Cubano (Cuban Ham and Cheese Sandwich)
This sumptuous grilled sandwich—a crusty roll filled with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles—originated in Cuba but has caught on throughout the U.S. This recipe first appeared in our April 2011 special Sandwich Issue with author Alexander Lobrano's article Classic Combination.
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Credit: Todd Coleman
SERVES 1
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 8″ Cuban roll, split
½ cup leftover roast pork shoulder, shredded
3 slices deli ham
3 slices Swiss cheese
10 dill pickle chips
1 tbsp. yellow mustard
1 tbsp. canola oil
Spread mayonnaise on bottom half of roll and top with pork, ham, cheese, and pickle chips. Spread mustard on top half of roll; cover bottom. Heat oil in a 10″ skillet over medium-high heat, and cook sandwich, weighing it down with a cast-iron skillet and turning once, until golden brown and cheese is melted, 8–10 minutes. Cut in half and serve hot.
See Four Different Ham and Cheese Sandwiches in the Gallery »
See Four Different Ham and Cheese Sandwiches in the Gallery »
Having had a few Cubans in Little Havana in Miami, well, there are options. And these do include lettuce and mayo. Heck, there are versions with salami in addition to ham. Who knew that there were regional differences in traditional dishes! I shudder to think what you might think if you discover that a Philly has more than one "right" way to be made...
There's an awful lot of reviewing on this site that's purely, "I ate item X this way and that's the only way to have it, so this must be terrible - 1 star!" It does no one any favors and makes you look like a complainer. If you even read the intro here, it's clear that this is a version you'd find in the US (where the mayo/lettuce and even tomato! option definitely exists in Florida) and not presented as "the authentic and sacred method of old Cuba."