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Cuban Chopped Sandwich

Cuban Chopped Sandwich

The Cuban Chopped Sandwich is a vibrant and flavorful handheld delight combining tender roasted pork, smoky ham, tangy dill pickles, and melted Swiss cheese, all chopped and pressed inside perfectly toasted Cuban bread. This sandwich balances sweet, salty, smoky, and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch and hearty texture, delivering an authentic taste of Cuban culinary tradition in under 30 minutes. Easily customizable and ideal for sandwich lovers seeking bold, melty flavor and a glimpse of rich cultural heritage.

Ingredients

Bread and Spreads

  • Cuban bread – enough for sandwich base (slightly sweet and crisp)
  • Yellow mustard – generous layer on both sides
  • Butter – for grilling the bread to golden, crispy finish

Meats and Cheese

  • Roasted pork (pork shoulder, slow-roasted, tender and juicy) – about 6-8 oz
  • Smoked ham – about 4-6 oz, sliced
  • Swiss cheese – 4-6 slices

Additional Ingredients

  • Dill pickles – sliced, to add tangy brightness and crunch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meats: Roast a pork shoulder slowly until tender or use pre-cooked roast pork. Thinly slice or chop the pork. Slice the smoked ham into manageable pieces for layering.
  2. Assemble Your Sandwich: Slice the Cuban bread horizontally. Spread a generous layer of yellow mustard on both cut sides. On the bottom half, evenly layer roasted pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, and sliced dill pickles.
  3. Chop It Up: Instead of leaving the sandwich whole, chop the assembled sandwich into manageable bite-sized pieces that evenly combine all ingredients in each piece for a cohesive burst of flavors.
  4. Grill to Perfection: Butter the outer sides of the chopped bread pieces. Press the sandwich pieces in a panini press or skillet with a heavy lid. Grill until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted completely.
  5. Serve Hot: Serve the Cuban Chopped Sandwich immediately while warm and melty to ensure maximum crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Use authentic Cuban bread when possible for proper texture and authenticity.
  • Mustard is key for balancing the richness of the meats and cheese; don’t skip it.
  • Chop sandwich pieces evenly so each bite contains a balanced mix of ingredients.
  • Press firmly when grilling to create a crispy crust and melt cheese evenly.
  • If roasting pork at home, allow it to rest before slicing to retain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cuban sandwich, chopped sandwich, roasted pork sandwich, Cuban cuisine, melty cheese sandwich