Oktoberfest-Style Cuban Sandwich
Oktoberfest meets Cuba in this twist on the classic sandwich, with marble rye, Muenster, pulled pork, and Black Forest ham. Crispy, savory, irresistible.
Oktoberfest-Style Cuban Sandwich
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Lunch
Cuisine
German-Cuban fusion
Author:
This recipe comes to us from Casey Bard, CEO of Tacticalories Seasoning Co. and longtime collaborator and friend of Montana Knife Company.
Servings
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Calories
650
This recipe takes what I love about the traditional Cuban sandwich and gives it an Oktoberfest twist. It respects the sandwich’s classic structure while introducing German beer hall flavors.
Marble rye and Muenster cheese turn the classic Cubano into a lip-smacking creation. When you bite through that crispy rye into layers of pulled pork and Black Forest ham, you’ll taste why this Cuban sandwich has become my most requested festival creation.
Ingredients
Build a perfect Cuban sandwich with these premium ingredients:
- 2 lbs. pulled pork (leftover smoked pork shoulder makes an excellent Cuban sandwich filling)
- 12 oz. Black Forest ham, thinly sliced with a sharp, clean knife
- 8 slices Muenster cheese (substitute Swiss for a more traditional Cuban sandwich)
- 8 slices marble rye bread (substitute Cuban bread for authentic Cubano texture)
- 1 cup dill pickle chips
- 4 Tbsp. butter, softened
- Your favorite honey mustard
- 2 Tbsp. your favorite BBQ seasoning
Directions
Master this Cuban sandwich recipe with these straightforward steps:
- Season your pulled pork with your favorite BBQ seasoning, mixing thoroughly. This step adds layers of flavor that complement the traditional Cuban sandwich profile.
- Spread your favorite honey mustard generously on four slices of marble rye. Unlike a traditional Cuban sandwich that uses yellow mustard, honey mustard bridges German and Cuban flavors.
- Layer your Cubano sandwich components. Start with seasoned pulled pork (about 1/2 cup per Cuban sandwich), add three slices of Black Forest ham, arrange pickle chips evenly, and top with two slices of Muenster cheese.
- Crown each Cuban sandwich with the remaining marble rye slices. Press down gently to compress; this technique keeps your Cubano sandwich together during grilling.
- Butter the outside of each assembled Cuban sandwich thoroughly. This creates your signature golden crust.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or sandwich press to medium heat (about 350°F). Place your Cuban sandwich in the pan and press down with a heavy skillet or bacon press.
- Cook your Cubano sandwich for four to five minutes per side until the marble rye turns golden brown and the Muenster melts completely. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Let each Cuban sandwich rest for two minutes before slicing diagonally with a sharp, clean knife. This prevents the molten cheese from escaping.
Recipe Note
Whip Up an Outstanding Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Take your Cuban sandwich from good to Oktoberfest-worthy with these proven techniques:
- Use day-old pulled pork for better texture in your Cubano sandwich. Fresh pork can make the bread soggy.
- Drain your pickle chips for 10 minutes before assembling your Cuban sandwich to prevent excess moisture.
- Mix grated Muenster into pulled pork for extra richness throughout your Cuban sandwich recipe.
- Apply steady pressure while grilling your Cubano sandwich rather than pressing too hard at first.
- Create professional grill marks on your Cuban sandwich by rotating 45 degrees halfway through cooking.
- Keep finished Cuban sandwiches warm at 200°F when serving multiple Cubanos at gatherings.
- For an authentic traditional Cuban sandwich texture, replace marble rye and Muenster with Cuban bread and Swiss cheese.
- Toast the bread lightly before assembly if your Cuban sandwich recipe calls for extra crispiness.
These Cuban sandwiches pair great with German potato salad or sweet potato fries. Reach for Oktoberfest lager or apple cider for a refreshing, complementary drink.
The marble rye gives this Cuban sandwich recipe more structure than traditional Cuban bread, standing up to bold flavors while maintaining that pressed sandwich texture. Each bite of this Cubano delivers the perfect balance of smoky meat, tangy pickles, and creamy cheese.
Whether you’re making this Cuban sandwich for a weeknight dinner or preparing multiple Cubanos for your own festival-style gathering, this recipe will earn you crowd-pleasing results.
