Cut the bread lengthwise. Spread mustard on the inside of both halves of the bread. Make sure all your ingredients (meat, cheese, pickles) are ready to be layered.
Cuban Sandwich (Sandwich Cubano)
- Total Time - 20 minutes
- Prep Time - 10 minutes
- Cook Time - 10 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Country: Cuba
The Cuban Sandwich has a rich history, with its origins tracing back to Cuban communities in Florida, particularly Miami and Tampa. While versions vary, the essential components remain the same. The quality of the ingredients is key: slow-roasted pork, thinly sliced ham, and Swiss cheese. The sandwich is pressed on a special grill (plancha) or in a skillet with a weight on top, which gives the bread its signature crispiness and melts all the flavors together. It is a perfect meal for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Cuban bread (or a long, soft baguette)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 170 g thinly sliced roasted pork
- 85 g thinly sliced ham
- 4 Swiss cheese, sliced
- 4 dill pickles, cut into long slices
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Ingredients
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
On the bottom half of the bread, layer the sliced ham, followed by the sliced roasted pork. Top the pork with the Swiss cheese and the pickle slices. Cover with the top half of the bread.
Step 3: Grill and Press
Spread softened butter on the outside of both halves of the bread. In a large skillet or on a plancha over medium-low heat, melt some butter. Place the sandwich in the skillet and place something heavy on top (like a second skillet or a cast-iron press).
Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and crispy. Flip the sandwich, press it again, and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the other side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the finished sandwich, cut it in half (ideally diagonally), and serve immediately while it is warm and crunchy.