The flavors of Cuba come alive in every bite of a classic Cuban sandwich. Thinly sliced ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard all come together on crispy bread to create a culinary masterpiece that’s both simple and sublime. But why stop at the original when you can get creative with these 18 flavorful Cuban sandwich recipes? From spicy additions like jalapeños and mustard to sweet surprises like honey-glazed ham and grilled pineapple slices, we’ve got the inspiration you need to take your Cuban sandwich game to the next level.
Whether you’re a seasoned Cubano connoisseur or just looking for a tasty twist on lunchtime fare, these recipes are sure to satisfy. So go ahead, get your Cuban on, and discover the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will leave you craving more.
Classic Cuban Sandwich with Roast Pork and Ham
This iconic sandwich brings together the rich flavors of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on crispy bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Cuban-style bread (or similar)
– 1/2 pound roasted pork shoulder, thinly sliced
– 4 ounces smoked ham, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 2 slices Swiss cheese
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon pickle relish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of roasted pork, ham, and Swiss cheese on each bread slice.
4. Spread Dijon mustard and pickle relish on top of the meat.
5. Place the sandwiches in the panini press or grill for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes per sandwich
Spicy Cuban Sandwich with Jalapeños and Mustard
Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Spicy Cuban Sandwich combines the classic Cuban sandwich with a spicy kick from jalapeños and a tangy twist from mustard.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Cuban bread (or similar)
– 4 oz ham
– 2 oz roasted pork
– 1/4 cup Swiss cheese, sliced
– 2-3 jalapeños, sliced
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– Mayonnaise or butter for spreading
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Spread mayonnaise or butter on two slices of Cuban bread.
3. Add a layer of ham, pork, and Swiss cheese.
4. Top with sliced jalapeños.
5. Spread Dijon mustard on the remaining bread slices.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the mustard-covered slice on top of the filling.
7. Place in the panini press or grill for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Mojo-Marinated Pork
Experience the bold flavors of Cuba with this classic sandwich featuring tender pork marinated in a zesty mojo sauce, crispy ham, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder
– 1/2 cup mojo marinade (see below)
– 4 slices of ham
– 4 slices of Swiss cheese
– 4 Cuban bread rolls
– 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
– Mayonnaise or butter for serving (optional)
Mojo Marinade:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Marinate pork shoulder in mojo marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Grill pork until caramelized and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Assemble sandwiches by spreading a layer of mayonnaise or butter on the bread roll, followed by a slice of ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and marinated pork.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Grilled Cuban Sandwich with Swiss Cheese
This grilled sandwich takes the traditional Cubano recipe to new heights by adding melted Swiss cheese for an extra layer of creaminess. Perfect for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably Cuban-style or a crusty baguette)
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 4 ounces of ham
– 4 ounces of roasted pork
– 1/4 cup of Swiss cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup of dill pickle slices
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles on each bread slice.
4. Place the sandwiches on the grill, buttered side down.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip the sandwiches over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per side
Vegetarian Cuban Sandwich with Plantains and Black Beans
This Vegetarian Cuban Sandwich is a flavorful twist on the classic, featuring sweet plantains, creamy black beans, and crispy bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe plantains
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 Cuban-style sandwich bread rolls (or substitute with a crusty baguette)
– Optional: cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice plantains into 1-inch rounds and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add black beans and stir to combine with garlic. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble sandwiches by spreading black bean mixture on each roll, followed by caramelized plantain slices.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Pickles and Yellow Mustard
This classic Cuban sandwich gets a tangy twist with the addition of crunchy pickles and creamy yellow mustard. A perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Cuban bread
– 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard
– 2 dill pickle slices, thinly cut
– 2 ounces of ham
– 2 ounces of roasted pork
– 1 cup of melted Swiss cheese
– Butter or non-stick cooking spray for toasting
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Spread yellow mustard on each slice of Cuban bread.
3. Add two slices of ham, two slices of roasted pork, and one pickle slice on top of the mustard.
4. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the meat.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing another slice of bread on top.
6. Butter or spray the outside of each sandwich with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
7. Cook in the panini press or grill for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Smoked Ham and Provolone
A classic Cuban sandwich gets a delicious twist with the addition of smoked ham and melted provolone cheese. This mouthwatering combination is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (Cuban or Italian)
– 4 oz smoked ham, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
– 1/4 cup diced pickle
– 1/4 cup mustard
– Lettuce and tomato (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on the panini press or grill.
4. Top with sliced ham, shredded provolone cheese, diced pickle, and mustard.
5. Add lettuce and tomato if desired.
6. Place the remaining bread slices, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes
Mini Cuban Sandwich Sliders for Parties
Elevate your party game with these bite-sized Cuban sandwiches that pack a flavor punch!
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 8 oz ham, thinly sliced
– 8 oz roasted pork, shredded
– 1/4 cup pickled red onions, chopped
– 1/4 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each baguette piece.
3. Place two slices of ham on the unbuttered side of each baguette, followed by a spoonful of roasted pork and some pickled red onions.
4. Top with shredded Swiss cheese.
5. Fold the buttered side over to enclose the filling.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
7. Serve immediately and garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Garlic Butter Toast
A classic Cuban sandwich gets a boost from crispy garlic butter toast in this mouthwatering recipe. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this flavorful combination is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (white or Cuban-style)
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 ounces ham, roasted and thinly sliced
– 4 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup of dill pickle slices
– 1/4 cup of yellow mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter and garlic until well combined.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Assemble sandwiches by placing ham, cheese, pickle slices, and yellow mustard on unbuttered bread slices.
5. Place sandwiches in the panini press or grill for 3-4 minutes, or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Spicy Mayo and Avocado
Elevate the classic Cuban sandwich by adding creamy spicy mayo and fresh avocado. This twist on a Cuban classic combines sweet ham, savory roast pork, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, and crispy bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Cuban bread
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 8 ounces ham, thinly sliced
– 8 ounces roast pork, thinly sliced
– 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
– 1/2 cup pickles, thinly sliced
– Spicy Mayo (see below)
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
Spicy Mayo:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading spicy mayo on the unbuttered side of two slices, followed by ham, roast pork, cheese, pickles, and finally the other buttered bread slice.
4. Grill for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
5. Top with sliced avocado before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Crispy Pork Belly
Experience the flavors of Cuba with this mouthwatering sandwich, featuring crispy pork belly, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly (cured in brown sugar and spices for at least 2 days)
– 4 Cuban-style bread rolls
– 4 slices of thinly sliced ham
– 4 slices of Swiss cheese
– 1/4 cup pickle slices
– 2 tbsp mustard
– Butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Remove the pork belly from the refrigerator and rinse off excess sugar under cold water.
3. Place the pork belly on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the pork belly for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and caramelized.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading melted butter on each bread roll, then layering ham, Swiss cheese, pickle slices, and mustard.
6. Top each sandwich with a slice of crispy pork belly and serve immediately.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Sweet Plantains and Cheese
This recipe combines the classic Cuban sandwich with the natural sweetness of plantains and the creaminess of melted cheese, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Cuban bread
– 1 ripe plantain, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 4 oz ham, thinly sliced
– 4 oz roasted pork, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp butter, softened
– 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of Cuban bread.
3. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with ham, roasted pork, and sliced plantains.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Honey-Glazed Ham
This Cuban sandwich takes the classic combination of ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard to new heights by adding a sweet and sticky honey-glazed ham. The result is a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably Cuban-style or a crusty baguette)
– 1/2 pound honey-glazed ham, thinly sliced
– 4 slices of Swiss cheese
– 1/4 cup dill pickle slices
– 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
– Mayonnaise or butter for spreading (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Butter or spread mayonnaise on the bread, if desired.
3. Layer the ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard on one slice of bread.
4. Top with another slice of bread.
5. Place in the panini press or grill for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Grilled Pineapple Slices
Experience the sweet and savory fusion of Cuban cuisine with this mouthwatering sandwich, featuring tender ham, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, and juicy pineapple slices.
Ingredients:
– 4 Cuban-style bread rolls (or similar)
– 4 oz ham steak, thinly sliced
– 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
– 1/4 cup pickle slices
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch slices
– 2 tbsp butter, divided
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread roll.
3. Assemble sandwiches by placing a slice of ham on the unbuttered side, followed by a few pickle slices and a sprinkle of Swiss cheese.
4. Grill pineapple slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized and tender.
5. Place grilled pineapple slices on top of the sandwich filling.
6. Butter the other bread roll half and place it on top of the pineapple to complete the sandwich.
7. Cook sandwiches in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is toasted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Chorizo and Pickled Onions
Savor the flavors of Cuba with this twist on a classic sandwich, featuring spicy chorizo and tangy pickled onions. This mouthwatering combination is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Cuban bread
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1/2 pound of chorizo, sliced
– 1 cup of shredded ham
– 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup of pickled onions (see note)
– 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with chorizo, ham, and Swiss cheese.
5. Spread yellow mustard on top of the cheese.
6. Place the remaining two slices of bread, butter-side up, on top.
7. Grill for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
8. Serve immediately.
Note: To make pickled onions, combine 1 cup of thinly sliced red onion with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cuban Sandwich with Cuban Bread and Butter
A classic Cuban sandwich is a perfect fusion of flavors, textures, and aromas. This recipe brings together the iconic ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on toasted Cuban bread, all held together by a generous slathering of butter.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Cuban bread
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 2 ounces of roasted pork (lechon asado)
– 2 ounces of ham (jamón), thinly sliced
– 2 slices of Swiss cheese
– 1/4 cup of dill pickle slices
– 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of ham, roasted pork, and Swiss cheese on each buttered bread slice.
4. Top with pickle slices and a dollop of yellow mustard.
5. Place the sandwiches in the panini press or grill and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Herb-Marinated Pork
A flavorful twist on the classic Cuban sandwich, this recipe combines tender herb-marinated pork with crispy ham, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices Cuban ham
– 4 slices Swiss cheese
– 4 pickle slices
– 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic, and cilantro.
3. Marinate pork shoulder in the herb mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Grill or bake the marinated pork until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Assemble sandwiches by layering ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard on a crusty bread roll.
6. Slice the grilled pork into thin strips and add to the sandwich.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Tangy Mustard Sauce
Experience the rich flavors of Cuba with this iconic sandwich, featuring ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a tangy mustard sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Cuban bread
– 2 oz ham
– 2 oz roasted pork (such as lechon asado)
– 2 slices of Swiss cheese
– 1/4 cup dill pickle slices
– Tangy Mustard Sauce (see below)
– Butter or non-stick cooking spray
Tangy Mustard Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter or spray the Cuban bread slices.
3. Assemble the sandwiches by placing ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles on two slices of bread.
4. Top with the remaining bread slices.
5. Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, until crispy and golden.
6. Serve with Tangy Mustard Sauce.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to taste the flavors of Cuba with these 18 mouth-watering Cuban sandwich recipes! From classic combinations like roast pork and ham, to spicy twists with jalapeños and mustard, there’s something for everyone. Try Mojo-marinated pork or grilled Swiss cheese for added depth. Vegetarian options feature plantains and black beans, while mini sliders are perfect for parties. With a range of meats, cheeses, and spreads, you’ll discover the perfect blend to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an impressive dinner party, these Cuban sandwiches have got you covered!
Leave a Reply