The Cubano — or sandwich Cubano — is more than just a pressed ham and cheese sandwich. It’s a cultural icon, a testament to the rich flavors and traditions of Cuban cuisine. This authentic Cuban sandwich, made with slow-roasted pork, sweet ham, Swiss cheese, crisp pickles, and tangy mustard, all hugged between slices of golden homemade Cuban bread, captures the soul of Miami and Havana in every bite. Whether you're making it for a Sunday lunch or prepping ahead for Cuban sandwich sliders at your next party, this recipe is about honoring the classic while making it approachable for your home kitchen. It’s an easy Cuban sandwich you’ll keep coming back to, especially once you’ve tried the bread from scratch. Trust us—nothing compares.
Cubano with Homemade Cuban Bread
Prep Time 40 minutes mins
Cook Time 3 hours hrs 35 minutes mins
Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Lunch, Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine American, Cuban
Servings 4 large sandwiches
Stand mixer (with dough hook) or large bowl for hand-kneading
Baking sheet (for bread loaves)
Parchment paper or silicone mat
Slow cooker (if you’re making a slow cooker cuban sandwich)
Cast iron skillet or panini press (for sandwich pressing)
Pastry Brush (to apply egg wash on bread)
Sharp bread knife (for slicing the loaves evenly)
For the Cuban Bread
- Yields 2 loaves good for 4 large Cubanos
- 4 cups bread flour plus extra for kneading
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water 110°F
- 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable shortening if unavailable
- 1 egg white for brushing
For the Pork (for Cubano Sandwich)
- Use leftover pork or make it fresh with this simple version
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt ideal for pulled pork cuban sandwich
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sandwich
- 8 slices of homemade Cuban bread
- 1 lb sliced roasted pork from above or crockpot cuban sandwich style
- ½ lb sweet deli ham look for Cuban-style or honey ham
- ½ lb Swiss cheese
- Dill pickles sliced lengthwise
- Yellow mustard
- Butter for grilling
Step 1: Make the Cuban Bread
Activate the yeast:
In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, then sprinkle yeast over the top. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Mix and knead:
Add flour, salt, and lard to the bowl. Mix until combined, then knead for 10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
First rise:
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
Shape the loaves:
Punch down the dough and divide in two. Shape each into a loaf about 12 inches long and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second rise:
Cover loaves and let rise again for 45 minutes.
Brush and bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush loaves with egg white and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing.
Note: This bread is lighter than French bread and has a slightly crisp crust—perfect for pressing without becoming too dense.
Marinate:
In a bowl, mix garlic, cumin, oregano, citrus juices, salt, and pepper. Rub all over the pork.
Slow cook:
Place pork in a slow cooker or oven-safe Dutch oven with olive oil. Cook on low for 8 hours (slow cooker) or bake at 300°F for 3 hours, covered.
Shred:
Once tender, shred the pork and reserve some of the cooking juices to keep it moist.
Want to simplify? You can absolutely use store-bought pulled pork or leftover roast pork, but authentic cuban food recipes often call for slow-roasted pork shoulder.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Layer it right:
Slice Cuban bread lengthwise
Spread yellow mustard on both halves
Add 2–3 slices of ham
Add a generous pile of pork
Add 2 slices of Swiss cheese
Top with sliced pickles
Close the sandwich
Butter and press:
Lightly butter the outside of the bread. Place sandwich in a hot skillet, and use a second skillet or panini press to press it down. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until bread is crispy and cheese is melted.
Perfect Pairings
The Cubano sandwich is hearty, salty, and rich—so it pairs best with crisp, acidic sides and refreshing drinks:
- Sides: Try yuca fries, crispy tostones (fried plantains), or a fresh tomato and avocado salad. For something truly Cuban, serve with a side of black beans and rice or one of your favorite cuban appetizers like croquetas or empanadas.
- Drinks: Classic pairings include a cold Cuba Libre (cola and rum), a simple lime soda, or even a mango juice to balance the savoriness of the sandwich.
- Desserts: Finish with something light and sweet like flan, pastelitos, or a scoop of coconut ice cream.
FAQs
1. What kind of pork should I use for Cubano sandwiches?
The best pork for Cuban sandwich recipes is pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts become incredibly tender when slow-cooked and shred easily, making them ideal for the sandwich. They're also perfect for crockpot Cuban sandwich recipes.
2. Can I make Cubano sandwiches with store-bought bread?
Yes, but for an authentic experience, homemade Cuban bread is worth the effort. Store-bought Cuban bread works too if you have access to a Latin bakery. If not, use a soft hoagie roll or French bread with a light crust.
3. What's the difference between a Cubano and a regular ham and cheese sandwich?
While both contain ham and cheese, the Cubano also includes seasoned roast pork, mustard, pickles, and is pressed to crispy perfection. It's a specialty within Cuban food authentic traditions, especially in Miami and Tampa.
4. Can I use deli pork instead of slow-cooked pork?
You can, but you’ll lose the depth of flavor that comes from marinating and roasting. If you’re short on time, use leftover pork roast or pulled pork from the grocery store for an easy Cuban sandwich shortcut.
5. Can I make Cuban sandwich sliders instead of full-size sandwiches?
Absolutely. Use small slider buns or mini versions of Cuban bread, layer with all the same fillings, and bake them together covered in foil until hot. They're great for parties or game day and a fun way to enjoy Cuban appetizers in slider form.
