Cuban Sandwich Recipe with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Modified: Jan 19, 2026 · Published: Dec 9, 2023 by Juyali (ju-ja-lee) · This post may contain affiliate links · 34 Comments

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5 from 16 votes

Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwich: The Ultimate Pork Lover's Delight!

This Cuban Sandwich with Slow-cooker Pulled Pork (Spanish: Sándwich Cubano) is packed with savory slow-cooked pulled pork, delicious deli ham, melted Swiss cheese, tangy mustard, and pickles all pressed between the perfect bread with a crispy crust.

This recipe will take your taste buds to Tampa, Key West, or Miami without leaving your kitchen. It's the ultimate Cuban Pork Sandwich. It is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures.

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What is a Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)
Best Bread for a Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwich
Equipment needed
Traditional Cuban Sandwich Ingredients (for two)
How to make this Cubano recipe
Cuban Sandwich Side Dishes
Recipe Variations
Desserts to end your meal with
Pairing
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What is a Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)

A Cubano is a Tampa style sandwich with tender, slow-roasted pork marinated in a citrusy blend of lime and orange juice and seasoned with spices. Its origin is debated, but it's said to have originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa or Key West in the early 1900s. However, I found stories that it originated in Cuba and was perfected in Florida?

This theory argues the sandwich was already popular in Cuba before being brought to the U.S. by Cuban immigrants. Researchers suggest the "Havana conceived, Tampa curated" approach best explains the sandwich's origin. And that the basic idea likely originated in Cuba, but the specific combination of ingredients and the name "Cubano" were developed in Tampa.

While the exact origin is debated, the Cuban sandwich undoubtedly reflects a blend of Cuban and American influences, making it a delicious symbol of cultural exchange.

Latin beverage ideas to sip with your Cubanos

Pulled Pork - The Starring Ingredient

Cuban Sandwiches typically have slices of roasted pork (Lechon asado, also known as Cuban roast pork). For this recipe, I like to use this fantastic Slow-cooker Pulled Pork Recipe (Carnitas). It’s easy and convenient, and you can even cook it overnight. Because this recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity!

These Carnitas are made with a pork roast packed with flavors from lime juice and orange juice and seasoned with spices like black pepper, garlic, oregano, cumin, chili powder, and onions.

Follow this Carnitas Recipe to learn how to create the base for this savory Cuban sandwich Recipe.

And while you are here, take a peek at these recipes using leftover pulled pork like breakfast tacos, Street Tacos, Carnitas quesadillas, and fajitas.

Best Bread for a Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwich

Cuban Bread is white, like French and Italian Bread, usually made in long, baguette-like loaves. It’s traditionally the Bread of choice when making an authentic Cuban sandwich.

While traditional, soft Cuban Bread is the top choice, it can be hard to find, especially outside Florida. Other suitable options include baguettes, hoagie rolls, soft French, or an Italian loaf of Bread.

Equipment needed

Cuban Sandwiches are traditionally toasted in a sandwich press called a PLANCHA, a flattop grill like a PANINI press but without grooved surfaces. The plancha cooks and presses the sandwich for even pressure and browning until the bread crisps and the cheese melts. The sandwich is then halved diagonally for serving.

A Cast Iron Skillet is a fantastic alternative for its heat retention. Any large skillet is also a suitable option for a plancha if unavailable.
Panini Press is a substitute for a Plancha (optional)
Non-stick spray (optional).

Traditional Cuban Sandwich Ingredients (for two)

These ingredients and amounts are open to your preferences, but here's a general idea of the typical ingredient ratios used in a Cuban Sandwich.

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1 1/2 cups of Pulled Pork heated (click HERE for my recipe)
4 think slices of Smoked fully cooked Ham – Smoked ham is the best for a Cuban Sandwich, but Black Forest Ham is a suitable option.
8 slices of Swiss Cheese.
2 (9-inch-long pieces) of Cuban bread (baguette, soft French or Italian bread are suitable substitutes)
1/4 Cup of Yellow Mustard – Yellow is the traditional and best mustard for the Cuban Sandwich.
1 large Dill Pickle sliced thinly lengthwise.
2 Tablespoons of Butter or more as needed.

See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

How to make this Cubano recipe

This iconic sandwich can now be yours to enjoy at home! The key to a delicious sandwich is achieving the perfect balance of fillings, including the ham. Pressing the sandwich is crucial for toasting the bread, ensuring a golden-brown exterior, melting the cheese, and rendering the juices of the ingredients.

Step 1: Gather the ingredients.
Heat the meat to ensure the pork is hot before assembly. Cold meat will not heat inside the sandwich.

Step 2: Assemble: Cut the bread in half lengthwise. Spread a thin layer of mustard on both sides.

Step 3: Layer: Place two slices of Swiss cheese on one side of the bread, followed by ham.

Step 4: Add pickle slices evenly.

Step 5: Layer the pulled pork.

Step 6: Finish your masterpiece by topping it with another layer of Swiss cheese.

Place bread tops on sandwiches.

Step 7: Cook: Melt butter in Plancha or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Carefully place sandwiches in the hot skillet and press down with another heavy skillet or anything flat and heavy works. Toast the sandwiches until the bread becomes golden brown and crisp, and the filling is heated through, about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the desired browning is achieved. You can use a Panini Press instead for an even press and browning.

Step 8: Pressing the sandwich lets the flavors meld. Ensure one cheese slice touches the bread – it acts as the glue holding everything together.

Step 9 Slice and enjoy: Remove the sandwich, slice it in half, and serve hot. Serve with Plantains Chips and quartered dill pickles on the side.

Enjoy the savory and melty goodness!

11-Cubano Sandwich on a wood board and plantain chips

Congrats! With this recipe, you can create The Best Cuban Sandwich at home. This is a well-balanced sandwich with savory pork and the richness of ham and cheese, then finished with that tanginess from the mustard and pickles in a crispy bread. It is a fantastic blend of taste and texture!

The key to a great Sandwich is all about using the right ingredients, pressing it to perfection, and enjoying it with a cold drink (and your loved ones too ?).

TOP TIP: No Plancha, Panini Press, or cast iron pans for weight? Wrap a brick in aluminum foil to weigh the sandwich. And voila

Cuban Sandwich Side Dishes

Plantain Chips: What better way to enjoy this Cuban deliciousness than to pair it with the best choice, Plantain Chips! Check out this fantastic recipe for oven-baked Plantain Chips or these Tostones (Crispy Green Plantains). After trying these, you will never eat potato chips with your Cuban sandwich again!
No time? Don’t sweat it. Pair this fabulous sandwich with your favorite sides.
Yuca fries: These crispy fries are made from yuca root and are a staple in Cuban cuisine.
Yuca con mojo
Black beans
Potato chips: A simple American-style pairing.
Sweetpotatofries.

Recipe Variations

Add genoa-style Salami for Tampa-style Cubanos.
Add Lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise for a Cubano commonly found in Key West.
Make a Medianoche ("midnight" in Spanish): The Medianoche features sweet egg bread, also known as pan suave or pan medianoche. The egg rolls give the sandwich a softer, sweeter, and slightly eggy flavor than the Cubano Sandwiches.

Desserts to end your meal with

See more Desserts →

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cuban Sandwich

See more Appetizers →

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