Sizzling Cuban Turkey Sandwich Recipe That Dazzles

A mouthwatering Cuban turkey sandwich combines classic flavors with unexpected twists that surprise your taste buds.

Layers of succulent meat and crisp ingredients create a delightful culinary experience.

Tender roasted turkey brings a fresh approach to the traditional Cuban sandwich.

Tangy pickles and melted swiss cheese add rich complexity to each bite.

Mustard and ham provide a zesty counterpoint that makes this sandwich irresistible.

Pressed between golden, crispy bread, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

You won’t be able to resist trying this incredible recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

Why Cuban Turkey Sandwiches Hit The Spot

• This Cuban turkey sandwich is a super simple recipe that anyone can master, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Great for casual gatherings, game days, or picnics, this sandwich brings a delightful twist to classic sandwich options that everyone will love.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping meats, adjusting cheese, or adding extra toppings to suit personal preferences or dietary needs.

What You’ll Need For A Cuban Turkey Sandwich

• Cuban Bread: Soft, crusty bread perfect for a classic Cuban sandwich.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior.

• Turkey, Ham: Savory and tender deli meats for rich flavor.
• Swiss Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully.

• Mustard, Pickles: Tangy additions that provide classic Cuban sandwich zest.

Steps To Make A Cuban Turkey Sandwich

Step 1: Slice and Butter Bread

Take the Cuban bread and slice it lengthwise.

Grab some butter and spread a light layer on the outside of both bread halves.

This will help create a gorgeous golden-brown crispiness when grilled.

Step 2: Spread Mustard and Layer Ingredients

Open up the bread and apply a generous mustard layer on the inner sides.

• Sliced turkey
• Ham (optional)
• Swiss cheese
• Pickles

Step 3: Grill and Press Sandwich

Place the sandwich in a hot sandwich press or heavy skillet.

Apply gentle pressure to compress the sandwich.

Grill each side for 3-4 minutes until the bread turns a beautiful golden color and the cheese melts completely.

The key is achieving a perfect crispy exterior with a warm, gooey interior.

Step 4: Slice and Enjoy

Remove the sandwich from the heat.

Cut diagonally to create two delectable triangular halves.

Serve immediately while the sandwich is piping hot and wonderfully crispy.

The combination of melted cheese, savory meats, and tangy pickles creates an irresistible flavor explosion.

Tips To Perfect Your Cuban Turkey Sandwich

• Choose soft, fresh Cuban bread for authentic flavor and optimal texture. Day-old bread can work but might be slightly less crispy.
• Allow Swiss cheese to reach room temperature before assembling the sandwich for smoother, more even melting.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan with a weight on top if you don't have a sandwich press. Ensure even pressure for perfectly golden, crispy exterior.
• Swap turkey with rotisserie chicken or roasted pork for a traditional Cuban sandwich variation. Keep meat slices thin for balanced bites.
• Experiment with different mustard types like Dijon or spicy brown mustard to add extra flavor complexity to your sandwich.

Keep Your Cuban Turkey Sandwich Fresh

• Store leftover Cuban turkey sandwich wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it flat to maintain its pressed shape.
• Warm the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Add a touch of butter to help crisp the bread and restore its original golden texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap sandwich in foil and heat for 10-12 minutes. Unwrap for the last 2 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Never microwave this sandwich, as it will make the bread soggy and cheese rubbery. Always use dry heat methods to maintain the sandwich's original crispy texture.

Tasty Pairings For A Cuban Turkey Sandwich

• Pair with Crisp Cuban Mojito: A refreshing mint cocktail that perfectly complements the sandwich's rich, savory flavors. The cocktail's zesty lime and cool mint will cut through the cheese's richness.
• Enhance with Citrus Slaw Side: A tangy, light coleslaw with orange and lime zest provides a bright, acidic contrast to the pressed sandwich's warm, hearty profile. The fresh crunch balances the sandwich's dense texture.
• Match with Cold Cuban Beer: A light lager like Cristal or Bucanero brings out the sandwich's robust flavors. The beer's crisp, clean finish helps cleanse the palate between bites of the pressed, cheesy sandwich.
• Select Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh pineapple, mango, and papaya adds a sweet, tropical dimension that harmonizes with the sandwich's savory ingredients. The fruit's natural sweetness enhances the overall meal experience.

Sandwich Twist Ideas Worth Trying

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace Cuban bread with gluten-free bread or cauliflower flatbread. Use certified gluten-free mustard and check deli meat ingredients.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap turkey and ham with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu slices. Use plant-based Swiss-style cheese for a similar texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute bread with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortilla wraps. Keep the original sandwich fillings and pressing technique for maximum flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cheese or vegan Swiss-style slices. Ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free and continue with original preparation method.

FAQs

• What makes a Cuban sandwich different from other sandwiches?

The key difference is the pressing technique, which creates a crispy, flattened exterior and melts the cheese perfectly, giving the sandwich its signature compressed and golden-brown appearance.

• Can I make this sandwich without a sandwich press?

Absolutely! Use a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan and place another heavy pan on top to press down the sandwich, creating the same crispy effect as a traditional press.

• Is this sandwich considered authentic Cuban cuisine?

While the Cuban sandwich originated in Florida among Cuban immigrant communities, it combines traditional Cuban ingredients like ham and pickles with American influences, making it a delicious cultural fusion dish.

• What type of bread works best for a Cuban sandwich?

Cuban bread is traditional, but if unavailable, use a French or Italian bread with a similar soft, crusty texture that can withstand pressing without falling apart.

Delicious Cuban Turkey Sandwich Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Zesty Cuban turkey sandwich merges classic Caribbean flavors with hearty protein and crisp textures. Pressed between golden bread, tangy pickles and savory ham create a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) thinly sliced turkey breast
• 2 ounces (56 grams) thinly sliced ham (optional)

Cheese and Bread Ingredients:

• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices Cuban bread (or French/Italian loaf, about 6 inches each)

Condiments and Spreads:

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) dill pickles, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice Cuban bread horizontally, applying a thin layer of butter to the exterior surfaces to ensure optimal golden crispiness.
2. Generously spread mustard on the interior bread surfaces, creating a tangy flavor foundation.
3. Methodically arrange layers of turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles across the bread, ensuring even distribution for balanced taste in every bite.
4. Position sandwich between a heated sandwich press or heavy skillet, applying consistent pressure to compress ingredients and create a compact profile.
5. Grill sandwich at medium-high heat for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, monitoring bread color and cheese melting progression.
6. Remove when bread achieves a rich golden-brown exterior and cheese becomes perfectly melted and gooey.
7. Slice sandwich diagonally using a sharp knife to create attractive triangular halves.
8. Serve immediately while sandwich maintains optimal temperature and crisp texture, ensuring maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

• Create a perfectly crispy exterior by generously buttering the bread’s outside, ensuring golden-brown crunch and enhanced flavor.
• Swap traditional Cuban bread with gluten-free alternatives like sourdough or ciabatta for dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Use low-sodium deli meats and reduced-fat Swiss cheese to make this sandwich a lighter, heart-friendly option for health-conscious individuals.
• Elevate the sandwich’s flavor profile by experimenting with different mustard varieties like Dijon, whole grain, or spicy brown mustard for unique taste experiences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 75mg