Cuban Sandwich Pressed Pork Ham

The first time I had a proper Cuban sandwich was at a tiny lunch counter in Miami where the line wrapped around the block. The press hissed and popped behind the counter, and that smell of melting Swiss and warm pickles hit me before I even ordered. Ive been chasing that sandwich ever since, and honestly my kitchen now smells exactly like that little counter did.

Last summer I made these for a group of friends who were skeptical about pickles on a hot sandwich. Within two minutes of taking that first bite, they were all asking for the recipe. Something magical happens when the pickles warm up and release their brine into the melting Swiss.

Ingredients

• Roast pork: Thin slices are crucial here, they need to heat through quickly without drying out
• Deli ham: Get it sliced thin from the deli counter, the prepackaged stuff just doesnt have the same moisture
• Swiss cheese: The mild nutty flavor bridges the pork and pickles beautifully
• Cuban bread: This is nonnegotiable for authenticity but soft French bread works in a pinch
• Yellow mustard: Adds the right tang without overpowering everything else
• Dill pickles: Sandwich slices or coins, either way they need to be thinly cut
• Unsalted butter: Softened so it spreads evenly on the bread exterior

Instructions

Prep your canvas:

Slice the Cuban bread horizontally and spread that yellow mustard generously on both cut sides, dont be shy with it.

Build your masterpiece:

Layer roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickle slices on the bottom half, then crown it with the top bread half and press down gently.

Butter the outside:

Spread softened butter on the exterior of each sandwich, this is what creates that gorgeous golden crust.

Get things hot:

Heat a large skillet or sandwich press over medium heat, you want it hot enough to sizzle immediately.

The transformation:

Place sandwiches in the skillet, press down with a heavy pan, and grill 4 to 5 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is absolutely melty.

Finish with style:

Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve while still hot and oozing.

Pin It

My dad still talks about the Cuban sandwich I made him during his visit last year. He took one bite and went completely silent for a full minute before declaring it was better than any version hes had in Cuba.

The Press Question

Ive tried every method from fancy panini presses to improvising with pots and pans. The truth is consistent pressure matters more than fancy equipment, whatever gives you that flat even contact between bread and heat source.

Bread Wisdom

Real Cuban bread has a thinner crust than French bread and a slightly different crumb structure. If you cant find it, look for the softest Italian loaf available, nothing too dense or crusty.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add a thin swipe of mayonnaise under the mustard for extra richness, especially when Im using a leaner roast pork. The key is balancing all those strong flavors so no single ingredient overwhelms the others.

• Leftover roast pork from a Sunday dinner makes an even better sandwich than deli meat
• A drizzle of mojo sauce inside takes it to restaurant level quality
• Wrap the pressed sandwich in foil and keep it warm in a low oven if serving a crowd

Pin It

Theres something deeply satisfying about hearing that press sizzle and knowing exactly whats happening inside. These sandwiches have a way of turning an ordinary Tuesday into something worth remembering.

Your Questions Answered

→ What makes a Cuban sandwich authentic?

Authentic Cuban sandwiches require Cuban bread, roast pork (not just ham), Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. The pressing technique creates the signature crispy exterior and melted interior that defines this classic.

→ Can I use a regular pan if I don't have a sandwich press?

Absolutely. Use a heavy skillet and press down with another heavy pan or spatula while cooking. Flip halfway through to ensure even crisping on both sides.

→ What's the best bread for Cuban sandwiches?

Traditional Cuban bread is ideal with its thin crust and soft interior. If unavailable, French or Italian bread work well as substitutes—just avoid overly thick or dense loaves.

→ Do I need to cook the roast pork first?

Use leftover cooked roast pork or purchase pre-sliced roast pork from the deli. The pork should already be fully cooked since it only needs heating through during grilling.

→ What sides pair well with Cuban sandwiches?

Plantain chips, black bean soup, or a simple citrus salad complement the rich flavors perfectly. For drinks, try a light lager, mojito, or chilled sparkling water.