The Perfect Cheese For A Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich, or Cubano, is a grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich variation that was likely created in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Florida. The sandwich is made with sliced ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread. The traditional Cuban sandwich starts with Cuban bread, which is similar in shape to Italian bread but has a crisper crust like a French baguette. The loaf is sliced, lightly buttered or brushed with olive oil, and cut in half horizontally. A coat of yellow mustard is spread on the bread, followed by the sliced meats, Swiss cheese, and thinly sliced dill pickles. Once assembled, a Cuban sandwich is typically toasted in a sandwich press called a plancha, which heats and compresses the sandwich until the bread is slightly crispy and the cheese has begun to melt.

Swiss cheese is the most popular choice

Swiss cheese is then added, along with thinly sliced dill pickles. The sandwich is then toasted in a sandwich press called a plancha, which is similar to a panini press without the grooves. The plancha heats and compresses the sandwich until the bread is slightly crispy and the cheese has begun to melt. It is then cut diagonally before serving.

The main regional disagreement regarding the Cuban sandwich is the inclusion of salami, with Tampa Cubans including it due to Italian immigrant influence, and Miami Cubans omitting it. Another variation is the addition of mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato, which is usually included in the "Cuban mix" variant popular in Key West.

The Cuban sandwich has sparked a long-running friendly rivalry between Miami and Tampa, with various community leaders claiming to be home to the best version. The debate has received coverage from national and international news outlets, and in 2012, the Tampa City Council voted to name the "Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich" as the city's official "signature sandwich".

It's also known as a 'Cuban mix' or 'mixto'

The Cuban sandwich, sometimes called a "Cuban mix" or a "mixto", is a variation of a ham and cheese sandwich that likely originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in the early Cuban immigrant communities of Tampa and Key West, Florida. The sandwich was probably a common lunch food for workers in the cigar factories and sugar mills of Cuba, as well as in Key West and Tampa.

The original Key West version of the Cuban sandwich, or "mixto", includes shredded lettuce and tomatoes. This variant is considered by some to be too fussy. The "mixto" is also served with mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato, toppings that are usually frowned upon by traditionalists in Tampa and Miami.

The "mixto" is also known as the "Cuban mix", a variant that is popular in Key West. This version of the sandwich is served with mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato, toppings that are not usually included in the South Florida Cuban sandwich.

The sandwich is assembled with the cheese on top of the pickles

The Cuban sandwich, or Cubano, is a grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich variation. The sandwich is assembled with the cheese on top of the pickles, and the combination of these ingredients with mustard, pork, and ham makes the Cubano a hit.

The traditional cheese used in a Cuban sandwich is Swiss cheese. The Swiss cheese is placed on top of the pickles, which are spread on top of the mustard. The cheese is then topped with the sliced ham, folded in half, and the roast pork.

The Cuban sandwich is a popular dish that originated in Florida, in the cities of Tampa and Key West, by Cuban immigrants. The sandwich was a filling and easy-to-carry lunch option for workers. Over time, the Cubano spread to other cities, including Miami, and variations of the sandwich emerged, including the addition of salami in Tampa.

The assembly of the Cuban sandwich is an important part of its preparation. The sandwich is typically made with Cuban bread, which is soft, slightly sweet, and crusty. The bread is sliced and spread with mustard, and then the pickles and cheese are layered on top. The ham and pork are then added, and the sandwich is grilled or toasted until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

The Cuban sandwich is a beloved and iconic dish that has sparked friendly rivalries between cities and inspired festivals and celebrations. Its simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients, including the cheese placed on top of the pickles, has made it a favorite among many.

The sandwich is grilled, not cooked in a microwave

A Cuban sandwich is a grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich variation that was created in Florida by Cuban immigrants. The sandwich is grilled, not cooked in a microwave, and the grilling process is essential to achieving the right taste and texture.

The Cuban sandwich is typically made with sliced ham, sliced roasted pork, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, mustard, and Cuban bread. The sandwich is grilled until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Grilling the sandwich also helps to compress it, creating a warm and cohesive package.

The key to grilling a Cuban sandwich is to use a sandwich press, such as a panini press or a plancha, which is similar to a panini press but without grooved surfaces. If you don't have access to a sandwich press, you can use a heavy cast-iron skillet or even a waffle iron to grill your sandwich.

To grill a Cuban sandwich, first assemble the sandwich by spreading mustard on the bread and layering the ham, pork, cheese, and pickles. Then, place the sandwich in the preheated grill or skillet and apply pressure using a heavy skillet or brick wrapped in foil. Grill the sandwich for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

It is important to note that a Cuban sandwich should not be cooked in a microwave. Grilling is the preferred method as it allows the bread to become crispy and toasted while heating the fillings and melting the cheese. Microwaving the sandwich would likely result in a soggy texture and uneven heating.

In summary, the Cuban sandwich is a delicious and hearty grilled sandwich that is best enjoyed when grilled to perfection, not cooked in a microwave. The grilling process adds a depth of flavour and texture that cannot be achieved through other cooking methods.

Salami is added in Tampa, but not in South Florida

Salami is added to the Cuban sandwich in Tampa, but not in South Florida. This is due to the influence of Italian immigrants who lived alongside Cubans and Spaniards in Ybor City, Tampa, at the beginning of the 20th century. The Tampa Cuban sandwich traditionally includes Genoa salami, layered with the other meats. This addition is a major point of contention in the Tampa-Miami Cuban sandwich rivalry.

The “Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich” was designated the "signature sandwich of the city of Tampa" by the Tampa City Council in 2012, highlighting the importance of this dish to the city's culture and identity. The rivalry between Tampa and Miami centres around the “true” Cuban sandwich and which city has the best version. The debate has been covered by several national and international news outlets, and even sparked a content dispute on the English Wikipedia article about the sandwich.

The first recorded mentions of a distinct Cuban sandwich survive in descriptions of workers' cafés in Ybor City and nearby West Tampa from around 1900, leading historians to theorise that the sandwich as we know it first appeared there. A 1934 travel article published by the Mason City Globe Gazette described Tampa's cuisine as "much more distinctive than elsewhere in the state" and listed the Cuban sandwich among the city's "signature foods".

The addition of salami to the Tampa Cuban sandwich is not just a regional variation but a reflection of the cultural and historical influences that have shaped the city's culinary traditions. It is a testament to the diverse communities that have contributed to Tampa's growth and development over the decades.

While the debate over the "true" Cuban sandwich continues, the inclusion of salami in the Tampa version adds a unique flavour and cultural significance to this beloved dish.

Frequently asked questions