Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches Recipe

Cuban sandwiches are a beloved dish that combines savory flavors of slow-cooked pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles all pressed between crispy Cuban bread. With this Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches recipe, you can create a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth sandwich with minimal effort. The pork shoulder is cooked low and slow with citrusy, aromatic seasonings, resulting in a tender and flavorful filling. After a quick press in a panini maker or skillet, these sandwiches are ready to serve, making them perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a fun gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1 loaf Cuban bread
• 1/2 pound sliced ham
• 1/2 pound sliced Swiss cheese
• Dill pickles, for serving
• Mustard, for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork: In a slow cooker, combine the pork shoulder, chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
2. Shred the Pork: After the pork is cooked and tender, use two forks to shred the pork in the slow cooker, mixing it with the juices.
3. Preheat the Panini Press or Skillet: Heat your panini press or a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the Cuban bread lengthwise. Layer on the shredded pork, slices of ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and a generous spread of mustard.
5. Press the Sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in the preheated panini press or skillet. Press down until the cheese is melted, and the bread is golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes in a panini press or 2-3 minutes per side in a skillet.
6. Serve: Once the sandwiches are toasted and the cheese is melted, remove them from the press or skillet. Slice into individual sandwiches and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sandwich for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the pork for a marinated portobello mushroom or jackfruit for a plant-based version of this classic Cuban sandwich.
• Add Bacon: For an extra savory layer, include crispy bacon alongside the ham for a bacon-infused Cuban sandwich.
• Herbed Mayonnaise: Spread some herb-infused mayonnaise or garlic aioli on the bread before adding the mustard for a creamy variation.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the shredded pork and bread components separate if you’re not planning to make the sandwiches right away.
• Reheating: Reheat the shredded pork in the microwave or on the stove. If reheating the sandwiches, toast them again in the panini press or skillet to restore the crispy texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
   Yes, you can use pork loin or pork tenderloin, but pork shoulder provides a more tender, juicy result due to its higher fat content.
2. Can I make these sandwiches without a panini press?
   Absolutely! You can use a skillet to press the sandwiches. Just use another heavy pan or a spatula to press down on the sandwich while it cooks.
3. Can I prepare the pork ahead of time?
   Yes, you can cook the pork the day before and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the sandwiches, reheat the pork and assemble the sandwiches.
4. Can I freeze the pork for later use?
   Yes, the shredded pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling the sandwiches.
5. Is there a substitute for Cuban bread?
   If you can’t find Cuban bread, you can use French bread or Italian hoagie rolls as a substitute. The texture won’t be exactly the same, but it will still work.
6. Can I use a different cheese?
   Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can substitute it with provolone or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
7. What type of mustard should I use?
   Yellow mustard is classic for Cuban sandwiches, but you can also try Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor.
8. Can I use store-bought pork instead of cooking it from scratch?
   Yes, you can use pre-cooked pulled pork if you’re short on time. Just heat it up and assemble the sandwiches with the other ingredients.
9. What side dishes go well with Cuban sandwiches?
   Cuban sandwiches pair well with side dishes like sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or a side of plantain chips.
10. Can I add more toppings to the sandwich?
    Yes, you can add other toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or even a slice of avocado for a different twist on the classic Cuban sandwich.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches are the perfect balance of tender, flavorful pork, melted cheese, and crispy, golden bread. The slow-cooked pork shoulder, infused with citrus and spices, makes this sandwich a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a casual lunch, or a party, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit. With minimal effort and big flavor, they are a guaranteed way to enjoy a taste of Cuba at home!

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