Hey there, my friend 👋. You are about to make a sandwich that will knock your socks off. This is not just any Cuban sandwich. It’s the Nuevo Cubano, a fresh twist on the classic.
I use roast pork that’s marinated with a special blend of spices, giving it extra flavor. And the cheese? Oh, it’s melted to perfection. You’ll love the crispy, buttery bread and the bold flavors in every bite.
Let me show you exactly how to make it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large skillet or panini press – For pressing and grilling the sandwich.
- Mixing bowl – To prepare the marinade.
- Knife and cutting board – For slicing the pork and bread.
- Small saucepan – To heat up the marinade if needed.
- Spatula – To flip and press the sandwich.
Important Info
- Servings – Makes 4 sandwiches
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe – Around $15-$20 depending on ingredients
- Prep time – 10 minutes
- Cook time – 20 minutes
- Total time – 30 minutes
- Additional time – None
- Calories per serving – About 550 calories
- Cook method – Grilling
- Season – Great all year round
- Courses – Lunch, Main Course
- Cuisine – Cuban-American
- Diets – Not diet-specific
How to Make Nuevo Cubano Sandwiches
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 lb pork loin or shoulder, roasted and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 4 Cuban bread rolls (or French bread, split in half)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced
- 4 slices ham (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened for spreading)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Original Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Cuban bread | French bread or ciabatta |
| Swiss cheese | Provolone or mozzarella |
| Yellow mustard | Spicy brown mustard or honey mustard |
| Pork loin | Rotisserie chicken or turkey |
| Butter | Mayonnaise for grilling |
Instructions
- Preheat your skillet or panini press over medium heat.
- Spread mustard on both sides of the bread.
- Layer the sandwich – Start with a slice of ham, followed by roasted pork, pickles, and Swiss cheese.
- Close the sandwich and lightly spread butter on the outer sides of the bread.
- Place the sandwich on the skillet and press it down with a spatula. If you have a panini press, just close it.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the bread is golden and crispy. The cheese should be fully melted.
- Remove from heat, let it sit for a minute, then slice and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh bread – Stale bread won’t give you that crispy crunch.
- Press the sandwich firmly – This helps it cook evenly and blend the flavors together.
- Slice the pork thin – Thick slices won’t give you that perfect bite.
- Don’t skip the butter – It gives the bread that golden, crispy crust.
- If you don’t have a press, use a heavy pan to weigh down the sandwich while grilling.
What to Serve with Nuevo Cubano Sandwiches
This sandwich pairs well with:
- Crispy plantain chips – A classic Cuban side.
- Black bean soup – For a heartier meal.
- Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing crunch.
- Sweet potato fries – For a little twist.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I recommend serving it hot and fresh straight from the pan. A sharp knife will help you get clean slices. If you’re making it for a group, cut each sandwich into halves or quarters for easy sharing.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is perfect for lunch, casual gatherings, and picnics. It’s great for road trips because it holds up well and doesn’t get soggy quickly. If you’re hosting a game night, make a bunch of these sandwiches and slice them into small portions for a crowd-friendly snack.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you made extra sandwiches, keep them wrapped in foil for up to 2 hours at room temperature.
- If they cool down, reheat them in a skillet for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Refrigeration
- Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving—it makes the bread soggy.
Freezing
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 1 month.
- To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then grill in a skillet until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Cuban bread?
Yes, but Cuban bread is what gives the sandwich its signature crisp texture. If you don’t have it, use French bread or ciabatta.
Can I make this without a panini press?
Yes. Use a heavy pan or even a foil-wrapped brick to press the sandwich down in a skillet. Just be careful when flipping.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes! Kids love melty cheese and crispy sandwiches. If they don’t like mustard or pickles, just leave them out.
Can I use pre-cooked pork?
Yes, leftover roast pork or store-bought pulled pork works perfectly. Just warm it up before assembling the sandwich.
What makes this different from a classic Cuban sandwich?
The Nuevo Cubano adds more seasoning to the pork and gives you alternative ingredient options, making it easier to make at home.
Meta Description
Make the best Nuevo Cubano sandwiches with crispy bread, melted Swiss cheese, ham, roasted pork, and pickles. A fresh twist on the classic Cuban sandwich.