This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
About This Recipe
These easy Cuban Pork Sandwiches are the BEST way to use any leftover pulled pork. These sandwiches are packed with layers of juicy pork, salty deli ham, melty cheese and tangy pickles.
This delicious cuban sandwich is very high in protein (60g for the whole sandwich) so typically I like to enjoy half of it with some sides. They’re great paired with fresh fruit, potato chips, yellow rice, or any roasted vegetables! However, if I’m low on protein or in an “only want a sandwich” mood, I’ll nix the sides and just eat the whole sandwich!
If you’re looking for another way to use this delicious cuban pork, you can also make my Cuban Pulled Pork Bowls! There’s so many yummy ways to use this pulled pork recipe and I guarantee the whole family will love it!
Why You’ll Love This Cuban Sandwich Recipe
- The best cuban sandwich! Packed with roasted pork, deli ham, and melted swiss cheese on crispy bread.
- High protein! 60 grams of protein per sandwich.
- Quick and easy to make! Ready in just 15 minutes.
- A great recipe for quick lunches or easy dinners!
- One of the best ways to leftover pork!
- Hoagie rolls or baguette
- Yellow mustard
- Light mayo – traditional Cuban sandwiches don’t have mayo on them but I think it’s delicious on this sandwich so I like using it but up to you! I know some people are iffy with mayo so I didn’t include it in the nutrition info.
- Swiss cheese
- Deli ham – be sure to use good quality deli for this recipe. I like black forest ham but any kind works!
- Cuban-Style Mojo Pork
- Pickle spears – I used dill pickles but you can use bread and butter, sweet pickles, sweet and spicy, etc. Use your favorite pickles!
- Make a cuban wrap – Skip the bread and wrap up all your ingredients in your favorite flour tortilla or whole wheat wrap.
- Tampa style sandwich – add salami to make this a Tampa style cuban sandwich
- Garlic aioli – take this sandwich up a notch by creating a garlic aioli (mix minced or frozen garlic with mayo) to spread on one side of the bread
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Slice rolls or baguette down the middle to make a top and bottom half. If using a baguette, first cut into 4 equal loaves. Spread a tablespoon of mustard and mayo on both sides of the bread.
2. To the bottom half, layer as follows: 1 slice cheese, 1 slice ham, 1/2 cup pulled pork (100g), pickles, 1 slice cheese. Then add the top slice of bread. Repeat for all the sandwiches, you can also make them one at a time when ready to eat.
3. Spray both sides of the sandwich with cooking spray (or spread with butter). Working 1-2 sandwiches at a time, grill sandwich in a grill pan, panini press or skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown. Sear both sides, pressing down very firmly. Cover if needed to melt the cheese.
4. Remove from heat. Transfer to a cutting board to slice in half then enjoy!
Helpful Tips
If you like want to avoid soggy bread, I highly recommend broiling the pork or frying it up in a hot skillet before adding to your sandwich to help the juice to evaporate. Trust me this extra step takes just a few minutes and makes the pork even MORE flavorful!
What type of bread works best for this cuban sandwich?
A traditional cuban sandwich is made with cuban bread. Cuban bread is slightly sweet, crusty bread that is soft like Italian bread and has a crisp crust similar to French bread. If you have a Latin bakery close by, I highly recommend stopping in for traditional cuban bread. But if not, you can easily use a hoagie roll or small french baguette for this sandwich.
Can I use something besides pulled pork for this sandwich?
For this sandwich to be considered a traditional cuban sandwich, no you cannot substitute the pork. However, if you’re looking for a just a delicious sandwich recipe, you can substitute with shredded chicken or shredded beef.
Can I make this sandwich if I don’t have a panini press?
Yes, you can make this sandwich if you don’t have a panini or sandwich press. If you want to get the taste of a pressed sandwich (without a press), just place a hot cast iron pan (or heavy skillet) on top of the sandwich on a griddle or skillet or place the sandwich between two hot cast iron pans.
Where did the cuban sandwich originate?
Contrary to the name and popular belief, the cuban sandwich actually originated in Florida (not Cuba). Cafes created the cuban sandwich to cater to Cuban workers and Cuban immigrants working in Key West and Tampa. The sandwich eventually made its way to Miami where it is now most famously known.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwich (Cubano Sandwich)
Ingredients
- 4 hoagie rolls or 12-oz. baguette
- 4 Tbsp yellow mustard (60g)
- 4 Tbsp light mayo (60g) optional
- 6 oz. Swiss cheese
- 6 oz. good quality deli ham
- 2 cups Cuban-Style Mojo Pulled Pork (400g)
- 8 sliced pickle spears
- Cooking spray for grilling
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes. Scroll for macros and MyFitnessPal code.
Instructions
- Slice rolls or baguette down the middle to make a top and bottom half. If using a baguette, first cut into 4 equal loaves.
- Spread a tablespoon of mustard and mayo on both sides of the bread.
- To the bottom half, layer as follows: 1 slice cheese, 1 slice ham, 1/2 cup pulled pork (100g), pickles, 1 slice cheese. Then add the top slice of bread. Repeat for all the sandwiches, you can also make them one at a time when ready to eat.
- Spray both sides of the sandwich with cooking spray (or spread with butter). Working 1-2 sandwiches at a time, grill sandwich in a grill pan, panini grill or skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown. Sear both sides, pressing down very firmly. Cover if needed to melt the cheese.
- Remove from heat. Transfer to a cutting board to slice in half then enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
