To prepare Cuban sandwiches, split bread in half then layer the sandwich with mustard, pickles, cheese, ham, pork then cheese again. Optional: drizzle a little of the sauce from the roast over the meat.

Although not strictly necessary, lightly steaming the ham and pork before assembling makes a great juicy sandwich, hot all the way through. Simple heat up your pan, place the meats in and toss in about two tablespoons of water. Lid and let cook until the water has evaporated and meats are hot and tender.

Cuban Sandwiches are not always “pressed” and can be served as is or griddled like a grilled cheese sandwich. If you’d like to press this sandwich, there are several ways, below.

Pressing:

• Cuisinart Griddler: I had wanted one for years so when they went down in price I picked one up, but I don’t know that I would necessarily recommend it. It is perfect for Cuban Sandwiches, though. Simply butter both sides of the bread, place carefully on the griddler, close and slowly cook until the tops and bottom are crispy and golden brown.
• Panini Press: A panini press is not strictly traditional, but will make a great sandwich – with lines! Butter both sides of bread.
• Cast Iron Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Generously coat one sides of sandwich with softened butter. Place the sandwiches on the skillet, buttered side down and top with another heavy skillet and a couple of heavy weights (bricks, or cans of tomatoes work well). Press down firmly and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the sandwich has compressed to about a third of its original size and the bread is super-crispy. Remove the top weight, butter the top and turn over. Repeat. (I like to place a piece of foil between the bottom of the skillet and the sandwich because I find, with my gas stove, my skillet bottoms are a little grody.)
• Brick Method: Wrap a brick in foil (one for each sandwich) and heat in a 450 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Butter both sides of sandwich. Cook in cast iron skillet, but once the sandwich is in the skillet, carefully remove the brick and place on the top side of sandwich.