Craving a sandwich with a difference? Dive into the world of Cuban flavors with Chef John’s iconic Cuban Sandwich. With every bite, you’ll experience a burst of tang, zest, and smokiness. While various Cuban sandwich recipes float around, this is how Chef John crafts his masterpiece, emphasizing pulled pork for that extra tenderness.
Why Choose Chef John’s Cuban?
The key lies in the unique combination of ingredients that meld perfectly to create an unforgettable taste. The slight kick from the cayenne pepper, the creaminess of the mayo, the smokiness of the ham, and the tenderness of the pulled pork all contribute to a harmonious and delectable sandwich.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup creamy mayonnaise
- ¼ cup tangy mustard
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (for that subtle kick)
- 1 fresh loaf of Cuban bread (8 ounces)
- 8 slices of melt-in-mouth Swiss cheese
- 6 thin slices of smoked, fully-cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups of tender cooked pulled pork, warmed
- 1 large dill pickle, sliced lengthwise for that tangy crunch
- 2 tablespoons of butter (for that golden toast)
Instructions:
- Sauce It Up: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, and cayenne pepper until smooth. This will be your sandwich’s secret sauce.
- Prep the Bread: Slice off the bread ends. Cut the loaf into two equal halves, and then split them to create the top and bottom halves for two sandwiches.
- Layer the Flavors: Generously spread the mayo-mustard sauce on both sides of each bread half. Now, assemble your sandwich. Start with 2 slices of Swiss cheese, followed by 3 slices of ham, warm pulled pork, pickle slices, and top it off with 2 more slices of Swiss cheese.
- Toast to Perfection: Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in and press down with a heavy object (another skillet or foil-wrapped bricks work great). Toast until the bread is golden and the insides are warm and gooey, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Serve & Savor: Plate up, slice in half for ease of eating, and enjoy your homemade Cuban Sandwich!
Chef’s Note:
The beauty of this sandwich lies in its flexibility. Feel free to adjust ingredients as per your preferences. However, this combination promises a delightful gastronomic journey. And don’t forget, the pulled pork makes all the difference!
Sharing is Caring!
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