The Perfect Cuban: Choosing The Right Cheese

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, Florida. The sandwich is made with roast pork, ham, mojo, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread. The main regional disagreement regarding the Cuban sandwich is the inclusion of salami, with Tampa Cubans including it and Miami Cubans omitting it.

Swiss cheese is the most popular choice

Swiss Cheese: The Most Popular Choice for a Cuban Sandwich

The classic Cuban sandwich is a mouth-watering combination of ham, roast pork, pickles, mustard, and, of course, cheese. While there may be some variations in the ingredients depending on the region, Swiss cheese is the most popular and traditional choice for this delicious sandwich.

A Classic Combination

The Cuban sandwich, or "Cuban mix," is a variation of the ham and cheese sandwich that likely originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa and Key West, Florida. The inclusion of Swiss cheese in this sandwich is a classic combination that has stood the test of time. Swiss cheese is known for its mild, nutty flavour and distinctive appearance, with holes that vary in size. When melted between layers of hot, pressed meats and pickles, Swiss cheese adds a creamy texture and savoury taste that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

A Matter of Taste

While some variations of the Cuban sandwich may use other types of cheese, such as Manchego, Swiss cheese remains the most popular and traditional choice. Its neutral flavour and melting properties make it an ideal pairing with the other ingredients. The salty, savoury flavours of the ham and roast pork are balanced by the tangy dill pickles and smooth, rich Swiss cheese. When grilled or toasted, the Swiss cheese melts to a creamy consistency, adding to the overall appeal of the sandwich.

A Cultural Icon

The Cuban sandwich has become a cultural icon, with a long history dating back to the early Cuban immigrant communities in Florida. The choice of Swiss cheese is an integral part of this sandwich's cultural significance. The inclusion of Swiss cheese likely stems from the influence of European Jewish immigrants, who brought with them a love for pickles, mustard, and Swiss cheese. This cultural fusion resulted in the creation of a sandwich that has become a beloved staple, not just in Florida but across the United States.

A Culinary Debate

While Swiss cheese is the most traditional and widely accepted choice, there is some debate among enthusiasts regarding the "true" Cuban sandwich. Some argue that the inclusion of salami, as in the Tampa variation, is essential, while others insist that the Miami version, which omits the salami, is the authentic recipe. However, regardless of regional variations, Swiss cheese remains the cheese of choice for the majority of Cuban sandwich makers and eaters.

Manchego is an alternative

A traditional Cuban sandwich is made with Swiss cheese. However, Manchego is a tasty alternative.

The Cuban sandwich is a variation of a ham and cheese sandwich that likely originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa and Key West, Florida. The sandwich is made with ham, mojo, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread. The loaf is sliced into lengths of 7 to 12 inches, 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, and then the meats are added in layers: roast pork (marinated in mojo), glazed ham, and sometimes salami. Swiss cheese and thinly sliced dill pickles complete the traditional ingredients.

Once assembled, a Cuban sandwich is toasted in a sandwich press called a plancha, which is similar to a panini press but without grooved surfaces. The plancha both heats and compresses the sandwich, which remains in the press until the bread surface is slightly crispy and the cheese has begun to melt. It is usually cut into diagonal halves before serving.

While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, some people may prefer to use other types of cheese, such as Manchego. Manchego is a sheep's milk cheese that originates from Spain. It has a creamy texture and a nutty, tangy flavor that can add a unique taste to the Cuban sandwich. If you're looking for a change from the traditional Swiss cheese, Manchego is a delicious option to consider.

Using Manchego cheese in a Cuban sandwich is a great way to add a personal touch to this classic dish. While the Swiss cheese provides a mild and melting texture, Manchego offers a more robust and distinctive flavor. Its slightly higher melting point can also create a delightful contrast with the other ingredients, providing a subtle crunch to the sandwich. Moreover, Manchego's tangy and nutty notes can beautifully complement the other flavors in the sandwich, such as the mustard, pickles, and meats.

In conclusion, while Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Cuban sandwich, Manchego offers a delightful alternative. With its creamy texture and nutty, tangy flavor, Manchego can add a unique twist to this classic dish. So, if you're looking for something a little different, don't be afraid to give Manchego a try!

The sandwich is grilled or pressed

Grilling and Pressing the Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich is grilled or pressed, and this step is considered essential to the sandwich's preparation. This can be done using a sandwich grill, a panini press, a waffle iron, a grill, a grill pan, or a heavy skillet. Some people wrap their Cuban sandwiches in aluminium foil before grilling and pressing, which makes cleanup easier, although it can be a bit messy if the cheese and other ingredients leak out.

When grilling the sandwich, it is important to spread butter on top of the bread and close the grill, smashing the sandwich. It should be left in the grill until the top of the bread turns golden brown and crispy, which usually takes around 4 to 6 minutes. Alternatively, when using a grill or grill pan, the sandwich can be grilled for 5-6 minutes per side, pressing it down very firmly with another pan, a cast-iron skillet, or a spatula to create the distinctive "pressed" effect.

The act of grilling and pressing the Cuban sandwich not only heats the sandwich but also compresses it, creating a unique texture and appearance. This step is crucial to achieving the desired level of crispiness in the bread and melting the cheese inside.

The Right Tools for the Job

While a sandwich grill or panini press is ideal for achieving consistent results, a simple grill or skillet can also be used with excellent results. The key is to apply even pressure to the sandwich during grilling to ensure uniform compression and browning.

The Perfect Press

The perfect Cuban sandwich is achieved when the bread is slightly crispy on the outside, the cheese is melted, and the ingredients are heated through. The pressing step helps to bind all the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and flavourful sandwich.

A Signature Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich, with its grilled and pressed preparation, has become a signature dish in various regions, including Tampa and Miami, with each region boasting slight variations in ingredients and preparation methods.

It's served on Cuban bread

The Cuban sandwich is served on Cuban bread, which is traditionally used for this sandwich. The loaf is sliced into lengths of 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) and lightly buttered or brushed with olive oil on the crust. It is then cut in half horizontally, with the top half spread with yellow mustard and the bottom half layered with the sandwich ingredients. The choice of bread is important as it gives the sandwich its distinctive texture and flavour. Cuban bread is similar to French or Italian bread but differs in the use of lard or shortening, and in how it is baked. It is also traditionally scored with palmetto palm fronds before baking, which gives it its distinctive appearance.

Cuban sandwiches are typically grilled or toasted in a sandwich press, panini press, or waffle iron. The bread is compressed and heated until it is slightly crispy and golden brown, and the cheese has begun to melt. The sandwich is then cut into diagonal halves before serving.

While Cuban bread is traditional, substitutes such as French, Italian, or Mexican bolilo bread can also be used. In the absence of these options, some people use sourdough or thick bread like Texas Toast. However, the choice of bread is a matter of debate among enthusiasts of the sandwich, with some insisting that only authentic Cuban bread should be used to make a true Cuban sandwich.

The Cuban sandwich is said to have originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa and Key West, Florida, in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The sandwich was likely brought to Miami by Cuban exiles and expatriates, and it is now enjoyed throughout the United States and in other Cuban exile communities worldwide.

It's a variation of a ham and cheese sandwich

The Cuban sandwich is a variation of a ham and cheese sandwich. It is a popular American sandwich that likely originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa and Key West, two early Cuban immigrant communities in Florida. The sandwich is made with ham, mojo, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread. The loaf is sliced into lengths of 7 to 12 inches, 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, and the meats are added in layers: roast pork (Pernil or sometimes marinated in mojo), glazed ham, and salami. Swiss cheese and thinly sliced dill pickles complete the traditional ingredients.

Once assembled, a Cuban sandwich is typically toasted in a sandwich press called a plancha, which is similar to a panini press but without grooved surfaces. The plancha both heats and compresses the sandwich, which remains in the press until the bread surface is slightly crispy and the cheese has begun to melt. It is usually cut into diagonal halves before serving.

The main regional disagreement regarding the Cuban sandwich involves the inclusion of salami, with Tampa including it due to the influence of Italian immigrants and Miami omitting it. Another variation is the "Cuban mix" popular in Key West, which includes mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato. These additions are generally frowned upon by traditionalists in Tampa and Miami.

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

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