Sizzling Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches Recipe for Cozy Nights

Cuban sandwiches in a slow cooker bring mouthwatering magic to classic comfort food.

Pork shoulder slowly melts into tender, succulent strands that promise incredible flavor.

Layers of ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles create a symphony of textures waiting to delight you.

Miami’s favorite sandwich gets reimagined with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Traditional ingredients dance together, developing rich, complex notes while gently simmering.

Crispy bread and melted cheese await your culinary adventure.

You won’t believe how simple this recipe makes crafting restaurant-quality Cuban sandwiches at home.

Why Havarti Avocado Sandwich Is a Creamy Delight

• Savor Mouthwatering Flavor Fusion: Cuban sandwiches burst with tangy, rich layers of slow-cooked pork, zesty seasonings, and classic ham and cheese combinations that dance on your taste buds.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Slow cooker method transforms tough pork shoulder into tender, succulent meat with minimal hands-on cooking, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Master Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These sandwiches deliver restaurant-quality goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings, game days, or casual weekend meals.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personalization with extra cheese, different bread types, or additional condiments to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Havarti Avocado Sandwich

• Pork Shoulder: A tender cut perfect for slow cooking and creating succulent, shreddable meat for the Cuban sandwich.

• Garlic, Cumin, Oregano, Paprika, Black Pepper, Salt: A robust blend of spices that creates a complex and flavorful marinade for the pork.
• Chicken Broth, Orange Juice, Lime Juice, White Vinegar: Liquid ingredients that help tenderize the meat and add bright, tangy notes to the dish.

• Cuban Rolls: Soft bread rolls ideal for creating a traditional Cuban sandwich.
• Mustard: A zesty condiment that adds a sharp, tangy flavor to the sandwich.
• Swiss Cheese: A mild, melty cheese that provides creamy richness to the sandwich.
• Ham: A classic protein layer that complements the shredded pork.
• Pickle Slices: Optional garnish that adds a crisp, tangy element to the sandwich.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the pork and adding a subtle richness to the initial cooking process.

How to Assemble Havarti Avocado Sandwich

Step 1: Sear the Pork

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and sear on all sides until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops. Transfer the seared meat to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Chicken broth
• Fresh orange juice
• Lime juice
• White vinegar

Pour this zesty marinade over the pork in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the pork cook on low for 7-8 hours. The meat should become incredibly tender and easily fall apart when touched.

Step 4: Shred and Absorb Juices

Remove the pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into delicious strands. Return the shredded meat to the cooking liquid and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Build Mouthwatering Sandwiches

• Swiss cheese
• Sliced ham
• Shredded pork

Top with additional Swiss cheese for extra gooeyness.

Step 6: Grill to Crispy Goodness

Place the sandwiches on the griddle or skillet. Press down firmly with a heavy pan or spatula. Cook until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts completely, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the warm sandwiches and garnish with pickle slices if desired. Dig in and savor the incredible Cuban sandwich experience!

Tips for Making Havarti Avocado Sandwich Perfect

• Choose a fatty pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and rich flavor in your Cuban sandwich.
• Let the pork slow cook for the full 7-8 hours to ensure the meat becomes incredibly soft and easily shreddable.
• Press the sandwiches firmly while grilling to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior that enhances the texture and flavor.
• Save leftover cooking liquid to moisten the shredded pork and add extra depth to your sandwiches.
• Keep pickles on the side for an authentic Cuban sandwich experience, adding a tangy crunch to each bite.

Variations to Try With Havarti Avocado Sandwich

• Island-Style Pulled Pork: Replace chicken broth with coconut water and add a splash of rum for a tropical flavor profile.
• Spicy Carolina Cuban: Mix in some hot sauce and cayenne pepper to the pork, creating a fiery southern-inspired version with extra heat.
• Mediterranean Fusion Sandwich: Swap ham for prosciutto and add roasted red peppers and fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean spin on the classic Cuban.
• Vegetarian Cuban Jackfruit Sandwich: Use pulled jackfruit instead of pork, seasoned with the same spice blend, creating a plant-based alternative that mimics the texture and flavor of traditional Cuban sandwiches.

Pairing Ideas for Havarti Avocado Sandwich

• Savor Bold Cuban Cocktail Companions: Mojitos perfectly complement the zesty pork sandwich with fresh mint and rum that cuts through the rich, savory flavors.
• Enhance Citrus Beverage Pairing: Fresh-squeezed orange juice mirrors the citrusy marinade of the pork, creating a bright and refreshing balance against the sandwich's hearty profile.
• Match Crisp Beer Selection: Light Cuban lager or pilsner works wonderfully, providing a clean, crisp counterpoint to the sandwich's robust and tangy meat combination.
• Elevate Side Dish Choice: Simple black bean salad with cilantro and lime adds a traditional Cuban touch, enhancing the meal's authentic flavor experience.

Proper Storage for Havarti Avocado Sandwich

• Store leftover shredded pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled pork to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place shredded pork in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pork in a skillet over medium heat. Add a few tablespoons of broth or cooking liquid.

FAQs for Havarti Avocado Sandwich

• What is the secret to tender, flavorful pork?

The key is slow cooking the pork shoulder with a blend of citrus juices, spices, and broth, which breaks down the meat fibers and infuses deep flavor during the 7-8 hour cooking process.

• Can I use a different cut of pork?

While pork shoulder is ideal due to its high fat content and ability to become tender, you can substitute with pork butt or Boston butt, which have similar characteristics and will yield similar results.

• How do I get the perfect crispy sandwich exterior?

Press the sandwich firmly with a heavy pan or spatula while grilling, which helps compress the ingredients and creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior that’s signature to authentic Cuban sandwiches.

Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 7-8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cuban sandwich lovers discover pure comfort in this slow cooker marvel that elevates classic pressed sandwiches with tender, juicy pulled pork and melted Swiss cheese. Cuban tradition meets modern convenience, delivering a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) pork shoulder
• 8 slices ham

Cheese and Bread:

• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 Cuban or sub rolls

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) orange juice
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white vinegar
• 4 tablespoons yellow mustard
• Pickle slices (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Sear the pork shoulder in a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil until golden brown on all sides, creating a rich caramelized exterior.
2. Combine aromatic spices including garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt with chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, and white vinegar to create a vibrant marinade.
3. Pour the marinade over the seared pork in the slow cooker, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Slow cook the pork on low temperature for 7-8 hours until meat becomes incredibly tender and can be easily pulled apart.
5. Extract the pork from the slow cooker and meticulously shred using two forks, then return to the cooking liquid to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
6. Prepare the sandwich foundation by splitting Cuban rolls and generously spreading mustard on each interior surface.
7. Layer the rolls with Swiss cheese, ham, and the succulent shredded pork, creating a robust and flavor-packed sandwich structure.
8. Heat a griddle or skillet to medium temperature and carefully place assembled sandwiches onto the cooking surface.
9. Apply firm pressure using a heavy pan or spatula, grilling each side for 3-4 minutes until bread turns golden and cheese melts completely.
10. Plate the sandwiches immediately, optionally garnishing with crisp pickle slices for added tanginess and crunch.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of spices like cumin and paprika for personal taste preferences.
• Choose lean pork shoulder for a healthier version without compromising the rich, tender texture of the meat.
• Consider using gluten-free rolls and checking condiment labels for those with gluten sensitivities to make the sandwich celiac-friendly.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like pulled chicken or jackfruit for vegetarian and diet-diverse meal variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-8 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 667 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1210 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg