Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches Recipe

If you’re ready to turn classic comfort food up a notch, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches. Imagine all the irresistible elements of a Cuban sandwich—but nestled inside garlicky, golden-crusted rolls that are crispy outside and pillowy within. This easy-to-make sandwich packs layers of smoky pork, salty ham, melty Swiss, and tangy pickles, all brought together with punchy mustard and a rich slather of herb-flecked garlic butter. It’s the kind of bold, satisfying bite that always brings people to the table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches come together with simple ingredients, yet each one has a starring role in the final dish. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip—every element adds to the sandwich’s crave-worthy flavor and texture.

• Submarine rolls: Go for soft, chewy rolls with a sturdy crust to ensure your sandwich holds up and gives you the perfect crunchy bite.
• Garlic butter: A flavour-packed spread made with melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley that soaks into the bread for unbeatable aroma.
• Pulled pork & ham: The heart of the Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches—tender, smoky pork with savory, thin-sliced ham for classic depth.
• Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a creamy, nutty layer that ties the savory elements together.
• Pickles: Bring just the right hit of tang and crunch, cutting through the richness of the meats and cheese.
• Yellow mustard: Don’t overlook this ingredient—it balances all the flavors and adds that signature, lively zing.

How to Make Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

Preheat your oven to a low broil. With a sharp knife, slice your submarine rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through—the hinge will help keep your filling snug. Arrange the cut rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, opened slightly to expose the centers for toasting.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, a few generous cloves of minced garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir so it’s evenly blended. Using a pastry brush (or even the back of a spoon), lavishly coat the exposed surfaces of your rolls; this is what gives those irresistible Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches their signature aroma and flavor.

Step 3: Toast the Rolls

Slide the tray under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, keeping watch—the garlic butter can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. You’re looking for bread that’s golden on top and just crisp on the edge, while still fluffy inside. The baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze, even if some butter drips off.

Step 4: Make the Filling

On a large cutting board, pile on your pulled pork, sliced ham, crunchy pickles, and slices of Swiss cheese. Grab a sturdy knife and chop it all together—it might feel rustic, but this step ensures every bite is an even mix of meaty, cheesy goodness with zippy pickles. Once diced, dollop in yellow mustard and give it all a quick toss so every piece is coated.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the warm, flavorful filling onto your hot rolls. Use the back of a spoon—or your hands, if you like—to press the mixture down a bit so it nestles into the garlicky bread. Now is the moment: close the sandwich, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately so each bite of your Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches is molten, vibrant, and absolutely unforgettable.

How to Serve Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches

Garnishes

Make your Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches shine with a final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. For a little extra oomph, add a few more chopped pickles on top. If you love a kick, try a drizzle of spicy mustard or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and heat.

Side Dishes

These sandwiches are destined for greatness alongside a bright, simple side salad or a pile of crunchy plantain chips. You could also serve with creamy slaw, black beans, or even classic French fries. The key is to choose sides that offer contrast—crunchy, fresh, or tangy flavors are best to balance the rich, savory Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, party-ready spread, slice the sandwiches into thirds and spear each with a pickle-topped toothpick. Or set up a slider bar with mini rolls, letting guests pile on their own fillings and toppings. However you serve them, send these Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches to the table piping hot for maximum “wow” factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have sandwiches left over (which is rare!), wrap them in foil and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the filling and bread separately if you know in advance you’ll be making them ahead—this prevents the bread from getting soggy and preserves that all-important crunch in your Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches.

Freezing

You can freeze the chopped filling for up to a month; store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to relive sandwich bliss. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches, as the bread and pickles can lose their textural pop after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and wrap sandwiches in foil. Warm them for about 10 minutes (or until hot throughout), then enjoy! For best results, brush the inside of the bread with a touch more garlic butter before reheating to revive that just-baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of pulled pork?

Yes! While traditional Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches use pork, shredded rotisserie chicken is a tasty alternative if you want something lighter or need a quick swap. The sandwich will still be loaded with flavor.

What’s the best bread for Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches?

Bakery-fresh submarine or hoagie rolls with a thin, chewy crust work best—they hold the filling and stand up to the garlic butter without becoming soggy. Traditional Cuban bread is wonderful if you can find it!

How do I make these sandwiches less salty?

If you’re sensitive to salt, look for low-sodium ham and cheese, and use homemade or unsalted pulled pork. You can also go easy on the mustard and add extra pickles for tang without extra saltiness.

What’s the best cheese substitute for Swiss?

If you’re out of Swiss, try provolone or mild gouda—they melt well and offer a similar nutty, creamy vibe to keep your Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches luscious.

Can I assemble these sandwiches ahead of time?

You can prep the filling ahead and store it in the fridge, but for the very best texture, wait to broil and assemble the sandwiches just before serving. This way, the bread stays crisp and the cheese melts perfectly.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall head over heels for Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches—the crispy garlic bread, savory filling, and melty cheese are irresistible every single time. Give this recipe a try and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen—I promise, your friends and family will keep coming back for more.

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