagie or Italian roll with a light crust.
Marinate and slow roast pork shoulder overnight for the most authentic flavor.
Press the sandwich well for that signature crispy exterior and melty center.
