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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour the marinade over the seared pork in the slow cooker, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Slow cook the pork on low temperature for 7-8 hours until meat becomes incredibly tender and can be easily pulled apart.
- 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.
- Prepare the sandwich foundation by splitting Cuban rolls and generously spreading mustard on each interior surface.
- Layer the rolls with Swiss cheese, ham, and the succulent shredded pork, creating a robust and flavor-packed sandwich structure.
- Heat a griddle or skillet to medium temperature and carefully place assembled sandwiches onto the cooking surface.
- Apply firm pressure using a heavy pan or spatula, grilling each side for 3-4 minutes until bread turns golden and cheese melts completely.
- 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