Savory Cuban Pressed Layers (Print Version)

Classic Cuban pressed sandwich layered with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 8 oz roast pork, thinly sliced
02 - 8 oz deli ham, thinly sliced

→ Cheese

03 - 8 oz Swiss cheese, thinly sliced

→ Bread

04 - 1 loaf Cuban bread (or soft French or Italian bread), cut into 4 portions

→ Condiments

05 - 1/4 cup yellow mustard
06 - 16 dill pickle slices

→ Butter

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for grilling)

# How To Make It:

01 - Slice the Cuban bread horizontally. Spread yellow mustard evenly on both cut sides.
02 - Layer roast pork, deli ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickle slices over the bottom half of each bread portion.
03 - Place the top half of the bread over the layered ingredients and gently press down to compact.
04 - Lightly spread softened unsalted butter on the outside of each sandwich.
05 - Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat until hot.
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet; press down with a heavy pan or use a sandwich press. Grill 4–5 minutes per side or 5–7 minutes total in a press until bread is crisp and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast of crispy bread, melted cheese, and tangy pickles creates layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you've spent all day preparing it.
  • This is the kind of sandwich that makes people pause mid-conversation to ask for the recipe.
02 -
  • Pat your pickle slices completely dry—moisture is the enemy of crispness and will steam the bread instead of crisping it.
  • Don't skimp on the butter outside the sandwich; that's what separates a soft pressed sandwich from one with real texture and color.
  • If your skillet isn't hot enough, the cheese won't melt properly before the bread burns, so give it a full minute to heat.
03 -
  • Toast your bread lightly before assembling if you're worried about sogginess—a 30-second pass in a toaster oven creates an invisible barrier against moisture.
  • Warm your plates before serving so the sandwich stays hot longer and the cheese doesn't start to resolve as quickly.
  • Slice diagonally instead of straight down the middle; it somehow makes the sandwich taste better and look more intentional.
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