Savory Cuban pressed sandwich (Printer-friendly)

Melty Cuban sandwich with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on crisp bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 8 ounces roast pork, thinly sliced
02 - 8 ounces deli ham, thinly sliced

→ Cheese

03 - 8 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced

→ Bread

04 - 1 loaf Cuban bread, cut into 4 portions (substitute with soft French or Italian bread if needed)

→ Condiments

05 - 1/4 cup yellow mustard
06 - 16 dill pickle slices

→ Butter

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for grilling)

# Directions:

01 - Slice the Cuban bread horizontally and spread mustard evenly on both cut sides.
02 - Layer the bottom half of each bread portion with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickle slices.
03 - Top with the other bread half and gently press down.
04 - Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich to prepare for grilling.
05 - Preheat a large skillet or panini press over medium heat.
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet or press. Press down firmly and grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or 5 to 7 minutes total in a panini press, until bread is crisp and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between crispy exterior and creamy, melty interior happens in just 10 minutes of cooking.
  • Roast pork and ham layered with tangy pickles and mustard create a perfect sweet-salty-savory balance that feels sophisticated but tastes like comfort.
  • It's the kind of sandwich that looks impressive when you slice it diagonally but takes almost no skill to make.
02 -
  • Thin slices of everything—pork, ham, cheese—are non-negotiable. Thick slices won't heat through evenly and the sandwich becomes clumsy instead of elegant.
  • Don't skip the resting step after slicing. Those 30 seconds let the cheese firm up just enough that it doesn't slide out when you pick up the sandwich.
03 -
  • Butter the outside of the sandwich, not the inside—this creates a crust instead of a soggy middle.
  • If your butter is too cold, it won't spread smoothly and you'll tear the delicate bread. Let it soften on the counter for a few minutes first.
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