The Cuban sandwich, a delicious fusion of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between crispy bread, has become a staple in many cuisines around the world. While traditional Cuban sandwiches are typically made with specific types of bread and meats, you can easily create a Subway version that captures the essence of this mouth-watering dish. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making a Cuban sandwich at Subway, highlighting the key ingredients, customization options, and expert tips to help you craft the perfect sandwich.
Understanding the Traditional Cuban Sandwich
Before we dive into the Subway version, let’s take a brief look at the traditional Cuban sandwich. This iconic sandwich originated in Cuba and was popularized by Cuban immigrants in the United States, particularly in cities like Miami and Tampa. The classic recipe typically includes:
- Ham: Thinly sliced ham is a staple in Cuban cuisine, and it adds a salty, savory flavor to the sandwich.
- Roasted Pork: Slow-roasted pork is marinated in a mixture of sour orange juice, garlic, and spices, giving it a tender, flavorful texture.
- Swiss Cheese: Melted Swiss cheese binds the ingredients together and adds a creamy, nutty flavor.
- Pickles: Thinly sliced dill pickles provide a tangy, crunchy contrast to the rich meats and cheese.
- Mustard: A layer of yellow mustard adds a spicy kick and helps to balance the flavors.
Subway’s Twist on the Cuban Sandwich
While Subway can’t replicate the exact same ingredients and cooking methods as a traditional Cuban sandwich, they offer a range of meats, cheeses, and condiments that can help you create a similar flavor profile. Here’s how you can customize your Subway sandwich to make a Cuban-inspired masterpiece:
- Meat: Choose the Black Forest Ham as the base of your sandwich. This thinly sliced ham has a slightly sweet and smoky flavor that’s reminiscent of traditional Cuban ham.
- Roasted Pork: Unfortunately, Subway doesn’t offer roasted pork as a standard option. However, you can opt for the Carnitas (slow-cooked pork) as a substitute. This will add a rich, meaty flavor to your sandwich.
- Cheese: Select the Swiss Cheese as your primary cheese option. This will melt beautifully and add a creamy texture to your sandwich.
- Pickles: Add some thinly sliced dill pickles to give your sandwich a tangy, crunchy element.
- Mustard: Choose the Yellow Mustard as your primary condiment. This will add a spicy kick and help to balance the flavors.
Assembling Your Cuban Sandwich at Subway
Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients, let’s walk through the process of assembling your Cuban sandwich at Subway:
Step 1: Choose Your Bread
Select a bread that’s sturdy enough to hold all the fillings. The Italian Herbs and Cheese bread is an excellent option, as it has a slightly crispy crust and a soft interior. You can also opt for the Honey Oat bread for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Step 2: Add the Meats
Start by adding the Black Forest Ham as the base of your sandwich. This will provide a salty, savory flavor that’s reminiscent of traditional Cuban ham. Next, add the Carnitas (slow-cooked pork) on top of the ham. This will add a rich, meaty flavor that’s similar to roasted pork.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Select the Swiss Cheese as your primary cheese option. This will melt beautifully and add a creamy texture to your sandwich.
Step 4: Add the Pickles and Mustard
Add some thinly sliced dill pickles to give your sandwich a tangy, crunchy element. Next, choose the Yellow Mustard as your primary condiment. This will add a spicy kick and help to balance the flavors.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Feel free to add some extra toppings to give your sandwich some extra flavor and texture. Some options include:
- Lettuce and Tomato: Add some crisp lettuce and juicy tomato to give your sandwich some freshness.
- Jalapeños: If you like a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños to give your sandwich a spicy kick.
- Cilantro: Add some chopped cilantro to give your sandwich a fresh, herbal flavor.
Expert Tips for Making the Perfect Cuban Sandwich at Subway
Here are some expert tips to help you create the perfect Cuban sandwich at Subway:
- Use the right bread: Choose a bread that’s sturdy enough to hold all the fillings. The Italian Herbs and Cheese bread is an excellent option.
- Don’t overdo it on the meats: While it’s tempting to add multiple meats to your sandwich, remember that the Cuban sandwich is all about balance. Stick to the Black Forest Ham and Carnitas (slow-cooked pork) for the best flavor.
- Add the cheese wisely: Select the Swiss Cheese as your primary cheese option, and add it sparingly. You want the cheese to melt beautifully and add a creamy texture, but you don’t want it to overpower the other flavors.
- Don’t forget the pickles and mustard: These two ingredients are essential to the Cuban sandwich. Add some thinly sliced dill pickles and a layer of Yellow Mustard to give your sandwich a tangy, spicy kick.
Conclusion
Creating a Cuban sandwich at Subway requires a little creativity and customization, but the end result is well worth the effort. By choosing the right meats, cheeses, and condiments, you can create a sandwich that’s reminiscent of the traditional Cuban sandwich. Remember to use the right bread, don’t overdo it on the meats, add the cheese wisely, and don’t forget the pickles and mustard. With these expert tips and a little practice, you’ll be making Cuban sandwiches like a pro in no time.
| Ingredient | Subway Option |
|---|---|
| Ham | Black Forest Ham |
| Roasted Pork | Carnitas (slow-cooked pork) |
| Cheese | Swiss Cheese |
| Pickles | Thinly sliced dill pickles |
| Mustard | Yellow Mustard |
By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you can create a delicious Cuban sandwich at Subway that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
What is a Cuban Sandwich and how does it relate to Subway?
A Cuban Sandwich is a type of sandwich that originated in Cuba and typically consists of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between crispy bread. At Subway, you can create a Cuban Sandwich Masterpiece by customizing your sandwich with these ingredients. Subway’s menu offers a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces that can be combined to create a delicious Cuban-inspired sandwich.
By following the step-by-step guide, you can learn how to create a Cuban Sandwich Masterpiece at Subway that suits your taste preferences. The guide will walk you through the process of selecting the right bread, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces to create a sandwich that is both authentic and delicious.
What type of bread is best for a Cuban Sandwich at Subway?
For a Cuban Sandwich at Subway, it’s best to choose a bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The Italian Herbs and Cheese bread or the Ciabatta bread are good options. These breads have a slightly crispy crust that will hold up well to the filling and provide a nice texture contrast.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can also choose the Gluten-Free bread. However, keep in mind that gluten-free bread may not have the same crispy texture as traditional bread. Regardless of the bread you choose, make sure to toast it to bring out the flavors and textures.
What meats should I choose for a Cuban Sandwich at Subway?
For a traditional Cuban Sandwich, you’ll want to choose ham and roasted pork as your meats. At Subway, you can choose the Black Forest Ham and the Carnitas (if available) or the Roast Beef as a substitute. These meats will provide the salty, savory flavors that are characteristic of a Cuban Sandwich.
If you want to add some extra flavor, you can also add some pepperoni or salami to your sandwich. However, keep in mind that these meats will change the flavor profile of your sandwich, so use them sparingly.
What cheese is best for a Cuban Sandwich at Subway?
For a Cuban Sandwich, you’ll want to choose a cheese that melts well and adds a creamy texture. At Subway, the Swiss cheese is a good option. It has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients and melts well when toasted.
If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, you can also choose the Cheddar or the Pepper Jack cheese. However, keep in mind that these cheeses have a bolder flavor than Swiss cheese, so use them sparingly.
What vegetables should I add to a Cuban Sandwich at Subway?
For a Cuban Sandwich, you’ll want to add some pickles and mustard to give it a tangy, salty flavor. At Subway, you can choose the Dill Pickle Slices and the Yellow Mustard as your vegetables. These ingredients will add a nice acidity and flavor contrast to your sandwich.
If you want to add some extra crunch, you can also add some lettuce, tomato, or onions to your sandwich. However, keep in mind that these ingredients will change the flavor profile of your sandwich, so use them sparingly.
Can I customize my Cuban Sandwich at Subway to suit my taste preferences?
Yes, one of the best things about Subway is that you can customize your sandwich to suit your taste preferences. If you don’t like pickles, you can leave them off. If you prefer a different type of cheese, you can choose a different one. If you want to add some extra meat or vegetables, you can do that too.
The key to creating a great Cuban Sandwich at Subway is to experiment and find the combination of ingredients that you like best. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
How do I assemble my Cuban Sandwich at Subway?
To assemble your Cuban Sandwich at Subway, start by laying a slice of cheese on the bottom half of the bread. Then, add a layer of ham, followed by a layer of roasted pork. Next, add some pickles and mustard, followed by a layer of lettuce, tomato, and onions (if using). Finally, top with the top half of the bread.
Make sure to toast your sandwich to melt the cheese and bring out the flavors. You can also ask the sandwich artist to press your sandwich to make it crispy and compact.