Shredded pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickle chips. Layer on loaves of airy ciabatta slathered with Dijon mustard. Crisp up in a panini press. These Cuban Pork Sandwiches will be a family favorite!.
Trying out a new recipe can be tricky. But with my latest cooking endeavor, an Instant Pot recipe for Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches was a success.
Cooking is my happy place. While others are exercising or reading a book, spending time in my kitchen is what gives me the most joy. When I'm feeling a little off kilter, whipping up some sugary shortbread or rolling out the crusts for a stuffed pizza sets me straight.
This past weekend I tinkered with a new recipe for our family ~ Cuban pulled pork sandwiches or the Cubano. The crispy crunchy double pork sandwich with Swiss cheese will have a place in my permanent menu rotation.
what is a Cuban pork sandwich?
A Cuban pork sandwich is absolutely delicious! Double pork (tender shredded pork and salty deli ham), mild slightly sweet and nutty Swiss cheese, dilly pickles, spicy Dijon mustard are all pressed on airy ciabatta bread. Is there a better sandwich? I think not!
Living at the Jersey shore = out of town guests = something we love! I get out my notepad to plan breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, some snacks and desserts for their stay. Dinner on Saturday ~ Cubanos or a Cuban pulled pork sandwiches. Thumbs up from a group of 20 somethings crashing at our home.
the ingredients
- pork butt or Boston butt
- cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, oregano, garlic powder
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- extra virgin olive oil
- orange juice
- lime juice
- reduced sodium chicken stock
- onion
- deli sliced ham
- Swiss cheese
- dill pickle chips
- Dijon mustard
- ciabatta bread
This is a big batch recipe. I'm usually feeding a bunch of visitors to our shore home. Recipes that can double as a meal and leftovers for late night munching are a win-win!
step by step recipe details
can you make Cuban sandwiches in advance?
YES! A fabulous make ahead recipe, gather the ingredients in advance. At lunch or dinner, assemble and press the Cuban pulled pork sandwiches in a panini press.
Start by cooking, shredding and refrigerating the pulled pork. I use my trusty Instant Pot for this recipe. When lunch or dinner time rolls around, stack the pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles on ciabatta loaves spread with mustard. Cut the loaves into large 6-inch sandwiches and drizzle with olive oil. Crisp up in a panini press. Cut in half and serve.
Just a note ~ I can press 2 of these BIG sandwiches at a time. Keep the pressed sandwiches warm in a 300 degree F oven on a baking sheet covered with foil. Then serve them all at once.
suggestions and recipe tips
- The easiest way to make pulled pork is in an Instant Pot. Be sure to sear the pork butt (aka Boston butt) to add extra flavor to the meat. The pork can be made in advance. Just shred and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Save the delicious liquid from cooking the pork to serve as an au jus dip for the Cuban pulled pork sandwiches. Pour it into a 4 cup glass measuring cup. The fat will float to the top and it can be skimmed off. Warm and serve in small dipping bowls.
- I like an airy loaf of ciabatta bread for making the sandwiches. Some good substitutes are French or Italian loaves or sturdy 6-inch rolls.
- Using a panini press to heat the sandwiches adds a crispy crust. The Cuban pork sandwiches can also be served without heating them.
- I can make press 2 of these BIG sandwiches at a time. Keep the pressed sandwiches warm in a 300 degree F oven on a baking sheet covered with foil. Then serve them all at once.
just one more thing
If you make this Cuban pork sandwich recipe, I'd love hearing from you all. Be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating ~ I do my best to reply to all your comments. And snap a photo to post to Instagram. I'll add the photos to my Insta stories as I love seeing all your creations.
Also check out my Facebook and Pinterest pages for lots of fabulous foodie stories and videos, cooking tips, and recipes.
Recipe
Cuban Pork Sandwich {Instant Pot Recipe}
Ingredients
- for the shredded pork
- 1 4 pound boneless pork butt or Boston butt
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- olive oil
- 1 cup orange juice
- juice of 2 limes
- 1 cup reduced sodium chicken stock
- 1 medium onion sliced
- for the sandwiches
- 2 loaves of ciabatta bread ~ about 18 inches long each
- 3 to 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 16 slices of deli ham
- 12 slices of Swiss cheese
- 20 to 30 dill pickle chips
Instructions
- Cut the pork butt into 4 to 6 pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine the cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture on the pieces of pork butt.
- Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. When the pot is hot add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the seasoned pork. Sear on all sides until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the pork from the pot.
- Add the orange juice, lime juice, chicken stock, and onion to the Instant Pot and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add the seared pork back to the pot. Seal the lid and make sure the vent is set to the sealed position. Cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes.
- When the cooking time is done, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Then quick release the steam.
- Remove the pork from the pot and shred. Set aside.
- Pour the cooking liquid into a glass 4 cup measure and set aside. Skim the fat off the top of the liquid.
- To assemble the sandwiches, slice each ciabatta loaf horizontally and place on a cutting board.
- Slather each side bread with about 1 tablespoon of mustard.
- Layer half the pork, ham and cheese on the bottom half of each loaf of bread.
- Evenly divide the pickles on top the the meats and cheese.
- Place the tops on the loaves and press down firmly. Cut each loaf into 3 (6~inch) sandwiches.
- Heat a panini press to High. Drizzle each side of the sandwiches with olive oil and place on the press. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until hot and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the press and cut in half diagonally.
- Serve with the pork cooking liquid as a dipping au jus ~ reheat if necessary.
Video
Notes
- The easiest way to make pulled pork is in an Instant Pot. Be sure to sear the pork butt (aka Boston butt) to add extra flavor to the meat. The pork can be made in advance. Just shred and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- I like an airy loaf of ciabatta bread for making the sandwiches. Some good substitutes are French or Italian loaves or sturdy 6-inch rolls.
- Using a panini press to heat the sandwiches adds a crispy crust. The Cuban pork sandwiches can also be served without heating them.
- I can make press 2 of these BIG sandwiches at a time. Keep the pressed sandwiches warm in a 300 degree F oven on a baking sheet covered with foil. Then serve them all at once.
Jenny says
These Cuban pulled pork sandwiches were so easy to make and taste delicious! I used my cast iron to press them, I don't have a panini press, and they came out great! I will make them again. Thanks so much for the recipe.
Amy Casey says
I'm so glad you enjoyed my recipe Jenny. The cast iron skillet is a great idea!
Sharon says
The pork cooked in the Instant Pot makes it so tender. The perfect base for these delicious sandwiches.
Linda says
What a delicious recipe for a cozy night! Love that it can be done in an Instant Pot, too
Colleen says
This looks like a delicious sandwich, perfect to feed a crowd for a yummy casual meal. I can't wait to make this!
Amy Casey says
Let me know how it turns out for you Colleen.
allyssa says
Love this sandwich recipe! Thanks a bunch, it's very helpful!
Amy Casey says
Glad to help Allyssa 🙂
Nicole says
Pulled pork in the instant pot is the ONLY way to do it! The only thing I might love more than the flours in this pulled pork is the dill pickle chips haha (I could put a whole bag away in one sitting). Such a clever way to use the chips, too. Definitely a must try.
Amy Casey says
Thanks Nicole!
Amanda Dixon says
These Cubans were so delicious! The Instant Pot made the prep super easy, but the meat came out unbelievably tender. Definitely making these again!
Amy Casey says
They are a favorite at our house Amanda. I'm so glad you enjoyed my recipe.
HEATHER PERINE says
Oh I have always wanted to try making my own cuban sandwiches! And these were phenomenal!! Everyone raved about them. Thank you!
Amy Casey says
So glad you enjoyed my recipe Heather 🙂
Enriqueta E Lemoine says
I live in Miami, Florida, and your pulled pork Cuban sandwiches look better than any Cuban sandwiches here. I feel like I want to eat my screen! Beautiful pics!
Amy Casey says
Wow! Thanks Enriqueta!
Jill says
I made this the other day with about 3 lbs. of meat from a trimmed pork shoulder blade roast. I've had Cuban sandwiches in Miami before, but this is the first time I've made them.
Last week I cooked the meat the evening before I was going to use it. The finished pork was so tender that instead of using 2 forks to shred it, I probably could have just given it a "sharp look" and it would have fallen apart. I separated the liquid from the meat, strained it, and stored it the fridge also. I used some of the defatted liquid when warming up the pork for the sandwiches. It's also nice to have some extra meat with liquid bagged up in the freezer for a quick future meal.
Amy, thanks so much for a great recipe! It was a big hit! This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Amy Casey says
WOW! I'm so glad you enjoyed my recipe Jill. Isn't it great to have some extra pork in the freezer for a future meal? I really appreciate your feedback.
Lucille says
CAN this one be done in a crockpot if yes. What temperature and how long thanks
Amy Casey says
Hi Lucille ~ Definitely! I recommend cooking it on Low for 8 to 9 hours.