Crispy, Pressed, Cheesy Perfection with a Garlic Butter Twist

Before we even call it a sandwich, let’s set the scene.

Picture thick slices of golden garlic bread — buttery, crisp on the outside, soft and warm inside — pressed around layers of smoky ham, tender roasted pork, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles. Now imagine that garlic butter soaking slightly into the crust as the sandwich crisps in a hot press.

This is not just a Cuban sandwich.
This is a Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwich — bold, buttery, crunchy, cheesy comfort food elevated to the next level.

It takes the traditional pressed sandwich and replaces the standard bread with garlic butter-slathered loaves. The result? Crispy edges, deep flavor, and an irresistible crunch with every bite.

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The Flavor Experience

Each bite delivers:

• Buttery garlic crispness
• Savory roasted pork
• Smoky ham
• Tangy mustard
• Briny pickles
• Melted Swiss cheese pull

The balance between richness and acidity keeps it addictive rather than heavy.

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Ingredients

Garlic Bread Base

• 1 large French bread loaf, sliced lengthwise
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Sandwich Filling

• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/2 pound deli ham
• 1/2 pound roasted pork (mojo-style preferred)
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a bowl.
3. Spread garlic butter evenly on both cut sides of the bread.
4. Bake 8–10 minutes until lightly golden but not fully crisp.
5. Remove from oven and layer Swiss cheese on bottom half.
6. Add ham evenly over cheese.
7. Add roasted pork on top of ham.
8. Spread mustard on the top half of bread.
9. Layer pickles evenly over pork.
10. Close sandwich and press gently.
11. Heat a sandwich press or heavy skillet over medium heat.
12. Press sandwich 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and bread becomes golden and crisp.
13. Slice and serve immediately.

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What Makes This Version Special

Traditional Cuban sandwiches use Cuban bread. This version upgrades texture with garlic butter, creating:

• Extra crisp exterior
• More flavor infusion
• Richer aroma
• Slightly softer interior crumb

The garlic butter caramelizes during pressing, adding a subtle toasted sweetness.

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Pressing Methods (No Fancy Equipment Needed)

Sandwich Press

Easiest option. Even heat, perfect grill marks.

Cast Iron Skillet

Place a heavy pan on top to press.

Foil-Wrapped Brick

Wrap a clean brick in foil for a classic pressing technique.

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Make It Even Better

• Add thin salami slices for a Tampa-style twist
• Use smoked gouda instead of Swiss
• Add caramelized onions
• Brush exterior with extra butter before pressing

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Serving Ideas

• With crispy fries
• With plantain chips
• With coleslaw
• With a simple citrus salad

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Storage & Reheating

• Wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days
• Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes
• Avoid microwave (ruins crisp texture)

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