Patatas Bravas with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Garlic Aioli Recipe
These Mini Cuban Sandwiches are a delightful blend of savory cooked pork or beef, ham, melted cheese, and tangy pickles layered inside crispy golden Cuban bread. Brushed with olive oil and grilled to perfection, these handheld sandwiches deliver authentic Cuban flavors in a convenient, bite-sized form perfect for parties or quick meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 mini sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients
Bread
- 4 pieces Cuban bread or baguette slices
Meats
- 7 oz cooked pork or beef, thinly sliced
- 3 oz ham, thinly sliced
Cheese and Condiments
- 3 oz Edam or Gruyère cheese (or another melting cheese), sliced
- 2 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
Other Ingredients
- 4-6 pickle slices, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Spread mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice and mustard on the other side to add creamy and tangy flavors that complement the meats.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On one half of the bread, layer thin slices of cooked pork or beef first, followed by ham, then place the slices of Edam or Gruyère cheese and finally add the thinly sliced pickles for a crunch and tang.
- Close and Oil the Sandwich: Fold the bread in half, making sure the mayonnaise and mustard sides are on the outside. Brush the outer sides of the bread with olive oil to prevent burning during grilling and help achieve a crispy crust.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the sandwich on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside melts.
- Press the Sandwich: If needed, press the sandwich using a grill press or a heavy object to ensure even cooking and help the cheese melt faster, mimicking the traditional Cubano press method.
- Serve: Remove from the grill, slice the sandwiches across for an attractive presentation, and serve hot to enjoy the melty, savory flavors.
Notes
- Use Cuban bread if available for authentic flavor and texture; baguette can be a good substitute.
- Ensure meats and cheese are thinly sliced for easier layering and even melting.
- You can substitute Edam or Gruyère with Swiss cheese or mozzarella if preferred.
- Adjust mustard and mayonnaise quantities based on taste; Dijon adds a spicier kick.
- Pressing the sandwich while grilling is key for the traditional Cuban sandwich texture.
