Authentic Cuban Sandwich

4.86 from 14 votes

An Authentic Cuban Sandwich is grilled sandwich filled with ham, pork, (sometimes salami), Swiss cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard on Cuban bread!

Author: Nikki Lee

Servings: sandwiches

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Ingredients

▢ 12 inch Cuban bread halved
▢ 2 tbsp yellow mustard
▢ 3 ounces Swiss cheese sliced
▢ 3 ounces pickles sliced thin
▢ 8 ounces ham sliced
▢ 5 ounces roasted pork (I can find this in my deli) or use Mojo Pork
▢ 2 ounces genoa salami (optional) A traditional style does not use salami - see note.
▢ 2 tbsp butter (or to taste)

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Instructions

Preheat Pan: Preheat your panini press or a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want it hot enough to crisp the bread to a nice golden color.
Prep Bread: Lay your bread open on your work surface and spread a generous layer of mustard on both the bottom and top halves.
12 inch Cuban bread, 2 tbsp yellow mustard
Layer Your Fillings: On the top half of the bread, layer the Swiss cheese and pickles.
On the bottom half, add the ham, roasted pork, and salami (if using it). Close the sandwich and press gently to keep everything snug.
3 ounces Swiss cheese, 3 ounces pickles, 8 ounces ham, 5 ounces roasted pork, 2 ounces genoa salami
Butter and Press: Butter both the top and bottom of the sandwich. Place it on your preheated panini press and apply moderate pressure. Cook until both sides are golden and crisp, about 8 minutes. And cheese is melted to your liking.
Alternative: If you’re using a cast-iron skillet, melt some butter and add the sandwich. Use a second pan to press down (you can also use a brick wrapped in foil or a cast-iron press). Once the first side is crisp, flip the sandwich and repeat, pressing again, for a total of about 10 minutes.
2 tbsp butter
Slice and Serve: When the sandwich is perfectly toasted and golden, slice it diagonally for that classic presentation. Serve immediately while it’s warm, and enjoy every bite!

Notes

Of course, you can pile on as much meat as you like—go big if that’s your style! But if you’re looking for that classic Tampa Bay Cuban sandwich experience, this recipe uses the same amount you’d typically get when ordering from a local spot. Perfectly balanced, just like the original!

Genoa Salami: A traditional Cuban sandwich doesn’t include salami, but in Tampa, you may see it added due to the city’s Italian influence. In Ybor City, where Italian, Cuban, and Spanish immigrants shaped the local food scene, Genoa salami became a popular addition, adding a slightly spiced, savory layer of flavor. It’s completely optional—if you prefer the classic version, leave it out. If you’re adding it, you can either reduce the amount of ham or keep both for an extra hearty sandwich!

Nutrition

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