Grilled Cubano

Protein:

Origin: Cuban, Taste of the Islands

Method: Grill or Stovetop

In the world of sandwiches few are more iconic that the Cuban sandwich. Created by Cuban immigrants in South Florida, this sandwich is loaded with succulent roast pork, ham, cheese, pickles and mustard. For our Grilled Cubano we finish off the sandwich by grilling it over a live fire for an out of this world grilled/smoky flavor.

Making the Grilled Cubano

For your Cuban sandwich you will need high quality bread, roast pork, ham, mustard, pickles, and swiss cheese. Optionally you can also add lettuce, tomato, and/or mayo.

Traditionally Cuban bread or rolls are used for a Cubano. If you can't find them you can substitute a high quality Italian or French loaf. We love to pick up fresh bread from one of the local bakeries in the area. High quality ingredients really are key to making a stand out, great tasting sandwich.

For the ham we prefer a thick sliced smoked ham, but feel free to use your favorite. Depending on our appetite we often make sure to pile up the ham on our sandwiches.

Probably the most important ingredient in a Cuban sandwich is the roast pork. We frequently use left over roast pork from our Smoked Pernil- Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder, or Caribbean Roast Pork Sandwich, but you can use your favorite roast pork recipe. Any mojo style roast pork works great. While not traditional, we have even made a great Grilled Cubano with left over pulled pork, such as our Eastern North Carolina Pulled Pork.

To assemble the Cuban sandwich slather both sides of the bread with mustard. If using a French or Italian loaf, slice into sandwich sized portions. To the bottom half of the bread with the ham, pickles, and pork. Place the cheese on the top half of the bread, along with the lettuce and tomato if you are using them on your sandwich.

Looking for more great recipes with ham? Check out our Mother’s Inspired Double Smoked Black Ham, or Chivito Sandwich.

Place the top on the sandwich and press down slightly to flatten.

Grilling the Cuban Sandwich

Heat a grill or smoker to medium high heat, about 400 degrees. Place the sandwich directly on the grill and press down with a press or cast iron pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. Ideally the bread should be nice and crusty on the outside while warm and soft on the inside.

Serving the Grilled Cubano

Serve the sandwich warm along with some black beans and a pickle spear.

The Grilled Cubano would also pair well with some Always Crispy French Fries or Smoky Hatch Mac and Cheese, and don't forget your mojito, Coconut Mai Tai, or Mango Habanero Margaritas.

Do you have a favorite variation of the iconic sandwich? We would love to hear about it so please leave a comment or tag us on social media.

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📖 Recipe

Grilled Cubano

Carne Diem Culinary

This Grilled Cubano adds a smoky element to this classic sandwich. It is great with your favorite roast pork or even left over pulled pork, and is super easy to make.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American Southeast, Cuban

Servings 4 sandwiches

Calories 833 kcal

Equipment

• Grill

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Note: The amount of ingredients needed will depend on the number of sandwiches you are making. This is an estimate for making 4 sandwiches.

• 4 Cuban Rolls or Other High Quality Bread Such as a French or Italian Loaf
• 8 Slices Ham
• 2 Cup Roasted Pork
• 1 Cup Mustard
• 8 Slices Pickles or 16-20 pickle chips
• 8 Slices Swiss Cheese
• 8 Leaves Lettuce optional
• 8 Slices Tomato optional
• ½ Cup Mayo optional

Instructions

 

• Halve your bread, and if using a loaf bread like a French or Italian loaf cut into sandwich sized portions. Slather both sides of the bread with yellow mustard.
• On the bottom half of the bread top with the ham slices, pickles, and then the roast pork. On the top half of the loaf top with the mayo, if using, then the Swiss cheese and optional lettuce and tomato.
• Place the top on the sandwich and gently press down on the sandwich to flatten slightly. Heat a grill or smoker to medium high heat (about 400 degrees).
• Place the sandwich directly on the grill over direct heat. Place a press or cast iron pan on top of the sandwich to press it down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, then flip the sandwich and cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Remove and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 833kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 61gFat: 49gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 152mgSodium: 4569mgPotassium: 1156mgFiber: 7gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1442IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 606mgIron: 5mg

Keyword Cuban, Ham, Latin, mojo, mustard, Pernil, Pickles, Roast Pork, Sandwich

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