Grilled Cuban Sandwiches – Pork, Ham & Melty Swiss
Samantha
These Grilled Cuban Sandwiches are layered with juicy roast pork, smoky ham, melty Swiss, tangy pickles, and mustard—all pressed to golden perfection. Quick, satisfying, and full of bold flavor, this Cuban-American classic is a must-try for any sandwich lover.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Lunch
Cuisine Cuban-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 620 kcal
- 1 loaf Cuban bread or Italian baguette halved
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 lb roast pork thinly sliced
- ½ lb deli ham sliced thin
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- ½ cup dill pickles sliced
Prep the Bread: Slice the loaf lengthwise and spread softened butter on the outer sides. Then spread mustard on the inside of both halves. Assemble the Layers:Start with a layer of Swiss cheese, then add ham, roast pork, pickles, and finish with another layer of cheese. Close the sandwich. Grill and Press: Heat a cast iron skillet or panini press over medium heat. Place the sandwich on and weigh it down with a second skillet or foil-wrapped brick. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Serve:Let it rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm.
Secret Tips for Grilled Cuban Sandwiches
1. Use a flavor-packed pork marinade before roasting
If you're roasting your own pork, marinate it overnight with garlic, orange juice, cumin, oregano, and olive oil for authentic Cuban mojo flavor. It gives the pork a citrusy, garlicky depth that elevates the whole sandwich.
2. Layer cheese on both sides of the sandwich
Putting Swiss cheese on both the top and bottom of the fillings acts as a “glue,” holding everything together and helping the sandwich stay intact when pressed.
3. Add a quick pickle brine rinse
Rinse your dill pickle slices briefly in a splash of apple cider vinegar with a pinch of sugar for a 10-minute flavor boost. It adds brightness and crunch with a hint of sweetness.
4. Brush the outside with garlic butter
Mix minced garlic into your butter before spreading it on the bread. It adds a subtle richness and an irresistible aroma when grilled.
5. Rest the sandwich after pressing
Let it sit for 1–2 minutes before slicing. This allows the melted cheese to set slightly and keeps your fillings from sliding out when cut.
6. Slightly flatten the bread before building
Lightly press the bread before assembling so it doesn’t puff up unevenly during grilling. It creates a more even toast and makes pressing easier.
7. Use a brick wrapped in foil for a true pressed Cuban feel
If you don’t have a panini press, wrap a clean brick in foil and use it to press the sandwich firmly while grilling. It creates that signature crispy, compact finish.
8. Go low and slow on the heat
Avoid high heat! Medium or medium-low heat ensures the bread gets golden without burning and allows the cheese to melt fully.Keyword comfort food dinner, easy lunch ideas, grilled cuban sandwiches, lunch recipes,, make-ahead lunch, one-pan lunch, pork recipes, sandwich recipes
