The Cubano is a testament to perfectly balanced flavors, where every ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that iconic, unforgettable taste. This isn’t a sandwich where you can skimp on quality; the right ingredients make all the difference. The bread, for instance, should have a fluffy interior and a substantial crust. A French baguette will do, but if you can find authentic Cuban bread, that’s the gold standard. And if you have the time to prepare your own roast pork, by all means, do it. But for this recipe, we’ll use sliced ham and infuse it with flavor using a few tricks.
And if you’ve ever wanted an excuse to make homemade pickles, this is it. Fresh pickles bring an extra burst of flavor that complements the Cubano perfectly.
Ingredients for the Perfect Cubano
- 1 small (8-inch) baguette, sliced lengthwise
- 5 slices of carved ham (about 5 oz)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons strong mustard
- ½ cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
- Zest and juice of 1 small lime
- 3 oz sliced dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of salt
How to Make It
- Prep the Pickles
We want the pickles ready to go, so start by enhancing store-bought sliced dill pickles. Toss them with most of the lime juice and the chopped dill in a small bowl and let the flavors meld while you work on the rest. - Get the Ham and Cheese Ready
Grate the Gruyere cheese and slice the ham. Set the cheese aside. Melt half of the butter in a pan over medium heat, then add the lime zest, cilantro, a spoonful of lime juice, and garlic. Cook for one minute, just until fragrant. Add the ham, pressing the herb mixture into the slices, and cook on high for a minute or two. Remove the ham and set aside. - Toast the Bread
Add the rest of the butter to the pan and lower the heat to medium-low. Place the baguette in the pan, crust side up. Press down firmly with a spatula to flatten it as much as possible. If you have a panini press, feel free to use it; if not, the pressing method will do just fine. - Assemble the Sandwich
When the bread starts to brown, flip it over. Spread mustard generously on both sides, then layer on the pickles and the grated Gruyere. Once the cheese begins to melt, add the warm ham. Press the two halves together firmly. Continue to cook, pressing down and flipping as needed, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Tip: If your bread is particularly thick, cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly.
The Final Touch
This sandwich benefits from a good press, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to ooze beautifully between the layers of ham. The Cubano is a sandwich that celebrates simple ingredients and perfect execution. Enjoy it warm, and savor each bite as the tangy, cheesy, and savory flavors come together in harmony. It's a taste of summer in sandwich form, and it’ll be hard not to love.
