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Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches
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Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches are a delicious and effortless way to enjoy authentic Cuban flavors with tender slow-cooked pork shoulder, smoky ham, tangy pickles, melty Swiss cheese, and zesty mustard layered between crusty Cuban bread or baguette. Perfect for casual family meals or game days, this recipe offers rich, melt-in-your-mouth taste with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
  • 8 slices deli ham
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup dill pickles, sliced
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 1 Cuban bread loaf or baguette, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, then season all over with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until golden brown. This step locks in juices and deepens the flavor.
  2. Slow Cook the Pork: Transfer the seared pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  3. Shred and Season: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it finely using two forks. Mix in additional salt and yellow mustard to infuse brightness and tang.
  4. Assemble the Sandwich: Slice Cuban bread or baguette and spread yellow mustard on both sides. Layer sliced ham, shredded pork, dill pickle slices, and Swiss cheese evenly on the bread. Close the sandwich and press firmly to compact all ingredients.
  5. Press and Toast: Use a panini press or place the sandwich in a skillet with a heavy weight on top to grill. Cook until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side.

Notes

  • Choose pork shoulder or pork butt for best shredding results.
  • Searing the pork before slow cooking enhances flavor and color.
  • Use fresh Cuban bread or a soft baguette for an authentic sandwich texture.
  • Adjust pickle quantity based on personal taste preference.
  • If a panini press is unavailable, use foil-wrapped bricks or a heavy skillet to press sandwiches.

Nutrition

Keywords: Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches, Cuban sandwich recipe, slow cooked pork, easy Cuban sandwiches, panini press sandwich

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/slow-cooker-cuban-sandwiches/