Best 4 Cuban Melt Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Cuban Melt, a delectable sandwich that seamlessly blends the rich culinary traditions of Cuba and America. This delectable dish combines savory roasted pork, melted Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and a hint of mustard, all nestled between slices of golden-brown, buttered bread. Embark on a delightful journey as we explore two enticing variations of this classic sandwich: the Traditional Cuban Melt and the Cuban Mojo Melt. Our recipes provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a perfect Cuban Melt experience every time. Prepare to be captivated by the harmonious interplay of flavors, textures, and aromas that make this sandwich an absolute feast for the senses. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your kitchen, and let's embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more!

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

CUBANO SANDWICH



Cubano Sandwich image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 29

1 medium onion, cut into 4 slices
1 Cubanelle pepper, halved, seeded and cored
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 long Italian loaf, sliced in half lengthwise
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup Mojo Mustard, recipe follows
12 thin slices deli ham (about 12 ounces)
2 cups homemade or store-bought carnitas, recipe follows (see Cook's Note)
6 dill gherkins, sliced in thirds lengthwise
8 slices Swiss cheese
1 cup yellow mustard
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons chili paste
1 teaspoon fresh oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Zest of 1 orange plus 1 tablespoon orange juice
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes, with fat cap scored
1 tablespoon chipotle powder
Kosher salt
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 cinnamon sticks
1 yellow onion, quartered
1/2 cup orange soda
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Zest and juice from 1 large orange

Steps:

  • Preheat a sandwich press to medium heat.
  • Drizzle the onion and pepper with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Put the onion and pepper on the sandwich press, close and cook until tender and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Slice into strips.
  • Brush the outside of the bottom half of the bread with some of the melted butter. Brush the inside of both halves with a generous amount of the Mojo Mustard. On the bottom half of the bread, layer the sliced deli ham and top with the carnitas. Top with the gherkins, grilled onion and peppers and finally the cheese. Top with the top half of the bread and brush with more butter. Slice in half widthwise.
  • Place both halves in the sandwich press, close, press down and cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes. Cut in half to make 4 sandwiches.
  • Mix together the mustard, honey, chili paste, oregano, cumin, orange zest and juice, lime zest and juice, garlic and some salt and pepper in a bowl.
  • Set the slow cooker to high. Put the pork cubes in the slow cooker and season all over with the chipotle powder and some salt. Turn any pieces with the fat cap upright. Nestle in the garlic, cinnamon sticks and yellow onion. Pour the orange soda, vegetable oil and orange juice and zest over the pork. Cover and cook on high until super tender, about 4 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to broil.
  • Transfer the pork chunks to a baking sheet fat-side up. Let the liquid in the slow cooker settle so the fat is on the surface. Scoop off about 1/4 cup of the fat and drizzle over the pork chunks. Broil until the meat is crispy and the fat is bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes.

CUBAN SANDWICHES RECIPE



Cuban Sandwiches Recipe image

A Cuban sandwich is not much more than a gussied-up ham and cheese toastie. Here three meats are pressed with cheese, pickles, and mustard until toasty and warm.

Provided by J. Kenji López-Alt

Categories     Entree     Lunch     Dinner     Sandwiches     Sandwich

Time 15m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 (8- to 10-inch) sections Cuban bread, split open horizontally (see note)
4 tablespoons (60ml) yellow mustard
6 ounces (170g) sliced Swiss cheese
6 ounces (170g) thinly sliced dill pickles
8 ounces (220g) sliced honey ham
6 ounces (170g) leftover Cuban-style roast pork
4 ounces (115g) sliced Genoa salami (optional; see note)
2 tablespoons (25g) butter

Steps:

  • Preheat a panini press or a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lay bread, open side up, on a work surface and spread the bottom and top halves with mustard. Layer bottom and top halves with Swiss cheese. Working only on bottom halves, layer on all of the pickles, ham, roast pork, and salami (if using). Close sandwiches, pressing gently.
  • Butter top and bottom of panini press and press sandwiches with moderate pressure until crisp on both sides, about 8 minutes. If using a cast iron skillet or griddle, melt half of butter in pan and add sandwiches. Use a second pan to press on them as the first side crisps. When crisp, flip sandwiches, add remaining butter, swirl to coat, and continue cooking while pressing until crisp on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Slice sandwiches in half diagonally and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 941 kcal, Carbohydrate 33 g, Cholesterol 207 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 68 g, SaturatedFat 30 g, Sodium 2547 mg, Sugar 3 g, Fat 59 g, ServingSize Makes 2 sandwiches, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

CUBAN MINI MELTS



Cuban Mini Melts image

Delight your game day guests with these miniature Cuban sandwiches.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Meat and Poultry     Pork

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 7

10 slices white sandwich bread, quartered
12 slices honey ham, chopped
1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
20 dill pickle slices
20 toothpicks

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Divide quartered bread slices evenly between 2 large baking sheets .
  • Combine ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and mayonnaise in a large bowl and mix well. Place 1 tablespoon of mixture on top of each piece of bread on 1 of the baking sheets.
  • Bake topped bread in the preheated oven for 4 minutes. Add baking sheet with plain bread to the oven and continue baking 3 minutes more.
  • Remove both baking sheets from the oven. Place a dill pickle slice on each topped bread slice; cover with a piece of plain toasted bread. Secure each mini sandwich with a toothpick.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 207.9 calories, Carbohydrate 15.6 g, Cholesterol 35.1 mg, Fat 10.6 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 12.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 873.5 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

CUBAN SLIDERS



Cuban Sliders image

These wonderful little rolls are baked until lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftover King's Hawaiian ham sliders keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. Followers of my blog, houseofyumm.com, go nuts for these! -Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers     Dinner     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 packages (12 ounces each) Hawaiian sweet rolls
1-1/4 pounds thinly sliced deli ham
9 slices Swiss cheese (about 6 ounces)
24 dill pickle slices
TOPPING:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Without separating rolls, cut each package of rolls in half horizontally; arrange bottom halves in a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Layer with ham, cheese and pickles; replace top halves of rolls. , In a microwave, melt butter; stir in onion and mustard. Drizzle over rolls. Bake, covered, 10 minutes. Uncover; bake until golden brown and heated through, 5-10 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 42mg cholesterol, Sodium 532mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use a combination of Jarlsberg and Swiss cheeses.
  • If you don't have a panini press, you can grill the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Be sure to butter the bread before grilling to prevent it from sticking.
  • Serve the sandwich immediately with your favorite sides.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add a roasted vegetable like peppers or mushrooms.

Conclusion:

The Cuban melt is a delicious and easy-to-make sandwich that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With its combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and tangy pickles, it's sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a satisfying and flavorful sandwich, give the Cuban melt a try. You won't be disappointed!

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