• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Cuban Sandwiches

pork entrees· sandwiches & wraps· Summertime Favorites
September 3, 2020

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
zoomed shot of half of a Cuban sandwich, showing the cut half with all the ingredients exposed sitting on a plate with plantain chips

Cuban Sandwiches – my take on the classic Cuban, made with ham, Mojo pork, Swiss cheese, and a homemade garlic aioli.

Cuban sandwiches have been one of my favorite sandwiches for as long as I can remember. We would have them pretty often because my mom would order them in platters for various parties. Every event she hosted – from baby showers to Christmas Eve parties – she would make sure to have a platter of little Cuban sandwiches (called Cubanitos) for guests to munch on.

Though I’ve been enjoying these sandwiches my entire adult life, I was shocked to realize that I’ve never actually made them at home for myself. I think the biggest reason for this was the roast pork in the sandwich. I never really had any on hand and it seemed silly to buy sliced roast pork just for the sake of putting on a sandwich, assuming I could even find sliced roast pork at the store.

But now that I’ve got this incredible Mojo Pork Tenderloin recipe on deck and part of my normal dinner rotation, making homemade Cuban Sandwiches is easier than ever. So naturally, I have developed my take on the best Cuban Sandwich using leftovers from that recipe and have it here for you today.

overhead shot of a Cuban sandwich cut in two halves sitting on a plate with plantain chips
zoomed direct shot of a Cuban sandwich cut in half with the two halves stacked on top of each other, sitting on a plate with plantain chips
overhead, zoomed out shot of Cuban sandwich cut in half on a large plate with plantain chips

What’s in a Cuban Sandwich?

A Cuban sandwich is a version of a ham & cheese sandwich that is served pressed. It’s made with slices of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard and served on Cuban bread. Its origin is actually in Florida – not Cuba. But the creators of the sandwich were Cuban immigrants who would make these sandwiches to take to work. They eventually made their way to Miami, where they are still insanely popular today.

There are obviously variations to the classic. I’ve seen people use honey mustard instead of mustard, add mayo, and even leave off pickles and/or mustard entirely. But, in my opinion, to really be a Cuban sandwich, the three ingredients that must be present are:

  • Ham
  • Roast pork
  • Swiss cheese

How I make my version of a Cuban Sandwich

My version of a Cuban sandwich is very similar to the classic, aside from one thing: I always add mayo. I’m not against mustard but sometimes it can take away from the other ingredients so I prefer mayo on my Cuban (and on all my sandwiches, actually).

Roasted Garlic Aioli

Lately, I’ve taken to making a garlic aioli instead of just using classic mayo and it’s become a GAME. CHANGER. The garlic and lemon juice in the aioli takes the Cuban to a whole other level. The amount of flavor in every bite will blow you away!

To make the aioli, you simply roast the garlic and then smash together with mayo, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a little cayenne. Roasting the garlic mellows out its flavor so it’s not so pungent. Instead, it becomes rich and almost sweet.

Roasting garlic is super simple. You just wrap a bulb of garlic in foil with a little olive oil and salt and bake until the cloves turn super soft.

zoomed in shot of garlic bulb with olive oil on a piece of foil before it's roasted
Assembling the sandwich

After the aioli is made, it’s time to assemble the sandwich and press it. First, we start with the bread. Traditionally, Cuban bread is used for this sandwich. I’m not sure how easy it is to find Cuban bread outside of the South so using French bread or hoagie rolls will work fine.

Next, the bread is sliced in half and spread with the aioli you made. Pickles are layered on one half, then the cheese, ham, and pork. The sandwich is closed ready for pressing.

process shot of Cuban sandwich assembly with bread with sliced ham in the foreground and bread with pickles in the background, surrounded by plantain chips

To press the sandwich, I use the flat plates on my panini press and press the sandwich on medium heat. You can easily do this in a skillet but you’ll need to put a heavy skillet on top of the sandwich to help flatten it out. I’ve also seen people use a brick wrapped in foil to achieve similar results.

Once the sandwich is pressed, it’s sliced in half and served immediately.

Tips & Tricks

  1. You do not want to use a high heat when heating this sandwich. If the heat is too high, the outside will brown before the cheese has time to melt. I find medium to work great for me, but if you’re worried, go a tad under medium.
  2. To make the roasted garlic easier to smash, make sure you roast it long enough. 30 minutes should be enough time, but you can verify by pushing on one of the cloves with a fork and see if it smashes easily. If not, roast for 5 more minutes.
zoomed angled shot of a Cuban sandwich cut in half with the two halves stacked on top of each other, sitting on a plate with plantain chips
Print Recipe

Cuban Sandwiches

Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Servings: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients

For the roasted garlic aioli:
  • 1 large head of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
For the Cuban sandwiches:
  • 4 hoagie rolls (or one loaf of Cuban bread cut into 4 portions)
  • 16 slices dill pickle chips
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 16 slices thinly sliced ham
  • 4 slices thinly sliced Mojo pork tenderloin sliced lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

To make the roasted garlic aioli:
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Take the head of garlic and chop off the top 1/2 inch. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Wrap in aluminum foil and place onto a baking sheet or in a baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until cloves have softened completely.
  • Remove garlic from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Squeeze cloves into a small bowl. Using a fork, smash garlic until it becomes a paste. Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
To make the Cuban sandwiches:
  • Preheat a panini press over medium head. Alternatively, you and use a skillet on the stove over medium heat.
  • Cut hoagie in half. Spread both cut halves with roasted garlic aioli (about 1-2 tablespoons). On the bottom half, add 4 pickle slices. Cut Swiss cheese in half and place over the top of the pickles in a long strip. Top with sliced ham and sliced pork. Top with other half of the hoagie. Repeat with other 3 hoagies.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of butter to hot press or hot skillet. Add two sandwiches and close panini press and press down. Cook until cheese has melted, about 7-10 minutes. Remove and repeat with other 2 sandwiches. If using a skillet, add two sandwiches and press down with a heavy skillet. Cook for 5 minutes and then flip. Remove once the cheese has melted. Repeat with 2 other sandwiches.
  • Slice cooked sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

Pin for later:

collage of two photos of a Cuban sandwich with descriptive text

More recipes you’ll love:

Turkey Apple Melt
sliced turkey apple melts in a container lined with parchment paper, shot from overhead
Mini Pesto Grilled Cheese
a Mini Pesto Grilled Cheese being pulled apart with stringy cheese with a plate of more sandwiches and bowls of pesto and dipping sauce in the background, shot from a side angle
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
a spatula holding up a Philly Cheesesteak Slider with a glass dish with more cheesesteak sliders in it, shot from the front

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

28 Comments

« Mojo Pork Tenderloin
Chocolate Pecan Turtle Bars »

Comments

  1. fuite says

    June 26, 2025 at 2:48 am

    The intricate design of escape road city 2 encourages players to engage deeply with their surroundings. Every object and detail may hold significance, urging you to explore thoroughly. Will you take the time to investigate every nook and cranny, or will you rush through the adventure?

    Reply
  2. joy pony says

    April 14, 2025 at 5:21 am

    This Cuban Sandwich recipe is an absolute flavor bomb — classic in its roots but elevated with that roasted garlic aioli, which takes it to gourmet territory.

    Reply
  3. Dani vincent says

    February 27, 2025 at 2:47 am

    is having sex in public a crime? Understand the legal consequences and how laws on public indecency apply. Contact an experienced lawyer for guidance and defense if you’re facing charges related to public acts.

    Reply
    • James Bennett says

      March 18, 2025 at 3:32 am

      The website https://t.me/london_club_y stands out with its clean, modern design and user-friendly interface. Navigation is effortless, allowing users to quickly access the information they need. It loads fast and is fully optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a smooth experience on any platform. The content is well-organized, making it easy to browse and find specific details. Customer support is responsive, adding to the overall positive experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning user, this site offers a reliable and efficient service that makes your visit enjoyable.

      Reply
  4. Rickey Watts says

    January 16, 2025 at 11:03 am

    Thank you very much. papa’s games

    Reply
  5. Snow Rider 3D says

    January 15, 2025 at 9:23 pm

    Cuban sandwiches are a great appetizer, combining pork with a distinctive flavor, often served on special occasions. In between enjoying delicious food, you can relax with the game Snow Rider 3D, where you immerse yourself in exciting adventures on the snow.

    Reply
  6. smashy road says

    December 30, 2024 at 9:25 pm

    Thanks to your sandwich recipe, I made a delicious and beautiful cake to treat my family and friends. I have made it many times, and every time it is successful.

    Reply
  7. Emily Brady says

    December 28, 2024 at 5:12 pm

    Cuban sandwiches are always a great choice for a quick and tasty meal. They remind me of the simplicity and fun of friv games, both perfect for enjoying a relaxed moment.

    Reply
  8. Golf Orbit says

    December 10, 2024 at 11:01 pm

    I like this food

    Reply
  9. idle breakout says

    November 19, 2024 at 7:01 am

    Explore the delicious world of Cuban sandwiches? These iconic sandwiches are known for their crispy, buttery bread filled with savory layers of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles definitely a treat worth trying as you break blocks in idle breakout!

    Reply
  10. Geometry Dash says

    November 12, 2024 at 7:08 am

    The mini-wave section in this Geometry Dash level is my absolute arch-nemesis. I can make it through most other parts, but this one just gets me every time. It’s so frustrating but also so satisfying when I finally get it right. This level is a real rollercoaster!

    Reply
  11. slope says

    October 16, 2024 at 4:19 am

    What alternative types of bread can be used for assembling a Cuban sandwich if Cuban bread is not available?

    Reply
  12. Courtney Khan says

    October 14, 2024 at 4:40 am

    Love Cuban sandwiches! The perfect balance of ham, pork, and cheese is unbeatable. Just like finding the perfect game on poki games simple, satisfying, and keeps you coming back for more. Great food and fun games make for the best combo!

    Reply
  13. Geometry Dash says

    September 11, 2024 at 3:59 am

    Geometry Dash is a fun way to improve motor skills. The precise jumps and movements required in the game help to improve fine motor control and coordination.

    Reply
  14. Dino Game Offline says

    August 16, 2024 at 3:12 am

    Although the game is offline

    Reply
  15. io games says

    February 16, 2024 at 2:53 am

    Many people have a lot of fun with anything you can think of and write down. I’m one of those people who like what you write

    Reply
  16. Suika game says

    November 30, 2023 at 2:22 am

    This is one of the best desserts I’ve ever seen.

    Reply
  17. snow rider 3d says

    October 20, 2023 at 4:22 am

    I just adore the way that your Cuban citrus marinade sounds! I can’t wait to put this to the test!

    Reply
  18. rachel says

    September 5, 2020 at 11:18 am

    My husband is OBSESSED with cubans so I can’t wait to make this for him.

    Reply
  19. Mahnoor Khurram says

    September 4, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    I’ve never had a Cuban sandwich but after reading this, I think it’s definitely my thing!

    Reply
  20. Brittany Limberakis says

    September 4, 2020 at 3:14 pm

    Yum! My hubs loves a good Cuban

    Reply
  21. Marina says

    September 4, 2020 at 1:22 pm

    I’m sure my husband will love this. He said it looks yummy

    Reply
  22. Janelle says

    September 4, 2020 at 12:22 am

    This hit the spot with the kids- they loved everything about this sandwich – mind you my kids are a little older..

    Reply
  23. veenaazmanov says

    September 3, 2020 at 11:13 pm

    I can enjoy these Sandwiches at any meal. My kids to love it for their Snack Box too. Full of flavors and yummy meat options too.

    Reply
  24. Rachna Parmar says

    September 3, 2020 at 10:40 pm

    This sandwich looks super hearty and delicious. That roasted garlic aioli is a keeper recipe for sure.

    Reply
  25. Annissa says

    September 3, 2020 at 10:31 pm

    I absolutely love that you add a bit of cayenne to the aioli. It rounds out the flavor so well. What a great recipe. Five stars for sure!

    Reply
  26. Kylie says

    September 3, 2020 at 9:38 pm

    These look fantastic! Cannot wait to make them!

    Reply
  27. Heather says

    September 3, 2020 at 5:39 pm

    This is, without a doubt, my husband’s favorite lunch option ever. I can’t wait to make them for him!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

fall flavors

a stack of three pumpkin oatmeal cream pies on cotton napkins with a platter behind it with more pies in the background, shot from the front

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

staged shot of pumpkin cinnamon crunch muffins with sprinkled pecans and pumpkins in the background, shot from a side angle

Pumpkin Cinnamon Crunch Muffins

Cinnamon Latte Whoopie Pies

close up pork chops on a plate with Dijon apple pan sauce on top and a rosemary garnish

Dijon Apple Pork Chops

pint glass of pumpkin cream cold brew coffee with a metal straw

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

overhead shot of pumpkin churros on a plate of cinnamon sugar

Pumpkin Churros

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

Breakfast
Appetizers
Entrees
Salads
Sides
Drinks
Desserts
Roundups
Holidays

Browse by Date

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy

holiday favorite

Berry Mimosas in flutes pictured with champagne and bowl of berries

Berry Mimosas

a bowl of Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bread Pudding topped with ice cream with a casserole dish with bread pudding and two pumpkins stacked on top of each other in the background, shot from a side angle

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bread Pudding

Candied Pecans

close up angle of pumpkin cinnamon roll pancakes stacked on a white plate

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

nutella pastry rolls on a sheet of parchment paper with a spoonful of nutella next to them

Nutella Pastry Rolls

 

Fluffy, buttery sweet rolls covered in powder suga Fluffy, buttery sweet rolls covered in powder sugar. Perfect with a morning coffee!

To find this recipe, search for 'Mallorca Sweet Bread' on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#sweetbread #sweetbreadrecipe #mallorcafoodie  #breadrolls #foodphotography #foodpics #marthafood #food #instafood #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday #foodblog #delicious #beautifulcuisine #foodgasm #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Thick rice noodles are stir-fried with egg, chicke Thick rice noodles are stir-fried with egg, chicken, broccoli, and a savory and slightly sweet sauce.

To find this recipe, search for 'Pad See Ew' on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#padseeew #pastadish #pastarecipe  #ricenoodles  #foodphotography #foodpics #marthafood #food #instafood #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday #foodblog #delicious #beautifulcuisine #foodgasm #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Homemade, chewy dough is twisted in a pretzel shap Homemade, chewy dough is twisted in a pretzel shape, dipped in a soda bath, and baked until deep golden brown.

To find this recipe, search for 'Soft Pretzels' on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#homemadedough #pretzlesrecipe #homemadepretzels #homemadesnacks 
#puffpastry  #foodphotography #foodpics #marthafood #food #instafood #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday #foodblog #delicious #beautifulcuisine #foodgasm #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Jumbo elbow macaroni and beef is tossed with a cre Jumbo elbow macaroni and beef is tossed with a creamy tomato sauce. It’s a perfect meal for weeknight dinners!

To find this recipe, search for 'Creamy Tomato Macaroni Beef' on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#pastarecipe #macaronibeef #creamymacaroni #macaronirecipies 
#foodphotography #foodpics #marthafood #food #instafood #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday #foodblog #delicious #beautifulcuisine #foodgasm #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Raspberry jam and fresh whipped cream are sandwich Raspberry jam and fresh whipped cream are sandwiched between two vanilla sponge cakes and dusted with powdered sugar. A British classic dessert perfect for dessert or afternoon tea.

To find this recipe, search for 'Victoria Sandwich Cake' on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#victoriacake #victoriasandwichcake  #vvictoriaspongecake
#puffpastry #puffpastrydessert #foodphotography #foodpics #marthafood #food #instafood #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday #foodblog #delicious #beautifulcuisine #foodgasm #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.

Copyright © 2025 Certified Pastry Aficionado · Web Design by Viva la Violet

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.