Classic Cuban Sandwich (20 Minutes)

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The Cuban sandwich is a classic dish that originated in Florida in the 19th century but has its roots in traditional Cuban cuisine. This sandwich is a delicious combination of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed together between slices of bread. The result is a tasty and savory sandwich that can be made in just about 20 minutes. Let’s dive in!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 loaf Cuban bread, sliced in half lengthwise (French or Italian will also work)
  • 1/2 pound roasted pork, sliced
  • 1/2 pound ham, sliced
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat a pan or a sandwich press over medium heat.
  2. Spread yellow mustard on the bottom half of the bread, then layer the ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles on top.
  3. Close the sandwich with the top half of the bread.
  4. Brush the melted butter over the top of the bread.
  5. Place the sandwich in the pan or the press and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
  6. Remove from the heat and let the sandwich cool for a few minutes.
  7. Slice into quarters and serve hot.

Notes

While French or Italian bread work in a pinch, I do recommend using Cuban bread if possible as it has a unique texture that makes this sandwich special. And, if you have one, I find the sandwich press gives this sandwich a deliciously perfect crunch. Feel free to add some sliced onions or green peppers for extra flavor if you wish as well!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 528 calories
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1773mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 114mg

Pair this with...

Baked Potato Wedges with Rosemary

Start by taking some hearty potatoes and cutting them into chunky wedges, ensuring each piece has a good mix of skin and fluffy interior. In a mixing bowl, toss those wedges with a generous glug of olive oil, ensuring each wedge is well-coated and gleaming. Now, sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary over them, letting the fragrant herb cling to the oily surface. A pinch of sea salt and a crack of black pepper complete the seasoning. Spread the wedges out on a baking tray, giving each its own space to crisp up. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they're golden, crispy on the outside, and irresistibly fluffy inside.

Beet and Carrot Slaw

Start by peeling and grating fresh beets and carrots. For the red cabbage, finely slice it to get those lovely thin shreds. In a large mixing bowl, combine your beets, carrots, and red cabbage. Now, let's whip up a simple dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together some olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and a dash of salt and pepper. Pour this dressing over the veggies, and toss everything well to coat. If you like a bit of an aromatic touch, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or parsley. Let the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Begin with a batch of hard-boiled eggs. Once they're cooled, peel them and slice in half lengthwise, gently removing the yolks and placing them in a separate bowl. To these yolks, add a dollop of mayonnaise, a squirt of mustard, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Mix until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, pipe or spoon this rich filling back into the hollowed egg whites. To elevate them to true 'deviled' status, give each one a sprinkle of paprika on top. It adds a pop of color and a subtle smoky flavor.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!