Ultimate Grilled Cuban Sandwich
Experience the essence of Cuba right at your table with this Ultimate Grilled Cuban Sandwich! With its crispy, golden crust and melty filling, this sandwich transcends the ordinary ham and cheese experience. It features layers of succulent boiled ham and tender roasted pork, complemented by creamy Swiss cheese and tangy dill pickles. All of this is embraced by authentically soft Cuban bread, enhanced with buttery, toasty notes. Perfect for gatherings, or as a satisfying meal on its own, this sandwich promises flavor and satisfaction with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cuban bread
1 loaf (sliced lengthwise)
Unsalted butter
1/4 cup (softened)
Yellow mustard
3 tablespoons (to taste)
Boiled ham
1 1/2 lbs (sliced)
Roasted pork
1 1/2 lbs (sliced)
Swiss cheese
1 lb (sliced)
Dill pickle slices
1 cup (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to high (550°F) and allow it to heat up for at least 15 minutes.
2
Slice the Cuban loaf lengthwise and prepare the sandwich by spreading 2 tablespoons of softened butter on one half. On the other half, spread a thin layer of yellow mustard based on your taste preference.
3
Layer the sandwich by first adding 1-2 layers of boiled ham, followed by roasted pork, and then Swiss cheese. Finally, add dill pickle slices generously on top.
4
Carefully close the sandwich with the mustard-spread half on top, and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil.
5
Use the remaining butter to smear all over the outside of the wrapped sandwich, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
6
Before grilling, press down on the sandwich firmly with your hands to flatten it slightly. Place the wrapped sandwich on the preheated grill and weigh it down with a brick, grill press, or another heavy, heat-resistant object. Close the grill lid and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side.
7
After 5-6 minutes, carefully flip the sandwich and grill for an additional 5-6 minutes, keeping the weight on top.
8
Once both sides are wrapped and grilled, carefully remove it from the grill. Unwrap the aluminum foil and return the sandwich back to the grill to get that perfect crust. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
9
Remove from the grill, let it cool slightly, and then slice the sandwich at an angle into wedges.
10
Serve warm on a large platter, and enjoy this delightful Cuban classic!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ultimate Grilled Cuban Sandwich?
The Ultimate Grilled Cuban Sandwich is a flavorful classic featuring layers of succulent boiled ham, tender roasted pork, creamy Swiss cheese, tangy dill pickles, and yellow mustard on buttery, toasted Cuban bread.
What kind of bread is required for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for one loaf of authentic Cuban bread, sliced lengthwise.
How many ingredients are needed for this sandwich?
There are 7 primary ingredients: Cuban bread, unsalted butter, yellow mustard, boiled ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and dill pickle slices.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill should be preheated to high, approximately 550°F.
How long should I preheat the grill?
It is recommended to allow the grill to heat up for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
A total of 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter is used for both the inside and the outside of the sandwich.
What type of mustard should I use?
Yellow mustard is the traditional choice for this recipe, using about 3 tablespoons or to taste.
How much ham and pork do I need?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of sliced boiled ham and 1 1/2 lbs of sliced roasted pork.
What type of cheese is used in a Cuban sandwich?
One pound of sliced Swiss cheese is used to provide a melty, creamy texture.
Are the pickles sliced?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of dill pickle slices.
What is the first step in assembling the sandwich?
After slicing the bread, spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter on one half and yellow mustard on the other.
In what order should I layer the meat and cheese?
Layer the boiled ham first, followed by the roasted pork, then the Swiss cheese, and finally the dill pickles.
Why is the sandwich wrapped in aluminum foil?
The sandwich is wrapped tightly in foil to help it heat through evenly and stay compressed during the initial grilling phase.
Where do I apply the remaining butter?
The remaining butter should be smeared all over the outside of the aluminum foil-wrapped sandwich.
How do I flatten the Cuban sandwich?
Press down firmly with your hands before grilling, then use a brick, grill press, or heavy heat-resistant object while it is on the grill.
How long do I cook the sandwich while it is wrapped in foil?
Cook the wrapped sandwich for 5-6 minutes on each side with a weight on top.
Do I need to flip the sandwich?
Yes, after the first 5-6 minutes, carefully flip the sandwich and grill for another 5-6 minutes.
How do I get a crispy crust on the bread?
After the initial grilling, unwrap the foil and return the sandwich directly to the grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
What color should the bread be when finished?
The bread should be crispy and golden brown.
How should the sandwich be sliced for serving?
It is best to slice the sandwich at an angle into wedges.
Can this sandwich be served at parties?
Yes, it is considered perfect for gatherings or as a satisfying individual meal.
Is the pork boiled or roasted?
The pork used in this recipe is roasted and sliced, while the ham is boiled and sliced.
What is the description of the final texture?
The sandwich features a crispy, golden crust with a melty filling of meat and cheese.
Can I adjust the amount of mustard?
Yes, the recipe suggests 3 tablespoons or adjusting to your specific taste preference.
Should the grill lid be open or closed?
The grill lid should be closed while the sandwich is cooking and being weighed down.
Is the butter salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter.
How do I handle the sandwich after grilling?
Remove it from the grill, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
What makes the bread taste buttery and toasty?
The combination of spreading butter inside and on the outside during the grilling process creates the toasty notes.
What kind of pickles are used?
Dill pickle slices are used to provide a tangy contrast to the meats.
What categories does this sandwich fall into?
It is categorized as a Cuban sandwich, comfort food, and party food.