Cookwith

Name: New York Foodie Cuban Sandwich with Leftover Pork Shoulder
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked leftover pork shoulder, shredded; 4 crusty ciabatta rolls (or Cuban bread, if available); 8 slices Swiss cheese; 8 slices deli ham (preferably Black Forest or smoked); 1/2 cup dill pickle slices (long sandwich cut); 1/4 cup yellow mustard; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 2 tbsp softened unsalted butter; 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp honey; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

New York Foodie Cuban Sandwich with Leftover Pork Shoulder

miradugm

This is not your abuela’s Cuban sandwich—this is a streetwise, foodie remix made for the New York scene. We take juicy leftover pork shoulder, layer it with smoky ham, tangy pickles, and oozy Swiss cheese, then hit it with a punchy honey-mustard mayo and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth. Pressed on ciabatta for a shattering crunch, it’s finished with a pop of fresh cilantro. Every bite is a bold, melty, crispy, tangy celebration—a nod to tradition with a chef-driven, YouTube-worthy twist. Perfect for impressing friends, or just yourself, on a lazy weekend.

Ingredients

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix yellow mustard, mayonnaise, honey, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
Slice the ciabatta rolls horizontally. Spread the honey-mustard mayo generously on both the top and bottom halves.
Layer each roll bottom with 2 slices of Swiss cheese, then pile on 1/4 of the shredded pork shoulder, 2 slices of ham, and a generous line of pickle slices.
Top with the other 2 slices of Swiss cheese per sandwich. Place the roll tops on and gently press down.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the outsides of each sandwich with softened butter.
Place the sandwiches in the pan. Use a heavy skillet or sandwich press to press them down. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melty.
Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with extra pickles or chips on the side. Enjoy the crunch!