Chef Vazquez’s Sandwich Cubano

A Cuban Sandwich with plantain chips.

From the kitchen of Chef Nick Vazquez, Dining Service Director

Chef Nick Vazquez defeated world-renowned Chef Bobby Flay during the hit series "Throwdown! with Bobby Flay" on the Food Network with this delectable family recipe. 

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf (12-inch) Cuban bread
  • 2 Tbsp mayonnaise 
  • 2 slices kosher dill pickle, thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 3 to 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices roast pork
  • 4 slices Virginia baked ham (for extra flavor, marinate with sour orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano overnight and cook at 350 degrees F for 4-5 hours until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F)
  • Melted butter

Directions

Heat plancha to 350 degrees F.

Slice bread in half lengthwise and spread mayonnaise on the bottom slice. Layer roast pork followed by baked sweet ham, pickle, and cheese. This layering allows cheese to melt and blend with ingredients.

Place sandwich on plancha and spread melted butter on top of bread. Press down the top of the sandwich with a spatula for about 3 minutes. Flip sandwich to other side and repeat process. The bread should be toasted and the cheese fully melted in 10-15 minutes.

Remove from plancha and enjoy!