The Cuban. AKA, the bestest sandwich (aside from the Italian beef) ever.

[Quiganomics]

Typically this time of year I'm out back sipping on an adult beverage with something on the offset. However, this year, mother nature decided on child abandonment and left us with Snowmageddon 2026 in the middle of March, so that leaves me limited to the garage yet.

Fired up the Z-Grill with some LJ Fruitwood pellets and tossed on a pork butt I had marinating in a mojo maridade I threw together, sliced up some leftover ham on the slicer, and had the wife bake a couple loaves of Cuban bread.

Didn't get any pics from the cook as I was fighting with wind gusts, blowing snow, and a pellet smoker that had major problems getting to temp. However, we made it through to the end and had some pretty tasty sandwiches served with kettle chips, pickles, and now that they sell it here in WI... a Yuengling.

 

[Fueling Around]

Love me a good cuban sammie. Appears you nailed it.
I'll pass on the Yuengling

 

[Straw_Sticks_Bricks]

Cuban sandwiches are one of my favorites. Those look great. I don't suppose I could convince you to share the recipe for the Cuban bread?

 

[yankee2bbq]

Looks really good!

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

Great looking Cuban there!

 

[Colin1230]

Looking at that made me hungry!

 

[Quiganomics]

Cuban sandwiches are one of my favorites. Those look great. I don't suppose I could convince you to share the recipe for the Cuban bread?

Certainly.

1 tbsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1¼ cup warm water no hotter than 110 °F
1 tsp salt
2 cups all-purpose flour see instructions
2 cups bread flour see instructions
¼ cup lard melted

Grease a large bowl and set it aside. Place the yeast, sugar, and 1/4 cup of the warm water in a small bowl. Set the bowl in a warm place until it bubbles or becomes foamy approximately 10 minutes. Measure out the lard in a glass measuring cup and melt it in the microwave for 1 minute or until melted. Place the yeast mixture in the bowl of an electric stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Add the remaining warm water and the salt. Mix on low until combined. While that is mixing, in a large bowl, sift the two flour varieties together. Add the melted lard alternating with the sifted flour. Use only enough of the mixed flour until the dough is pliable and smooth and pulls away from the side of the mixer. It will be sticky. The remaining flour will be used to roll out the dough. Place the dough into the greased bowl, turning it until the dough is coated with grease on all sides. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and allow it to rise until doubled in size, about an hour. Dust your working surface with flour. Turn the dough out and shape it into one 12×20-inch rectangle or two 6×10-inch rectangles. Dust the top with flour and roll the dough into a cylinder shape with a slight taper on both ends. Pinch the loose flap of the rolled dough into a loaf , making a tight seam. Grease a baking sheet and sprinkle it with flour or cornmeal. Place the dough diagonally across the baking sheet or if making two loaves side by side. Dust the top with flour and cover loosely with a piece of plastic wrap. Set it in a warm area and allow it to rise 2-1/2 times it's original size. Preheat the oven to 450 °F. Place one baking rack in the center of the oven and place a pan of water on the lowest rack setting. Brush or spritz the loaf generously with water, then score with a razor down the center. Place the loaf on the center rack in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. Brush or spritz the loaf with water and allow it to bake until lightly brown, 12 to 18 minutes total baking time.

Now at this point, the bread is technically done. However, I like mine with a tad more crunch to the crust, so after it cools I spritz again with water and pop it back into the oven for about another 5-7 minutes.

 

[sandyut]

Looks amazing. We are big Cuban fans here.

 

[indaswamp]

Wow! Cuban is tops for sandwiches IMO. Nicely done!

 

[Redicans]

Nice looking sandwich!! I bet that was tasty!

 

[bigfurmn]

I love a good Cuban sandwich. That looks really good.

WI... a Yuengling.

Say what??? One state closer!!! Just here dammit! Might have to run to Hudson.

 

[pc farmer]

Looks amazing and that's my beer of choice. Made right here in PA.

 

[DRKsmoking]

Looks good, nothing wrong with a Cuban or 2.

David

 

[gmc2003]

That cuban is one fine looking Sammy but I still think the grilled reuben edges it out for the best sandwich.

Point for sure
Chris

 

[jcam222]

I love a good Cuban so much that I created a casserole version too. Your sandwich looks great

 

[indaswamp]

I love a good Cuban so much that I created a casserole version too. Your sandwich looks great

Link? I'd love to see that...

 

[mr_whipple]

Man that's a damn good looking sammich. Yum!!

 

[BigW.]

Sandwich looks great. Hoping Yuengling gets here soon also!

 

[jcam222]

Link? I'd love to see that...

Here it is. On post 17 I tweaked it some. This is a real favorite for me of my creations. I do prefer it with pulled ham when I have it. https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/cuban-sandwich-casserole.319302/