Introduction: Awesome & Quick Pressed Cuban Sandwich

About: Software QA Test Engineer/Technical Writer

I like a good sandwich just as much as the next guy and my hands down favorite is a pressed Cuban. In celebration of Fidel Castro finally getting a clue and realizing that Communism pretty much sucks and only looks good on paper, we had Cuban sandwiches  for dinner tonight. Here's how it happened.

Step 1: Stuff You'll Need

Fresh french bread
Ham ( I used Boars Head Tavern Ham - delicious) Do not use shaved ham!
Lechon Asado Cubano (Roasted Pork)
Swiss Cheese
Spicy Mustard
Mayo (Most Cubans do not have this)
Kosher Dill Pickles
Bacon Salt (yum)

Step 2: Slice the Bread


Slice your bread length wise in preparation for the meat and cheese to rest.

Step 3: Make the Spread


Mix equal parts spicy mustard and mayo add an optional 1/2 teaspoon of Bacon Salt.

Step 4: Adding the Meat and Cheese


Spread the mustard/mayo on both sides of the bread. Start with a layer of ham on one side, layer the roasted pork on top of the ham. On the other side of the bread put your Swiss cheese and pickles.

Step 5: Cooking This Bad Boy


I admit, I do not own a sandwich press, I just don't have the room for another kitchen gizmo. I'd have to throw away something first and I'm not getting rid of my Pizazz Pizza Cooker, George Forman Grill or Jack LaLanne Power Juicer. So I press my Cubans in a Circulon Pan over medium heat pressing it flat with the bottom of a plate. Some folks use butter for this, I just do it with a dry pan. It should only take a minute or two, be sure to do both sides.

Step 6: Serving Suggestions


I cut  the sandwich in 4 equal portions and served with sliced tomato and  potato salad. Even better would be fried sweet potato fries or fried plantains sprinkled with brown sugar and cinnamon.