Smith Family Tampa Cuban Sandwiches Recipe

If you are craving a sandwich that bursts with flavor, crunch, and a touch of family tradition, you have got to try the Smith Family Tampa Cuban Sandwiches. This recipe combines the perfect balance of savory mojo pork, smoky salami, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles all nestled inside crusty Cuban bread with herbaceous garlic butter and sharp mustard. Every bite tells a story of vibrant Tampa flavors paired with secret family touches, making it more than just a sandwich—it’s an experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might look simple on their own, but each one plays a crucial role in building the unforgettable taste and texture of Smith Family Tampa Cuban Sandwiches. From the herb-infused butter that adds depth to the bread to the carefully selected meats, every element is essential.

• Salted butter (2 tbsp, room temp): Creates a luscious, flavorful base for the herb butter and helps crisp the bread beautifully.
• Garlic paste (1 tbsp): Adds rich, earthy notes that infuse the butter with boldness and aroma.
• Fresh cilantro (1 tbsp, finely chopped): Brings a fresh, bright green burst of herbal flavor that lightens the richness.
• Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, finely chopped): Adds a gentle, clean herbaceous touch to balance the sandwich.
• Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Offers a subtle Mediterranean spiciness to enhance the garlic butter.
• Cuban bread (1 large loaf): The foundation of the sandwich with its crisp crust and fluffy interior, perfect for holding all the fillings.
• Yellow mustard (3 tbsp): Provides classic tang and a bit of sharpness that complements the meats.
• Swiss cheese (1/4 lb): Melts beautifully to bind the sandwich while adding a creamy, nutty dimension.
• Pulled mojo pork (1 lb): The star protein, infused with citrus and garlic flavors, offering tender, juicy bites.
• Deli ham (1/2 lb, thinly sliced): Adds a smoky, savory layer essential to the Tampa style.
• Salami (1/4 lb, thinly sliced): Introduces a slightly spicy and salty kick with a crispy texture when toasted.
• Dill pickles (1/2 cup, sliced lengthwise): Lend tangy crunch and brightness that cut through the richness.

How to Make Smith Family Tampa Cuban Sandwiches

Step 1: Get the Oven Ready and Make Herb Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. While it’s warming up, mix the softened salted butter with garlic paste, finely chopped cilantro, parsley, and dried oregano in a small bowl. This herb butter is the secret weapon that infuses the bread with layers of flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden toast.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread and Spread Condiments

Slice your large Cuban bread loaf in half lengthwise. On one half, spread the herb butter mixture generously to cover the inside surface. On the other half, slather on the yellow mustard, which adds a zesty contrast to the richness of the buttered side. This step lays the foundation of taste and moisture control.

Step 3: Layer the Pickles and Cheese

Arrange the dill pickle slices lengthwise across the mustard-spread bread half. The pickles provide a much-needed tang and crunch. Next, add a layer of Swiss cheese on top of the pickles to allow it to melt and bind those flavors beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Add the Protein Stack

On the herb buttered side of the bread, pile on the pulled mojo pork, then layer the thinly sliced deli ham, followed by the salami. This combination is what makes the Smith Family Tampa Cuban Sandwiches stand out, with each meat contributing unique flavor and texture nuances.

Step 5: Toast the Open-Faced Sandwich

Place the sandwich open-faced on a baking sheet and slide it into the oven. Toast for about 5 minutes until the Swiss cheese begins to melt and the edges of the salami crispen. This step helps meld the fillings and kick-start the toasty texture you want.

Step 6: Press and Bake the Closed Sandwich

Remove the baking sheet and carefully close the sandwich. Cover the top with parchment paper or foil, then place another heavy oven-safe dish on top as a weight, like a cast iron pan. This pressing step mimics the traditional Cuban sandwich press, ensuring the bread crisps evenly and the fillings heat through nicely. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until everything is warm and toasty perfection.

How to Serve Smith Family Tampa Cuban Sandwiches

Garnishes

While the Smith Family Tampa Cuban Sandwiches are delightful on their own, fresh garnishes like a few more dill pickle spears or a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro and parsley can brighten the plate and add a fresh herbal note with each bite.

Side Dishes

Think simple and vibrant: crispy sweet potato fries, a light tropical fruit salad, or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette all complement the rich and hearty sandwich perfectly without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap these sandwiches tightly in parchment paper and cut into manageable halves or thirds for a picnic or party platter. Serving them stacked on colorful plates with contrasting sides creates a feast visually as well as on the palate. You can even transform leftovers into a delicious quesadilla or chopped for a warm Cuban sandwich salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or airtight containers. The sandwich holds up well refrigerated for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed the same day for optimal crunch.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.

Reheating

The trick to reviving Smith Family Tampa Cuban Sandwiches is to reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees. Wrap the sandwich in foil to warm through for about 10-15 minutes, then unwrap and toast uncovered for another 5 minutes to bring back crispy edges without drying the meat or bread.

FAQs

What makes the Smith Family Tampa Cuban Sandwiches different from regular Cuban sandwiches?

Smith Family Tampa Cuban Sandwiches incorporate a special herb garlic butter blend and the addition of salami alongside the classic mojo pork and ham, which gives it a richer and more complex flavor profile distinctive to their family tradition.

Can I use other types of bread if I can’t find Cuban bread?

While Cuban bread is traditional, you can use a crusty Italian or French baguette as a substitute. Just make sure it has a soft interior and crisp crust to mimic that signature Cuban sandwich texture.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to the pulled mojo pork?

Absolutely! You can swap the pulled pork for grilled marinated mushrooms or jackfruit seasoned with mojo spices to maintain the flavor and texture without meat.

How important is the pressing step when baking the sandwich?

The pressing step is crucial because it compresses the sandwich, ensuring the bread crisps evenly while the ingredients meld together, replicating the authentic toasted Cuban sandwich experience at home.

Can I prepare any parts of the sandwich in advance?

You can make the herb butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Similarly, assembling the sandwich up to the filling step and covering it tightly will save time right before baking.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend the Smith Family Tampa Cuban Sandwiches enough if you want a sandwich that’s bursting with tradition, bold flavors, and satisfying textures all wrapped up in one. This recipe is a warm invitation into a family kitchen where every bite tells a story. Once you try it, these sandwiches are sure to become one of your go-to favorites for any meal or gathering.

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