Name: Easy Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 1 lb pork tenderloin (silverskin trimmed off); 1 cup mojo marinade; 1 tablespoon Cuban complete seasoning; 4 Cuban bread loaves (8-inch long) ((Italian bread works too)); 1/2 cup yellow mustard; 8 slices Swiss cheese; 16 slices ham; Dill pickle slices; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter

Growing up, Cuban sandwiches were a part of my childhood. I’d order it at Cuban restaurants in Miami, Florida with a batido de trigo!

It’s the best thing ever.

Today, I’m sharing how you can bring this hearty sandwich to life at home with this super easy recipe!

What is a Cuban Sandwich?

A Cuban sandwich is a classic pressed sandwich made with Cuban roast pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, pickle chips, and mustard served on toasted, buttered Cuban bread.

No tomatoes, no salami, no lettuce – just good ol’ fashioned pork and ham!

Is a Cuban sandwich the same as a Cubano?

Yep. In case you were wondering, yes, a Cuban sandwich is the same as a Cubano or Cubano sandwich.

These Cuban sandwiches are so flavorful. It truly is the ultimate meal for any day of the week!

Cuban sandwich sliced in half on a cutting board with chips

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pork tenderloin. You can also use any leftover sliced pork tenderloin or pork shoulder. By the way, you can order a pork tenderloin from Butcher Box!

Butcher Box is a service that curates boxes of grass-fed, no-hormone-added, humanely raised beef, chicken, pork, salmon + sustainable seafood and, they deliver it right to your door. I love getting my box delivered directly to me. There are always specials – like free bacon or free ground beef – you gotta check them out! Click here to find out more info on Butcher Box!

Mojo marinade. This is a citrus marinade made with orange juice, lime juice, and garlic cloves which gives the pork an elevated flavor!
Cuban complete seasoning. A mix of spices including oregano and cumin which we’ll use to marinate the pork.
Cuban bread. An Italian loaf of bread works if you can’t find Cuban bread. The loaf should be approximately 8-inches long.
Yellow mustard.
Swiss cheese.
Sweet ham.
Dill pickle slices.
Unsalted butter for toasting/pressing the sandwich.

How To Make a Cuban Sandwich

Marinate the pork. With a knife or fork, poke holes into the pork tenderloin. Place the pork tenderloin in a baking dish and pour mojo marinade on top along with the Cuban seasoning. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight. The longer the better.

Cook the roast pork. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the pork tenderloin from the marinade and place it on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 150º. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing on a bias.

pork tenderloin marinade for cuban sandwich

Slice the bread. To assemble the sandwich, slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise.
Add the ingredients. Spread 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard on each side. Layer the bottom half of the sandwich with 2 slices of Swiss cheese, 4 slices of ham, 2-3 dill pickles, and 2-3 thin slices of pork. Repeat for the remaining sandwiches.

step by step how to make a cuban sandwich

Toast the Cuban sandwich. Spread 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter on the outside of both sides of the sandwich. Place the sandwich on a sandwich press, panini press, cast iron pan or a hot grill pan. Press down on the sandwich at medium heat, until both sides are golden brown, and the cheese has melted about 5-6 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board and slice the sandwich in half on the bias.

What bread is closest to Cuban bread?

Cuban bread is made with few, simple ingredients and no preservatives which is why it is toasty on the outside and so soft and pillowy on the inside.

While there’s no substitute, in my opinion, you want a loaf of bread that is soft. French bread could work if you find one that’s not very crusty. Italian bread may do a better job.

What is the difference between a Reuben and a Cuban sandwich?

A Reuben is made with pastrami and a Cuban sandwich is made with ham and roast pork.

What is served with a Cuban Sandwich?

Cuban sandwiches are pretty much a meal on their own however you can serve them with plantain chips or french fries.