Authentic Cuban Sandwich Recipe: Master the Classic Pressed Pork & Ham Delight

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Miami with this authentic Cuban sandwich recipe. Whether you have Cuban heritage or are simply a lover of incredible sandwiches, this recipe promises a truly unforgettable experience. It masterfully combines tender, slow-roasted pork (often called pernil), savory ham, creamy Swiss cheese, crisp pickles, and a tangy yellow mustard, all nestled between slices of buttery, toasted bread and pressed to golden perfection. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a taste of tradition, a celebration of flavor, and a staple of Cuban-American cuisine.

Our recipe captures the essence of the Cuban sandwiches you’d find in the bustling bodegas and eateries of Miami, Florida—widely regarded as the spiritual home of this iconic pressed sandwich. The secret to its unparalleled flavor lies not just in the combination of ingredients, but in the meticulous preparation of each component, especially the succulent roasted pork, which truly elevates this dish from good to extraordinary.

I first shared a version of this recipe back in 2014, accompanied by a video tutorial on YouTube. Over the years, through countless batches and taste tests, I’ve refined and perfected it. Today, I’m thrilled to present this updated guide, complete with fresh photos and even more detailed instructions, ensuring that you achieve a truly fail-proof and utterly delicious Cuban sandwich every single time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a sandwich that’s rich in history and flavor!

This hearty sandwich is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic Cuban or American sides. Consider serving it alongside crispy potato chips, savory tostones (fried plantains), classic French fries, or sweet and caramelized fried plantains. Each of these options provides a fantastic contrast in texture and taste, complementing the rich flavors of the sandwich perfectly.

The Story Behind the Cuban Sandwich: A Culinary History

The Cuban sandwich, or “Cubano,” has a rich and debated history, with its origins tracing back to the cigar factories of Cuba. As Cuban immigrants settled in Florida, particularly in Key West, Tampa, and Miami, the sandwich evolved. Initially a humble lunch for Cuban cigar workers, it gained widespread popularity, becoming a staple in these communities. While the basic components remain consistent, subtle regional variations exist. For instance, in Tampa, a slice of Genoa salami is traditionally added, a nod to the Italian immigrants who also worked in the city’s cigar industry. This recipe focuses on the classic Miami-style Cuban sandwich, celebrating its iconic blend of flavors without the salami.

What’s in an Authentic Cuban Sandwich? The Essential Ingredients

The magic of a Cuban sandwich lies in its specific, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that signature flavor and texture. For precise quantities and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

• Roasted Pork (Pernil): This is truly the star of the show. We highly recommend preparing homemade pernil, a succulent, slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in a flavorful blend of citrus and garlic. Its tender, juicy texture and aromatic seasoning are irreplaceable. If time is a constraint, good quality leftover shredded or sliced roasted pork can be used, but for an authentic experience, homemade is best.
• Ham: Opt for thinly sliced, good quality domestic ham. A sweet ham or a honey-roasted variety works wonderfully, adding a delicate saltiness and a hint of sweetness that balances the rich pork.
• Swiss Cheese: The traditional choice for a Cuban sandwich. Swiss cheese melts beautifully, contributing a nutty, slightly sweet creaminess that binds the sandwich together. While Swiss is classic, if you’re looking for an alternative, provolone or Havarti can offer a similar melting quality and mild flavor.
• Pickles: Dill pickle chips or long sliced dill pickles are crucial for that essential tangy crunch. They provide a bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich meats and cheese, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing bite.
• Mustard: Yellow mustard is the only way to go for an authentic Cuban. Its sharp, zesty flavor is integral to the sandwich’s profile, providing a necessary kick that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
• Bread: Authentic Cuban bread is long, somewhat flat, and has a thin, crispy crust with a soft, airy interior. Its unique texture is perfect for pressing. If Cuban bread isn’t available, a good quality Italian bread (similar in shape and crumb) makes an excellent substitute. Avoid overly crusty or dense bread.
• Butter: Essential for achieving that perfectly golden, crispy exterior when pressed. Make sure your butter is softened or melted for easy spreading.

How to Make The Ultimate Cuban Sandwich: Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting the perfect Cuban sandwich is a labor of love, particularly when you start with homemade roasted pork. The steps are straightforward, but attention to detail will yield the most delicious results.

Preparing the Roasted Pork (Pernil)

The first and most critical step for an authentic Cuban sandwich is preparing the flavorful roasted pork, also known as pernil. This slow-roasted pork shoulder is marinated overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in an incredibly tender and aromatic filling.

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This lower temperature allows the pork to cook slowly and become incredibly tender.
2. Craft the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the fresh orange juice and lime juice. These citrus juices not only impart a bright flavor but also help to tenderize the meat. Add the finely minced garlic, dried oregano, Sazón Goya (for color and savory depth), ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant marinade.
3. Prepare the Pork: Take your bone-in pork shoulder. Carefully remove about three-quarters of the skin, leaving a portion attached. Then, make several deep, 1-inch cuts all over the pork meat. These cuts are crucial for allowing the marinade to seep into the deepest parts of the roast, infusing it with flavor.
4. Marinate the Pork: Pour the prepared marinade generously all over the pork, ensuring it gets deep into the slits you’ve made. However, it is essential that the pork skin remains completely dry. This dryness is key for achieving a crispy crackling later. Make sure those fragrant garlic chunks are pushed deep into the meat slits.
5. Roast to Perfection: Place the pork skin back over the meat. Pat the skin completely dry with paper towels—the drier, the crispier! Season the skin liberally with extra salt and pepper. Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, and bake for 4 hours. After 4 hours, remove the foil and continue baking for another 1 hour. This allows the skin to start crisping up. Finally, increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pork skin is wonderfully golden brown and crackling crispy.
6. Rest and Shred: Once the pork skin is perfectly crispy, remove the pan from the oven and let the entire roast rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period is vital for the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Carefully slice off the crispy skin (the “chicharrón”) and set it aside to enjoy separately or as a crunchy garnish. Shred the tender pork meat using two forks and place it back into the pan with its flavorful juices. Be careful not to let any of the juices touch the crispy pork skin, as it will soften.

How to Assemble Your Authentic Cuban Sandwich

With your perfectly roasted pork ready, assembling the sandwich is the next exciting step. The order of layers and the final pressing are what truly define the Cuban sandwich.

7. Prepare the Bread: Take your loaf of Cuban or Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise, creating a top and bottom half. Then, cut it crosswise into individual sandwich-sized portions, usually about 6-8 inches long, depending on your preference.
8. Spread the Mustard: Generously spread yellow mustard over the bottom slices of your bread. This forms a foundational layer of tangy flavor.
9. Layer the Fillings: On top of the mustard, place the Swiss cheese slices. The cheese acts as a barrier, preventing the bread from becoming soggy from the meat juices and ensuring it melts directly onto the bread. Next, pile on the shredded roasted pork, followed by the ham slices, and finally, arrange the dill pickles.
10. Butter and Press: Lightly butter the top and bottom exterior of the sandwich bread. This butter is key for achieving that golden, crispy crust when pressed. Place the assembled sandwich into a preheated cast iron skillet or a panini press. If using a cast iron skillet, place a heavier pan (like another cast iron skillet) or a brick wrapped in aluminum foil on top to press down firmly on the sandwich. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side (or according to your panini press instructions) until the bread is a beautiful golden brown and the Swiss cheese is thoroughly melted and gooey.

Top Tips for a Perfect Cuban Sandwich

• The Press is Paramount: To achieve the signature flattened and crispy texture, a good press is essential. A panini machine is ideal, but a cast iron skillet on the stovetop works beautifully. Remember to use a heavy object like another cast iron pan, a brick wrapped in foil, or even a sturdy plate to apply consistent pressure.
• Butter Makes it Better: Always butter the outside of your bread generously before pressing. This ensures a beautifully golden-brown and delightfully crispy crust that is key to the Cuban sandwich experience.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: While homemade roasted pork is highly recommended, using high-quality deli ham and genuine Swiss cheese will significantly impact the flavor. Fresh ingredients truly make a difference.
• Fresh Bread is Key: Start with fresh Cuban or Italian bread. Stale bread won’t press as well and will result in a less enjoyable texture. The slight give of fresh bread allows it to compact perfectly.
• Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the roasted pork to rest after cooking is crucial for tender, juicy meat. This prevents the juices from running out when you shred it.
• Balance the Flavors: The ratio of meat, cheese, pickles, and mustard is important. Don’t overload the sandwich, as it needs to be able to press down evenly. The balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and rich is what makes the Cuban so special.

Video Tutorial

Watch this step-by-step video to guide you through the process of making this incredible Cuban sandwich from scratch. Visual instructions often make the cooking process even easier to follow!

For More Cuban Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve fallen in love with the flavors of this Cuban sandwich, you’ll surely enjoy these other classic Cuban dishes. Each recipe brings a piece of Cuban culinary tradition to your kitchen:

• Arroz con Pollo: A comforting and flavorful chicken and rice dish.
• Chicharos Cubanos: Hearty Cuban-style split pea soup with ham.
• Crockpot Cuban Picadillo: A savory ground beef dish, perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Croquetas de Jamon: Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside ham croquettes, a popular Cuban appetizer.

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this authentic Cuban sandwich! It’s a culinary masterpiece that truly stands the test of time. If you tried this recipe and loved it, please take a moment to leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or share your thoughts in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! And for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, consider following me on Facebook or Pinterest!