Sometimes you don’t want to mess with the classics.
I always try to mix up a recipe or make it into something new. But not this time. I tried thinking of ways to make a Cuban sandwich better but it’s just too good. The biggest thing I can stress is use the best quality ingredients!

Since a cuban sandwich has such little ingredients, it’s important to use the best of everything – or at least your favorite of everything. Best bread, your favorite brand of pickles, even your favorite mustard.

Some recipes call for adding salami to the mixture too, but I prefer to use just ham and pork. I’m using the exact same pork recipe I used for Tuesday’s recipe. It works great because you’ll already have extra pork.

On to the bread. Mostly all Cuban sandwich recipes call for Cuban bread. I couldn’t find it at my grocery store, so I bought Italian bread. Just don’t use a baguette, it will be too crusty and won’t cook properly! If you choose to cook your sandwich on a panini-type press, slice your bread extra thick so you still have a good texture of chewy bread.

If you cook the pork the day before, this meal becomes an incredibly quick dinner. Just layer everything then press in a panini press (I used a george forman grill – it always works great for paninis!) and enjoy.
If you live in Florida, specifically near Tampa, I’m jealous of the Cuban Sandwich Festival! I’m not sure how many Cuban sandwiches I could sample in a day, but apparently they all have something a little unique.
Are you going to make a Cuban Sandwich? Leave a comment below with any questions or suggestions!
Cuban Sandwich

Yield: makes 4 sandwiches |
The classic cuban with shredded pork, ham, pickles, swiss, and mustard.
You'll Need...
- 8 slices cuban or italian bread, sliced thick
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 8 slices swiss cheese
- 12 ounces shredded pork
- 4 slices ham
- 4 -6 large pickle spears, sliced thin
Directions
- Spread butter on 1 side of each 8 slices of bread. Spread mustard on the other side.
- Set bread mustard side up. Place one slice of cheese on each piece of bread. Set 4 slices of bread off to the side.
- Divide pork, ham, and pickles on 4 slices of bread. Top with other 4 slices of bread.
- Cook sandwiches on panini press for 10 minutes, until cheese is melted. Or cook on a cast iron skillet, until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
- Slice & serve.
Additional Notes
images & text © North Coast Eats
pork adapted from Citrus Shredded Pork
Leave a Reply