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Crispy Authentic Cuban Sandwich

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A quick and easy recipe for a crispy, melty Cuban sandwich featuring slow-roasted pork, smoky ham, Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles pressed to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Cuban bread (or French/Italian loaf as substitute)
  • 1.5 pounds slow-roasted pork shoulder, shredded
  • 3–4 ounces sliced ham (preferably sweet or smoked)
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese
  • Thinly sliced dill pickles
  • Yellow mustard
  • Softened butter for spreading
  • Optional: garlic powder (for pork rub)
  • Optional: salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Optional: olive oil (for roasting pork)

Instructions

  1. If starting with raw pork shoulder, preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Rub pork with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast on foil-lined baking sheet for 2 to 2.5 hours until tender. Let rest and shred with forks. If using leftover pork, shred and season lightly.
  2. Cut Cuban bread into 8-inch sections. Slice each section lengthwise without cutting all the way through, so it opens like a book.
  3. Spread softened butter on the outside of both halves of the bread.
  4. On the inside bottom half, spread a thin layer of yellow mustard. Layer shredded pork (3-4 ounces), sliced ham (2-3 ounces), 2 slices Swiss cheese, and a handful of thinly sliced dill pickles. Close the sandwich carefully.
  5. Heat panini press or skillet over medium heat. Place sandwich inside and press firmly. Cook about 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway if using skillet, until bread is crisp and golden and cheese is melted.
  6. Remove sandwich, let rest for a minute, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.

Notes

Press sandwich just enough to melt cheese and crisp bread without squishing out juices. Buttering the outside of the bread is key for a golden crust. Pat pickles dry to avoid sogginess. Rotate sandwich halfway if press heats unevenly. Use a digital thermometer to ensure pork reaches 195°F internal temperature for tenderness. Reheat leftovers in skillet or press to restore crispiness; avoid microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cuban sandwich, crispy sandwich, roast pork sandwich, panini, Cuban bread, ham sandwich, Swiss cheese sandwich

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/crispy-authentic-cuban-sandwich-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide-for-perfect-flavor/