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Close-up of several delicious Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches filled with meat, cheese, and a creamy spread, served with pickles and chips.
Reda

Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches: Lechon Style

This recipe transforms classic Cuban flavors into an irresistible sandwich, featuring crispy, garlicky Cuban bread loaded with succulent slow-roasted pork, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles. A unique twist on two beloved dishes!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cuban
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

For the Cuban Garlic Bread
  • 1 loaf Cuban bread about 18-20 inches, or a crusty French baguette
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 8 cloves garlic minced very finely
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch red pepper flakes optional
For the Sandwich Filling
  • 1 lb slow-roasted Cuban pork lechon or pernil, thinly sliced or shredded, warmed
  • 1/2 lb deli ham thinly sliced
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle chips or thinly sliced dill pickles
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard Cuban style preferred

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Griddle or large non-stick pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Spatula
  • Heavy object (e.g., another baking sheet with a weight or a brick wrapped in foil)

Method
 

Prepare the Garlic Bread
  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined to create the garlic butter.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slice the Cuban bread lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, creating a 'hinge' on one side. Spread the prepared garlic butter generously on both cut sides of the bread.
  3. Place the buttered bread, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the butter is melted and bubbling, and the edges are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven.
Assemble and Press the Sandwiches
  1. On the bottom half of the toasted garlic bread, spread the yellow mustard evenly. Layer 4 slices of Swiss cheese on top of the mustard. Then, add the warm roasted pork, followed by the thinly sliced ham, and finally the dill pickles. Place the remaining 4 slices of Swiss cheese on top of the pickles.
  2. Carefully close the sandwich. Heat a large griddle or a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the entire sandwich (or cut it into halves for easier handling) onto the hot griddle.
  3. Place a heavy object (like another baking sheet topped with a heavy can or a foil-wrapped brick) on top of the sandwich to press it down firmly. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is thoroughly melted and gooey.
Serve
  1. Remove the pressed sandwich from the griddle. Slice into individual portions (typically 4-6 pieces depending on the loaf size) and serve immediately. Enjoy your Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches!

Notes

For truly authentic lechon, you can use leftover homemade slow-roasted pork (pernil). If you're short on time, many delis or Latin markets sell pre-cooked lechon or seasoned pulled pork that works perfectly. A Panini press is an excellent alternative for toasting and pressing these sandwiches, achieving that perfect crispy exterior and gooey interior.