Here’s how to make an amazing, traditional Cuban sandwich, a.k.a.

a Cubano, at home.

The Cuban sandwich, better known as a Cubano, begins with soft, slightly sweet Cuban bread.

A side view of a cuban sandwich with pickles and chips in the background

Marta Rivera

Heaps of heavily seasonedpork roastand sliced ham alternating between layers of Swiss cheese and sour pickles.

The sandwich is cemented together with yellow mustard and a garlic butter schmear.

I mean, its practically complete meal you could eat while walking?

A grilled cuban sandwich is cut into quarters and resting on top of parchment paper and cutting board. Shredded pork and pickles are visible inside the sandwich. Pickles are on either side of the sandwich and a pink striped dish cloth is in the left hand corner.

Marta Rivera

Sign me up for all of that.

Theres nothing fancy about this sandwich, yet, its a culinary God-send.

Then the regional variations start and theres when people get passionate!

A person is holding two halves of a cuban sandwich. The person is wearing a grey apron an the shredded pork, sliced ham, sliced cheese, mustard and mayonnaise are visible.

Marta Rivera

One friend is from Miami and the other from Tampa and both believe their city makes the best Cubano.

The difference between the Miami and Tampa Cubano variations is minimal.

It lies in one ingredient: salami.

Two halves of a traditional cuban sandwich are resting on parchment paper and a wooden cutting board. Ridged potato chips and a pickle are in the background.

Marta Rivera

On the Miami side simple is best.

The second I pose the question, my friends start comparing everything that makes their sandwich the best!

I totally understand why these Floridians are so fiercely loyal to their versions of the Cubano.

A rectangular cutting board is set on a marble background. Two halves of the best cuban sandwich are set on top, along with ridged potato chips and pickle spears

Marta Rivera

Its a sandwich anyone would be proud of.

Where Did the Cuban Sandwich Originate?

The funny thing is the sandwich didnt originate in Miami or Tampa.

A loaf of french bread being sliced horizonally with a chefs knife. One hand rests on top of the loaf. Shredded pork, a glass container of mustard, a small glass bowl of mayonnaise and a partial plate of sliced pickles is visible above.

Marta Rivera

Its actually believed to be a Cuban creation that was brought to Florida by travelers and immigrant workers.

The folks in Key West picked up on the idea and Cubano made its U.S. debut.

Way too fussy for me!

A cast iron skillet is set on a bunsen burner. Half of a loaf of french bread that has been lengthwise is being toasted to make the best cuban sandwich. A plate of sliced ham and sliced cheese is visible on the right side, along with a wooden cutting board and the other half of the french bread.

Marta Rivera

Because the Cubano was created for on-the-go eating, I dont think it should be frilly.

Sorry, Key West.

What Is Cuban Bread?

A wooden cutting board is set on a marble background. French bread is cut into quarters and toasted. A hand is using a spoon to spread mayonnaise on the center piece of bread. Bowls of shredded pork, sliced ham, yellow mustard, sliced swiss cheese, mayonnaise and sliced pickle are set above.

Marta Rivera

The foundation of the Cuban Sandwich is the slightly, sweet, soft but still crusty Cuban bread.

Its similar in shape to Italian bread, except that it has a crisper crust like a French baguette.

Cuban bread tastes sweeter than youd think it would.

Toasted french bread is cut into quarters and set on a wooden cutting board. The middle pieces are spread with mayonnaise and the outer quarters are spread with yellow mustard. Bowls of shredded pork, sliced ham, yellow mustard, sliced cheese, mayonnaise and sliced pickles are set above.

Marta Rivera

Its that tiny bit of sweetness that gives the Cuban sandwich an added dimension of flavor.

Ultimately, you want to choose bread that can be easily squished down.

Whats the Best Ham for Cubano Sandwiches?

A hand is placing sliced cheese on one quarter of a traditional cuban sandwich. One quarter has two slices of swiss cheese and two quarters are spread with yellow mustard. The sandwich is set on a wooden cutting board set on a marble table top. Bowls and plates of shredded pork, sliced ham, yellow mustard, sliced cheese, mayonnaise and sliced pickles are set above.

Marta Rivera

Diving deeper into the Cubano, the ham I prefer to use is Black Forest ham.

Its cured with more seasonings and spices than a boiled, sliced ham or even a Virginia ham.

If you cant find Black Forest ham, then my second choice is smoked ham.

Hand is placing sliced pickles on top of sliced cheese and french bread. One top of the sandwich is covered with mustard and another part of bread has sliced swiss cheese on it. A glass container of yellow mustard is visible in the top left corner.

Marta Rivera

Were looking to build a flavorful Cubano, so lets add flavor at every step!

Whats the Best Roast Pork for Cuban Sandwiches?

These Latin American roasts are loaded with the intoxicating flavors of garlic and herbs.

Best cuban sandwich is being assembled on a wooden cutting board set on a marble countertop. Hand is placing shredded pork, along with picles and cheese on french bread. Two tops of the bread are covered with yellow mustard and bowls of pork, mustard, mayonnaise and pickles are visible.

Marta Rivera

I guess what Im trying to say is:The roastmakes the Cubano.

If Ive made a roast pork for Sunday dinner, this is what Im making with the leftovers.

you’re able to be sure of that.

Sliced french bread set on a cutting board with a hand placing sliced ham on the sandwich, along with pickles, cheese and pork. Second half of the sandwich is visible in the right corner.

Marta Rivera

What if You Dont Eat Pork?

Can you make an authentic Cubano without roasted pork?

In short, no.

Cast iron skillet on a stove with a traditional cuban sandwich pressed between another cast iron skillet. Toasted bread, mustard, pork and cheese showing.

Marta Rivera

No Panini Press?

If you do have a panini-press use that of course, you fortunate soul, you.

Make Ahead Tips for Cubanos

Parts of the Cubanos can be assembled ahead of time.

Pressed cuban sandwich set in a cast iron skillet. Pork, cheese and pickle peeking out the side.

Marta Rivera

What To Serve With Cubanos?

Cubanos are most often served with a side of plain ol chips and sometimes a crisp dill pickle.

Again, nothing too fancy.

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That proves to me that Cubanos may be served hot or at room temperature.

That makes them great for large crowds or to serve as party-fare.

Try These Other Great Sandwich Recipes!

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If using a panini press set it to medium heat.

Slice the loaf of bread in half horizontally.

Toast both halves of the plain bread, cut side down, until the surface is a light golden-brown.

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This step reduces the sogginess that often occurs after the mustard and pickles are added.

While the bread is toasting, stir together the butter and minced garlic to create a schmear.

Then spread the mustard on the cut side of other piece of bread.

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Add another layer of Swiss cheese followed by a layer of pickles and the ham.

Top the ham with any remaining cheese and cover the sandwich with the other piece of bread.

If using the 2-skillet method, once both pans are heated through, lift the top pan up.

dessert treats on a table

Place the sandwich into the bottom pan and place the top pan directly onto the sandwich.

Otherwise, weight the sandwich down using your preferred method.

If youre using a panini press, grill for 6 minutes total, or until the cheese is melted.

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Remove your sandwich from the skillet or griddle.

LEFTOVERS!Leftovers should be wrapped in foil and stored in the refrigerator.

They may be reheated by cooking the same as above.

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Two halves of a traditional cuban sandwich are resting on parchment paper and a wooden cutting board. Ridged potato chips and a pickle are in the background.

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