Cuban Sandwiches

These sandwiches are a favorite in Tampa. For those non-Floridians, Cubans are similar to a sub sandwich but the combination of meats and condiments are what make them unique. Many born and bread Tampans are convinced the ingredients have to be assembled in a specific order to be authentic! Enjoy this local favorite.

A recommended recipe to serve with these sandwiches is the Spanish Bean Soup listed separately on this blog.

Helpful hint : If you are purchasing Cuban bread it has no preservatives so it's best to buy on the same day you are going to eat it!!


- deli sliced ham
- deli sliced salami
- deli sliced pork
- deli sliced Swiss cheese
- dill pickle slices
- yellow mustard
- mayonnaise
- Cuban Bread (If you are not able to find use french bread)

Slice your loaf of bread lengthwise like a long sandwich and lay flat. Spread the bread with mayo and mustard. (I personally like it on the same side. I first squeeze on a generous amount of mustard and then spread on the mayonnaise.) Next line the bread with dill pickle slices. Finally top with a layer of cheese, a layer of pork, a layer of salami and a layer of ham. Close your sandwich and slice into serving sized portions.
The next step is a manner of opinion. These sandwiches are served with a choice of pressed or not pressed. (That choice is common terminology here in Tampa but for the rest of the world warm or cold.) To press if you have a panini press it will work but if not you can place the sandwich in a warm skillet and top with another heavy object like another skillet and heat your sandwich.
If you are having a party this is a great sandwich to cut into approximately 1 -2" slices (see above) and serve unpressed as finger sandwiches. They look nice on a party tray and believe me it will be a hit!