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Ultimate Authentic Cubano with Homemade Cuban Bread

Ultimate Authentic Cubano with Homemade Cuban Bread Bliss

Experience the Ultimate Authentic Cubano with Homemade Cuban Bread, filled with slow-roasted pork and Swiss cheese.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 3 hours
Rising Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cuban Bread
  • 4 cups Bread Flour Can substitute with all-purpose flour.
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Can substitute with honey.
  • 1 tbsp Salt Use kosher or sea salt for the best results.
  • 1 tbsp Active Dry Yeast Instant yeast can also be used without proofing.
  • 1 cup Warm Water Around 110°F.
  • 2 tbsp Lard/Vegetable Shortening Use unsalted butter if unavailable.
  • 1 piece Egg White For brushing the bread.
Pork Filling
  • 2 lbs Pork Shoulder/Pork Butt Ideal cuts for slow roasting.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh is best.
  • 1 tbsp Cumin Can use oregano for flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Oregano Can use Italian seasoning as a substitute.
  • 1 juice Citrus Juices (Orange & Lime) Can substitute with lemon juice.
  • 1 tbsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can replace with another cooking oil.
Assembly
  • 8 slices Sweet Deli Ham Cuban-style ham for authenticity.
  • 4 slices Swiss Cheese Gruyère is a great alternative.
  • 4 pieces Dill Pickles Aim for dill for traditional flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard Can substitute with Dijon or spicy mustard.
  • 2 tbsp Butter Margarine can be used instead.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking Tray

Method
 

Preparing the Cuban Bread
  1. Activate the yeast by dissolving 1 tablespoon of sugar in 1 cup of warm water. Combine with 4 cups of bread flour and 1 tablespoon of salt.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of lard and knead the dough for about 10 minutes. Let it rise for 1 hour.
  3. Shape the dough into loaves and let it rise for another 45 minutes before baking.
  4. Brush with egg white and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Cooking the Pork
  1. Marinate pork shoulder with garlic, cumin, oregano, citrus juices, salt, and pepper. Rub all over the pork.
  2. Cook on low for 8 hours or at 300°F for approximately 3 hours.
  3. Shred the pork and retain some cooking juices.
Assembling the Sandwich
  1. Slice the Cuban bread and spread mustard on both sides.
  2. Layer ham, shredded pork, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles.
  3. Butter the outer sides of the sandwich before grilling.
  4. Grill in a skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. Slice diagonally and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the pork overnight and ensure the skillet is hot before grilling.

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