Bushra Griffith
The Cuban sandwich, also known as a Cubano, is a variation of a ham and cheese sandwich. It is made with ham, mojo, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread. The sandwich is pressed and heated, melting the cheese, and served hot or cold. The main regional disagreement regarding the Cuban sandwich is the inclusion of salami, with Tampa Cubanos including it and Miami Cubanos excluding it.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Swiss Cheese |
| Cheese Texture | Melted |
| Bread | Soft, Slightly Sweet Cuban Bread |
| Meat | Ham, Mojo, Roasted Pork |
| Other Ingredients | Pickles, Mustard, Salami (Tampa only) |
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What You'll Learn
The sandwich's history and origins
The Cuban sandwich, also known as the Cubano, is a popular meal in South Florida, especially in Tampa and Miami, where many Cubans settled in the early 20th century. The sandwich is made with ham, mojo, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread.
The exact origin of the Cuban sandwich is uncertain, but it likely originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa or Key West, two early Cuban immigrant communities in Florida centred on the cigar industry. The earliest recorded mentions of a distinct Cuban sandwich come from descriptions of workers' cafes in Ybor City and nearby West Tampa from around 1900, leading some historians to theorize that the sandwich first appeared there. The Tampa Tribune makes reference to the Cuban sandwich as early as 1906, beating out Miami records by almost 20 years. However, oral history and other sources suggest that the sandwich may have originated in Cuba and was brought to Key West by Cuban workers travelling between the two places in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Historian Loy Glenn Westfall states that the sandwich was "born in Cuba and educated in Key West."
The Cuban sandwich is at the centre of a long-running friendly rivalry between Miami and Tampa, with various community leaders claiming to be home to the best version of the sandwich. The main difference between the two cities' variations is the inclusion of salami in Tampa, due to the influence of Italian immigrants, and its exclusion in South Florida. In 2012, the "Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich" was designated the "signature sandwich of the city of Tampa" by the Tampa City Council, further fuelling the friendly competition between the two cities.
Over time, the Cuban sandwich has become a beloved and popular meal in South Florida, with many restaurants and street corner snack bars offering their own unique takes on this tasty treat.
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Tampa vs Miami rivalry
A Cuban sandwich is a variation of a ham and cheese sandwich. It is made with ham, mojo, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread. The sandwich is assembled and then toasted in a sandwich press called a plancha, which heats and compresses the sandwich until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
The Cuban sandwich is at the center of a long-running rivalry between Miami and Tampa, with various community leaders claiming to be home to the best. The debate has been covered by several news outlets, and in 2012, the Tampa City Council voted to name the "Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich" as the city's official "signature sandwich", leading to several more rounds of banter between public figures in Tampa and Miami. The difference between the Miami and Tampa Cubano variations is minimal and lies in one ingredient: salami. If you eat a Cuban sandwich in Tampa, it will most likely have salami, whereas in Miami, it won't. This rivalry is not just limited to sandwiches, as the two cities also have a history of sports rivalries, particularly in the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Football League (NFL).
The Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball (MLB) have a geographic rivalry known as the Citrus Series. Despite the Marlins having a few more years of experience in the MLB than the Rays, the rivalry has a unique dynamic due to the 280 miles between the two cities. Some commentators have argued that the rivalry is more of a kinship, as both teams have faced similar struggles, including issues with ownership, low attendance, and being market underdogs in their divisions.
In the NHL, the rivalry between the two cities' franchises, the Miami Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning, has intensified in recent years as both teams have become more competitive. The rivalry was briefly prominent in the franchises' early years but then faded as the teams were not relevant at the same time. However, with both teams now performing well simultaneously, the rivalry has been renewed.
The Buccaneers-Dolphins rivalry in the NFL is another example of the sports-related rivalry between Miami and Tampa. It is an in-state, interconference matchup between the two oldest NFL teams in Florida, with the Dolphins being the more popular and established team. The rivalry is most intense during the preseason, as the teams are in different conferences and only play each other occasionally during the regular season. The Buccaneers and Dolphins first played each other in 1976 when Tampa Bay joined the NFL as an expansion team, with the Dolphins winning 28-21. The Buccaneers finally defeated the Dolphins in a regular-season game in 2000, with a winning margin of 46 yards.
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Best type of cheese to use
The traditional cheese used in a Cuban sandwich is Swiss cheese. This variety of cheese is known for its mild, nutty flavour and low melting point. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. Swiss cheese is also easy to find in most supermarkets and is affordable. When melted, it has a creamy texture and a slightly tangy taste, which pairs well with the other ingredients in the sandwich, such as the pork and pickles.
Some recipes suggest using a combination of Swiss cheese and other varieties, such as Monterey Jack or Provolone, to add a slightly different flavour profile. These cheeses also melt well and can enhance the creaminess of the sandwich. However, it is important to note that using too many different types of cheese can make the sandwich overly rich and mask the flavours of the other ingredients.
When selecting Swiss cheese for a Cuban sandwich, it is best to choose a block of cheese and grate it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melting process and texture. Look for a block of Swiss cheese that has a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, nutty aroma. Avoid any blocks with dry or cracked spots, as this may indicate that the cheese is past its prime.
To ensure the cheese melts properly in the Cuban sandwich, it is important to toast the sandwich correctly. This can be done in a sandwich press, a panini press, or a skillet/griddle with a heavy skillet placed on top of the sandwich to press it down. The sandwich should be toasted over medium heat until the bread is slightly crispy and the cheese has begun to melt.
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Best type of bread to use
Cuban sandwiches are traditionally made with Cuban bread, a soft, slightly sweet, simple white bread with a crisp crust. It is similar to French or Italian bread, so these are good alternatives if you don't have access to a Cuban bakery or grocer.
Cuban sandwiches are pressed, so it's important to use a thick, sturdy bread that can support the fillings. A soft white sandwich or hoagie roll can be used as a substitute, but it should have a crisp crust.
If you're making a Tampa-style Cuban sandwich, you might want to use Media Noche bread instead. This is a slightly sweet, egg-rich bread that is said to perfectly offset the salty fillings.
The Publix deli in Florida offers a popular variation of the Cuban sandwich that uses French bread instead of Cuban bread.
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Other variations of the sandwich
The Cuban sandwich, also known as a Cubano, is a variation of a ham and cheese sandwich that likely originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa or Key West, Florida. The original Key West version, called a "mixto", includes shredded lettuce and tomatoes. The sandwich was then brought to Miami by Cuban exiles and expatriates.
The traditional Cuban sandwich starts with Cuban bread, which is soft, slightly sweet, and crusty. The loaf is sliced into lengths of 8–12 inches (20–30 cm), lightly buttered or brushed with olive oil on the crust, and cut in half horizontally. A coat of yellow mustard is spread on the bread, followed by layers of meat: roast pork (Pernil or sometimes marinated in mojo), glazed ham, and sometimes salami. The sandwich also includes Swiss cheese and pickles.
While the traditional Cuban sandwich has specific ingredients, there are several variations. Here are some of the most common ones:
- The Tampa Cuban: The Tampa Cuban sandwich, also known as the "Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich", includes Genoa salami in addition to the other meats. This variation is a result of the influence of Italian immigrants who lived alongside Cubans and Spaniards in Ybor City, Tampa, in the early 20th century. Tampa's recipe has remained consistent for decades, and the city takes pride in its unique version of the Cuban sandwich.
- The Miami Cuban: The Miami Cuban sandwich does not include salami. This variation is more aligned with the traditional Cuban sandwich and is commonly found in South Florida. The exclusion of salami is a point of contention in the friendly rivalry between Miami and Tampa, with both cities claiming to have the best Cuban sandwich.
- The Publix Cuban: The Florida-based grocery chain Publix offers a variation of the Cuban sandwich in its delis. The Publix deli recipe uses Boar's Head brand ham and pork, along with French bread instead of traditional Cuban bread. This variation is one of Publix's bestselling sandwiches in its Florida stores.
- The Key West Cuban: The Key West Cuban sandwich, also known as the "mixto", includes shredded lettuce and tomatoes in addition to the traditional ingredients. This version is said to be more "frilly" and less suitable for on-the-go eating compared to the classic Cuban sandwich.
- The Chicken and Turkey Cuban: For those who prefer poultry or have dietary restrictions, a version of the Cuban sandwich can be made with shredded chicken and sliced turkey. The meat is marinated in the same mojo sauce used for the traditional pork marinade to retain the Cuban flavors.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the cheese in a Cuban sandwich should be melted.
Swiss cheese is the most commonly used cheese in a Cuban sandwich.
Cuban sandwiches are made with ham, mojo, roasted pork, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread.
The Cuban sandwich likely originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa or Key West, two early Cuban immigrant communities in Florida.
A Cuban sandwich can be toasted in a sandwich press called a plancha, which is similar to a panini press but without grooved surfaces.
