The Perfect Cheese For A Cubano Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich, or Cubano, is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a variety of other ingredients. The choice of cheese is an important factor in making an authentic Cuban sandwich. Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, with some recipes specifically calling for Gruyere.

Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Cubano

The Cubano is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich that has reached mainstream popularity all over the US. It is the ultimate sandwich for every pork lover and a must for non-pork lovers alike. The Cubano is layered with garlic-citrus mojo roast pork, smoked ham, tangy pickles, and mustard on super-crispy, golden, buttery bread. The Swiss cheese is the glue that holds all the sandwich components together. It is the consummate melting cheese that is slightly sweet, slightly salty, creamy, and nutty—boasting enough flavour to cut through the richness of the Cubano.

The Cubano is a pressed sandwich, and the Swiss cheese is key to achieving the iconic crispy exterior and cheesy interior. The cheese is the glue that holds the sandwich together as it is compressed down to about a third of its original volume. The Swiss cheese is also versatile enough to accommodate variations in the Cubano. The Tampa-style Cubano includes salami, while the Miami version does not.

While some variations of the Cubano use other types of cheese, such as Gruyere, quality Swiss cheese is non-negotiable for an authentic Cubano.

Gruyere Swiss cheese is the best option for an authentic Cubano

Gruyere Swiss Cheese: The Best Option for an Authentic Cubano

The Cuban sandwich, or Cubano, is a decadent grilled ham and cheese sandwich that has reached mainstream popularity across the United States. While there are different recipes and variations, an authentic Cubano features a specific set of ingredients that create a symphony of flavours and textures. Among these ingredients, the choice of cheese is crucial, and Gruyere Swiss cheese stands out as the best option for an authentic and delicious Cubano.

The Role of Cheese in a Cubano

Cheese is an essential component of a Cubano, acting as the "melty glue" that holds all the sandwich components together. It adds a creamy texture and a nutty flavour that perfectly complements the other ingredients. The cheese should be of high quality and have good melting properties to ensure a cohesive and tasty sandwich.

Why Gruyere Swiss Cheese is the Best Option

Gruyere Swiss cheese, a semi-hard, pale yellow variety made from whole milk, ticks all the boxes for an authentic Cubano. Firstly, it has superior melting properties compared to other cheeses, ensuring a cohesive sandwich where all the ingredients meld together harmoniously. Secondly, its slightly sweet and nutty flavour enhances the overall taste profile of the Cubano. The subtle sweetness pairs well with the tangy pickles and mustard, while the nuttiness adds depth to the sandwich.

Additionally, Gruyere has just the right amount of saltiness to cut through the richness of the other ingredients, such as the pork and ham. This balance of sweetness and saltiness makes Gruyere the ideal cheese to elevate the flavours of the Cubano.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When crafting an authentic Cubano, it is essential to use quality ingredients, and this extends to the choice of cheese. While some recipes may call for American Swiss cheese, opting for the real Swiss Gruyere cheese makes a significant difference. American Swiss cheese is often made from pasteurized milk and lacks the depth of flavour found in its European counterpart. By choosing Gruyere, you ensure a more authentic and flavourful sandwich experience.

When crafting an authentic Cubano, the choice of cheese is critical, and Gruyere Swiss cheese stands out as the best option. Its superior melting properties, subtle sweetness, nuttiness, and saltiness elevate the flavours of the sandwich and create a cohesive and decadent bite. By opting for Gruyere, you honour the tradition of this beloved Cuban sandwich while indulging in a truly delicious culinary experience.

The Tampa Cuban includes salami

The Tampa Cuban sandwich, also known as the Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich, is a popular variation of the classic Cuban sandwich. It includes all the usual ingredients, such as ham, mojo roast pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles, but with the addition of Genoa salami.

The inclusion of salami in the Tampa Cuban is believed to be influenced by the Italian immigrants who lived alongside Cubans and Spaniards in Ybor City, Tampa, in the early 1900s. Genoa salami is a type of salami that originated in Genoa, Italy, and is seasoned with garlic, salt, black and white pepper, and red or white wine. The salty, greasy flavour of the salami is said to complement the other ingredients in the sandwich, such as the mustard, pickles, and Swiss cheese.

The Tampa Cuban sandwich was designated the "signature sandwich of the city of Tampa" by the Tampa City Council in 2012, reflecting its importance to the local culture and cuisine. The addition of salami sets it apart from the Miami Cuban sandwich, which traditionally does not include this ingredient.

The Cuban sandwich, in general, is a popular American sandwich that originated in Florida, particularly in Tampa and Key West, due to the influence of early Cuban immigrant communities. It is typically made with Cuban bread, which is similar to French or Italian bread but differs in the use of lard or shortening and baking methods. The sandwich is usually pressed and served hot, though it can also be served cold.

The Miami Cuban does not include salami

The Miami Cuban, or South Florida Cuban, does not include salami. This is a major point of contention in the long-running rivalry between Miami and Tampa, with the latter's version of the sandwich containing Genoa salami.

The Cuban sandwich is a variation of a ham and cheese sandwich that likely originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa or Key West. Later on, Cuban exiles and expatriates brought it to Miami, where it is also very popular. The sandwich is made with ham, mojo, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread.

The Tampa City Council designated the "Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich" as the city's official "signature sandwich" in 2012, emphasising the inclusion of salami. This decision fuelled the friendly rivalry between the two cities, with Miami's mayor even calling the addition of salami a "sacrilege".

The inclusion of salami in the Tampa-style Cuban sandwich can be attributed to the influence of Italian immigrants who lived side by side with Cubans in Ybor City, Tampa, at the beginning of the 20th century. The salami adds another layer of salty flavour to the decadent sandwich.

While the debate over the "true" Cuban sandwich continues, the traditional Cuban sandwich is generally agreed upon, starting with Cuban bread, butter or olive oil, yellow mustard, roast pork, glazed ham, Swiss cheese, and thinly sliced dill pickles.

Cuban bread is ideal, but Italian or French bread can be used as a substitute

Cuban bread is ideal for a Cubano sandwich, but Italian or French bread can be used as a substitute.

Cuban bread is a staple of Cuban-American cuisine and is traditionally used when making an authentic Cuban sandwich. It is a type of white bread, similar to French and Italian bread, but with a slightly different baking method and ingredient list. The main difference is that Cuban bread generally includes a small amount of fat in the form of lard or vegetable shortening. It is also typically baked in a long, baguette-like loaf, with a hard, thin, almost papery toasted crust and a soft, flaky centre.

If you can't get your hands on Cuban bread, Italian or French bread are good substitutes. When choosing a loaf, look for bread that is long and wide, and easy to squish down. Pick the freshest loaf possible and try to use it immediately.

Toasting the bread is a crucial step in preventing a soggy sandwich. You can butter the cut sides of the bread for added flavour, or place the bread directly in a skillet until lightly golden-brown.

Once you have your bread, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Spread a mustard sauce—a mixture of yellow mustard, mayonnaise, and reserved mojo marinade—on both cut sides of the bread. Layer on Swiss Gruyere cheese, dill pickles, mojo Cuban roast pork, and Black Forest or smoked ham. Finish with another layer of cheese to hold all the sandwich components together.

Finally, grill your Cubano in a panini press, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

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