This pressed Cuban Sandwich recipe will give you all the feels of a night in Miami. Slightly crusty rolls, topped with piles of tender pulled pork, ham, melty swiss, tangy pickles, and a homemade mojo sauce that makes this sandwich a knockout. Perfect served with some chips, fries or a tangy slaw.

Cuban Sandwich Recipe

Did you ever see the movie CHEF? It didn’t get much fanfare, but it’s really a little gem. Jon Favreau is in it, but the real star of the film is Miami and the cuban sandwich. When we were done watching it, I desperately wanted to visit there and get my hands on one.

Instead of a costly plain ticket, though, I just made them myself using some leftovers from my slow cooker cuban pork.

What is a Cuban Sandwich?

In the most simplistic terms, a Cuban sandwich is really just a grown up hot ham and cheese sandwich. But it’s honestly so much more than that. Also know as a Cubano, this sandwich is on steroids, with lightly toasted bread and mounds of seasoned pork, ham, melty cheese, crunchy pickles, mustard, and an incredible flavored-packed mojo sauce that brings it all together.

What’s in a Cuban Sandwich?

Ingredients you need for a Cuban sandwich are nothing complicated. It’s more the sum of the parts that makes it amazing.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

• Mojo mayo – For the spread, you need mayonnaise, lime zest, orange zest, and garlic powder.
• Rolls – If you can’t find cuban or Portuguese rolls, you can use the french or Italian loafs from your supermarket bakery. Baguette can be too tough and crusty for this pressed sandwich. French sub buns, or ciabatta rolls can also be used.
• Yellow mustard – This is a traditional ingredient on a Cubano. Use as much or as little as you prefer.
• Cuban Pork or Pulled pork – This is a great recipe to use up leftover cuban pork (THE BEST) or pulled pork. Or you can buy pulled pork already prepared in some supermarkets and bbq or smokehouses. If using pulled pork, make sure it hasn’t already been tossed in bbq sauce.
• Deli ham – You can use regular or honey ham, both go well with the other ingredients.
• Swiss cheese – This mild and nutty cheese pairs perfectly with ham and pulled pork.
• Dill pickles – Adds great tang and textural crunch. They should be sliced thin, lengthwise.
• Butter – For the fry pan to toast the bread.

How to Make a Cuban Sandwich

If you’ve got leftover pulled pork, this sandwich comes together in minutes.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

1. Make the mojo sauce. Mix together all the ingredients for the Mojo mayonnaise. Set aside.
2. Toast the rolls. Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle pan over medium heat and toast the cut side of each roll, just until lightly crusty, about 3 minutes.
3. Build the sandwiches. Liberally spread the mojo mayo on the toasted rolls, followed by as much mustard as you’d like. Layer with 2 slices of cheese, some pickles, 2 slices of ham, 1/2 cup of pulled pork, and then 2 more slices of cheese.
4. Toast the sandwiches. With the cast iron pan or griddle on medium heat, add some butter to the pan and add the sandwiches. Press the sandwiches down with another heavy pot or sandwich weight to help get a good crust on the bread and press the ingredients of the sandwich together. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Lightly smear some butter on the tops and then flip the sandwich and replace the pot or weight on top and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until brown and crispy.
5. Serve. Remove from the pan and let rest for 3 minutes, slice in half and serve with your favorite sandwich sides.

Serving Suggestions

A Cubano is hearty and filling! But you can’t beat serving it with some traditional sandwich sides like potato chips, fries, or a tangy coleslaw.

Proper Storage

These sandwiches are best when fresh, but anything leftover should be wrapped in foil or plastic and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. They can be reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes, or conventional oven at 350F for 10 minutes.

More Classic Sandwich Recipes:

• Reuben Sandwich
• Homemade Sloppy Joes
• Italian Grinder Sub
• Chopped Italian Sandwich
• Tuna Melt
• Muffuletta Sandwich
• Oven Grilled Cheese

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!