It’s easy to make this delectable, classic sandwich in your own kitchen.
The Cubano sandwich is one of those rare culinary creations that seems as though it has always existed. With its perfect combination of savory roasted pork, salty ham, melted cheese, and the acidic bite of fresh pickle, all layered atop buttery bread, the sandwich is so widespread and beloved (especially in Florida), that it can seem odd to imagine a time when such a treat did not exist.
The sandwich itself was born when cultures collided in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as Cuban migrants landed ashore in southern Florida, looking for work. During this period of time, travel between Florida and Cuba could occur frequently and easily, so the exchange of cultural tastes and ideas flowed easily, too. Those Cuban travelers brought with them a taste for a style of street-food sandwich known as mixto. A similar sandwich began popping up in Florida as a lunch option for Cuban workers, and the first recorded mention of a Cubano sandwich, as we know it today, comes from around the year 1900, at workers’ cafés in Ybor City and West Tampa, where there was also a booming cigar industry at the time.
To this day, the cities of Tampa, Key West, and Miami still argue over who makes the best and most authentic version of a Cubano sandwich. But luckily for us, there’s no need to travel to Florida to savor the mouthwatering combination of Cuban bread, butter, yellow mustard, roasted pork, deli ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles. With simple ingredients and just as simple preparation, the Cubano is recognized all over the world as a classic sandwich, making it easy for home cooks like you to enjoy it in your own kitchen. So let’s get to it!
Is The Cubano Sandwich Healthy?
While the Cubano sandwich is undeniably delicious, it’s not exactly light fare. The use of butter, ham, pork and cheese may be somewhat heavy for more particular eaters. But like any sandwich, it all depends on the quality of the ingredients. Opting for homemade pork (easily made in your slow cooker) and freshly made bread (available at many grocery stores) can be a great way to enjoy the sandwich as intended while avoiding more processed options.
If you are looking to reduce your consumption of fat altogether, you could opt for leaner meats like sliced deli turkey or chicken. For more veggies in your sandwich, consider swapping out the pork for earthy cremini mushrooms, which will still give your sandwich a meaty bite. You could try adding greens like arugula, spinach, or lettuce. Will these changes make your Cubano less authentic? Most definitely. But hey, it’s your kitchen. I doubt any Florida cities will be trying to start a new rivalry with you.
What is Cuban Bread?
Imagine a French baguette, but when you bite into it, you find the inside is soft white bread. That’s Cuban bread. Just like the Cubano sandwich itself, the origins of Cuban bread are also linked to Ybor City in Tampa, Florida. The first commercial bakery known to have produced Cuban bread was run there by Sicilian-born Francisco Ferlita. Though it is quite similar to French and Italian bread, the preparation and ingredients used for Cuban bread differ slightly. One of the main ingredients is lard or vegetable shortening, for example. But if you can’t find Cuban bread near you, French bread is probably your best bet to recreate your own Cubano sandwich.
FAQs & Tips
A fully-assembled Cubano sandwich is best eaten straight away. That said, you can still keep your grilled sandwich in the fridge, wrapped in foil, for up to 24 hours, though the mustard will slowly make the bread soggy.
If you want to prep Cubano sandwiches ahead of time, you can assemble the sandwich as indicated by the recipe, but refrain from adding the mustard. Wrap your prepared sandwich in foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat it, add the mustard and then grill it.
If you don’t own a panini press or a grill pan, you can still make an amazing Cubano sandwich. Simply toast your bread, add butter, and then add your meats and cheeses. Broil the open sandwich in your oven for a couple of minutes (make sure you keep checking on it to ensure it does not burn) and add the mustard and pickles just before eating. This will give you a crispy, buttery sandwich without the use of a panini press.
Serving Suggestions
A Cubano sandwich can be quite rich — and I’m definitely not complaining! But it can be nice to have something refreshing to wash it down with. My personal favorite? A Mojito, like this classic one or this watermelon one.
Looking to savor more Cuban cuisine after crafting your delectable Cubano sandwich? Discover more tasty recipes like Cuban Black Beans, or dive into the cuisines of other Caribbean areas, with Alcapurrias, Habichuelas Guisadas, Pollo Guisado, or Jamaican Cabbage.
Cubano Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Cuban bread or French bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 16 ounces roasted pork thinly sliced
- 16 ounces deli ham thinly sliced
- 5 ounces Swiss cheese sliced
- Sliced dill pickles to taste
Instructions
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Slice the bread lengthwise. Spread 2 tablespoons of butter on the bottom half and the mustard on the top half.
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Layer the roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles on the bottom half of the bread. Top with the other half.
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Butter the outside of the sandwich and grill on a panini press or in a skillet over medium heat. Press down firmly to flatten the sandwich until the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes per side.
Nutrition
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