Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

Are you ready to enjoy a fantastic meal that will impress your family and friends? Enter Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches! These sandwiches are loaded with tender, flavorful pork, melty cheese, and zesty pickles. Whether it’s a weekend gathering or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe brings a taste of Cuba right to your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get started on making this delicious treat!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches is an excellent idea for anyone who loves rich flavors and hearty meals. This recipe is perfect for busy days or weekends. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, making the pork tender and infused with delicious juices. Plus, who can resist a crispy sandwich loaded with savory ingredients? Your family will love these sandwiches, and they’ll become a go-to comfort food in no time!

How to Make Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

Here’s a straightforward guide to making Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches. You’re just a few steps away from a mouthwatering meal. By using your slow cooker, the pork becomes super tender and flavorful, while the assembly of the sandwiches is quick and easy. Get ready for a taste sensation that’s ready to enjoy at the end of your day!

Ingredients

• 4-5 lbs. pork shoulder or butt roast
• Juice from 2 oranges
• Juice from 2 limes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. cumin
• 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 2 Cuban bread loaves or Italian bread loaves
• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 lb. sliced Swiss cheese
• 1/2 lb. sliced deli ham
• 12 sandwich pickles, sliced lengthwise
• Yellow mustard

Directions

For the Pork:

1. Start by mixing together the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This marinade is the key to delicious pork.

2. Place your pork roast in the slow cooker with the fat side facing up. Pour the marinade all over the pork, making sure it’s well coated.

3. Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 8-10 hours. You want it to be tender enough to shred easily.

4. Once it’s cooked, shred the pork with forks and return it to the slow cooker to soak up all the tasty juices.

For the Cubans:

1. Preheat your panini press or cast iron skillet.

2. Trim the ends off your loaves of bread and slice them horizontally.

3. Spread softened butter generously on the outside of each slice of bread and slather the insides with yellow mustard.

4. Layer your sandwiches with Swiss cheese, deli ham, shredded pork, pickles, and a final layer of Swiss cheese.

5. Grill the sandwiches in your panini press for about 3-5 minutes, or in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are nice and golden brown.

6. Slice the sandwiches in half and serve them warm. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

These sandwiches are best served warm, right off the grill. Pair them with crispy chips or a fresh salad to make a complete meal. You can also serve them with extra mustard on the side for dipping. Everyone will rave about the flavor and richness of the sandwiches. It’s the perfect meal to impress!

How to Store Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

If you have leftovers, storing them is simple! Place the leftover sandwiches in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispiness of the bread, it’s best to store the ingredients separately and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

1. Choose Good Quality Meat: Using a good-quality pork shoulder or butt roast will make a huge difference in taste.

2. Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper.

3. Let It Rest: Let the grilled sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing them. This helps keep the fillings in place.

Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

Yes, you can freeze the shredded pork! Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, sealed tightly, and store it for up to 3 months. However, once assembled, the sandwiches don’t freeze very well due to the bread.

How to Reheat Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

To reheat, place the sandwiches in a skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid to keep them moist and heat them for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until warm. You can also use the microwave, but the skillet will keep the bread crispy.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can use turkey or chicken instead of pork. You can also add extra veggies like roasted peppers for more flavor. Experiment with different types of cheese if you like!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! If you can’t find Cuban bread, Italian or French bread works great for this recipe.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread and check that all your ingredients, like mustard and spices, are gluten-free.

3. Can I make the pork in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and grill the sandwiches.

Now that you’re equipped with the best recipe for Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Enjoy the tasty results that await you!