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Traditional Cubano Sandwich

This recipe outlines how to assemble and press a traditional Cubano sandwich. It features layers of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles on Cuban bread, grilled until crispy and the cheese is melted, typically served with mustard or mayonnaise.
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Total Time 31 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 3853.3 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sharp Knife For slicing bread, meats, and pickles.
  • 1 Grill Pan or Flat-Top Griddle For pressing and toasting the sandwich.
  • 1 Spatula For handling the sandwich.
  • 1 Press or Heavy Pan To weigh down the sandwich while grilling.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 loaf Cuban bread French or Italian bread can be substituted
  • 1 pound ham cooked, sliced
  • 1 pound pork roasted, sliced
  • 1/2 pound Swiss cheese sliced
  • 6 dill pickles sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter or cooking spray
  • Garnish: yellow mustard
  • Garnish: mayonnaise

Instructions
 

  • Slice the Cuban bread lengthwise, creating top and bottom halves.
  • If using, spread a thin layer of yellow mustard and/or mayonnaise on the inside of one or both bread halves.
  • Layer the sliced roasted pork evenly onto the bottom half of the bread.
  • Place the sliced ham on top of the pork.
  • Arrange the sliced Swiss cheese over the ham.
  • Layer the sliced dill pickles on top of the cheese.
  • Place the top half of the bread over the fillings to complete the sandwich.
  • Heat a grill pan or griddle over medium heat and add butter or cooking spray.
  • Place the assembled sandwich on the hot pan, weigh it down with a press or heavy pan, and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
  • Carefully remove the sandwich from the pan, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.

Notes

Achieving the perfect Cubano crust requires medium heat and consistent pressure. Don't rush the grilling; allow time for the bread to toast deeply and the cheese to melt completely. Using a mix of butter and a touch of oil for grilling can help achieve a beautiful golden-brown color without burning. Layer the ingredients evenly across the bread to ensure a balanced bite every time. While the recipe lists mustard and mayonnaise as garnishes, consider spreading them thinly on the bread before layering the ingredients for better distribution.