Cuban Sandwich
The Cubano: A Flavor-Packed Classic You’ll Love
What is it about a Cuban sandwich that makes it so irresistible? It’s not just a sandwich—it’s a bite of culture, history, and flavor all rolled into one. With its perfect balance of savory meats, melty cheese, crunchy pickles, and that zippy mustard kick, it’s no wonder that this iconic dish has become a favorite far beyond its roots. Whether you’re a total foodie or just looking for your next great lunch, you’ve stumbled upon something special.
Let’s dive into everything you should know about the Cuban sandwich—from its rich history to nailing the recipe yourself (because trust me, homemade is where the magic happens).
History of the Cuban Sandwich
The Cuban sandwich (or “cubano”) may seem straightforward, but its origins are layered—just like the sandwich itself. This culinary masterpiece traces its roots to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where Cuban immigrants brought their traditions to Florida, specifically Tampa and Miami.
In Tampa, the sandwich was heavily influenced by the city’s multi-ethnic atmosphere. Cuban, Spanish, and Italian workers in Ybor City—a booming cigar manufacturing district—crafted the sandwich to be hearty and portable for lunch breaks. The addition of Genoa salami in Tampa’s version speaks to Tampa’s Italian influence, while Miami’s cubano sticks to the basics.
There are debates (and I mean passionate debates) about who does it best: Tampa or Miami. Each city claims the Cuban sandwich as their own, but the truth is, both versions are fantastic. What’s agreed upon is that the Cuban sandwich is a delicious nod to Cuban culture and its influence on Florida’s food scene. And honestly, who’s mad about having more than one variation to try?
Classic Cuban Sandwich Ingredients
A great Cuban sandwich doesn’t need fancy, over-the-top ingredients. What makes it shine is the quality of the classics. Let’s break it down:
- Cuban Bread: The backbone of the sandwich. Light, airy, with a crisp crust—exactly what you need to hold everything together.
- Roast Pork: Tender, flavorful, and seasoned with spices like garlic and cumin.
- Ham: Slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced by the saltiness of the pork.
- Swiss Cheese: Mild and melty, the ultimate comfort cheese.
- Pickles: Dill pickles for that tangy crunch.
- Yellow Mustard: A finishing touch that ties it all together.
You might be wondering—does it have to be Cuban bread? And what about substitutions? Let’s get into those details.
Bread Choices for Your Cuban Sandwich
Not all bread is created equal, especially when it comes to the Cuban sandwich. Traditional Cuban bread has a light texture and a slight sweetness that works beautifully with the bold flavors inside. If you can’t find Cuban bread, French bread is your next best bet—it has a similar softness and can handle the grilling without falling apart. Just steer clear of anything too dense, like sourdough, which throws off the balance.
Selecting Quality Meats
This sandwich shines when the meats are top-notch. For the roast pork, you can make it yourself (if you have the time) or get it pre-cooked. The key is finding pork that’s moist and seasoned properly. For ham, stick with a high-quality deli option—look for fewer additives and options without nitrates and nitrites. The combination of pork and ham is the heart of the sandwich, so this is where you don’t want to cut corners.
Best Cheeses for a Cuban Sandwich
Swiss cheese is the traditional choice and honestly, it’s hard to beat. It melts perfectly, giving each bite a creamy satisfaction without overpowering the other ingredients. If you’re feeling adventurous, though, a slice of pepper jack could add a bit of spice to the mix—but tread lightly if you want to stay true to tradition.
Tasty Pickles and Condiments
Pickles are the unsung hero here. They add an acidic punch that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheese. Opt for dill pickles—something crunchy, not soggy. Personally, I love brands like Cleveland Kitchen that offer unique, tangy options.
And let’s not forget the mustard. Yellow mustard is the way to go, but if you’re a mustard enthusiast, you might try a Dijon blend for a hint of extra flavor. Just don’t overdo it; you want the mustard to accentuate the sandwich, not take over.
How to Make the Perfect Cuban Sandwich
Ready to bring this masterpiece to life in your own kitchen? Here’s the foolproof recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of Cuban bread (French bread works as a substitute)
- 1/2 – 1 lb roast pork
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of cheese
- 6-7 dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Instructions:
- Prepping the Bread: Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and generously spread mustard on both sides.
- Layer It Up: Start with a layer of roast pork, followed by ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles. Place the other half of the bread on top and press down gently.
- Heat Your Pan: Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat.
- Grill It: Place the sandwich in and press firmly. Let it cook until the bread turns golden and crispy, and the cheese melts—about 3 minutes per side.
- Serve Hot: Slice into smaller portions or leave it whole. Either way, serve it while it’s still warm!
Tips for Grilling Your Sandwich
If you don’t have a panini press, no worries. Just use a heavy skillet to press the sandwich down in the pan. You can even stack another frying pan or something heavy (like a clean brick wrapped in foil) on top. The goal? A crisp, flat sandwich with melted cheese oozing out the sides. Don’t skip preheating your pan—you want instant sizzle for the perfect crunch.
Variations of the Cuban Sandwich
While the classic Cuban sandwich is a hard act to follow, there’s room for creativity. Here are a few fun variations:
- Vegetarian Cuban: Swap the meat for marinated jackfruit or grilled portobello mushrooms. Use a smoky cheese like gouda to mimic the pork’s depth.
- Spiced-Up Cuban: Add jalapeños or a layer of spicy aioli for extra heat.
- Breakfast Cuban: Add an egg and replace the pickles with avocado for a morning twist.
The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with new versions can be half the fun.
Why the Cuban Sandwich Will Always Be a Favorite
It’s not just about the ingredients (though they’re undeniably delicious). The Cuban sandwich tells a story—of people, culture, adaptation, and celebration. It’s comfort food with a side of history, and there’s something so satisfying about that first crispy, cheesy bite.
So, why not give it a try at home? Once you’ve mastered it, who knows—you might just start your own Cuban sandwich tradition.
Cuban Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of Cuban bread or substitute with French bread or baguette
- 1 pound roast pork sliced thin
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices cheese your choice
- 6-7 dill pickles
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
Instructions
- Cut the Cuban bread in half lengthwise and spread mustard on both sides.
- Layer the roast pork, ham, cheese and pickles on one half of the bread.
- Place the other half of the bread on top and press down gently.
- Heat a large skillet or panini press over medium heat.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and put a heavy pan or foil-covered brick on top to press down. Cook until the bread is crispy, and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side.
- Cut the sandwich into smaller pieces or leave it as it is and serve hot.
Notes
- When choosing processed deli meats and cheeses, look for cleaner-ingredient options and avoid nitrates, nitrites, and other harmful additives.
- While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to explore here! Pepperjack would give a good spicy flavor, and Gouda would give a nice depth of flavor.
