Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich

This post may include affilate links. If you click one of these links and make a purchase, we may be paid a commission at no additional cost to you.

Try making this yummy Cuban sandwich! It's a sandwich filled with juicy pork, pickles, and cheese.

Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich with chips on a white plate.

Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich

We love Cuban sandwiches in my house and using the slow cooker makes cooking the pork a breeze.

If you've never had a Cuban sandwich before, it's a sandwich filled with pork, cheese, pickles and mustard. So delicious!

Like any sandwich, it's super easy to customize a Cuban sandwich to your preferences. Make sure to choose you favorites for the individual components for a sandwich that YOU love.

Whether you're prepping for a family dinner, a weekend lunch, or a game-day feast, this Cuban sandwich promises to be a hit.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich

Ingredients: Minced Garlic, Boneless Pork Butt, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Bay leaves, Lime Juice, and Orange Juice.

Boneless pork butt: Choosing a well-marbled piece will enhance the juiciness and flavor of the pork.

Orange juice: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the pork.

Lime juice: Fresh lime juice is recommended.

Garlic: Fresh minced or pressed garlic cloves are preferred for their stronger flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.

Seasonings: Ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. You can adjust the quantity of crushed red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the heat level.

Cuban or Italian bread:

Swiss cheese:

Smoked or honey deli ham: Smoked ham provides a rich, hearty taste, while honey ham adds a touch of sweetness, choose whichever you prefer.

Prepared mustard: There are many varieties available, choose you favorite.

Sliced pickles: Dill or bread and butter pickles can be used based on your preference.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich

Grease the inside of your slow cooker by either spraying with nonstick cooking spray or greasing with butter.

Put the pork in the bottom of your slow cooker insert.

Pour the orange and lime juice over the pork and sprinkle the seasonings on top.

Orange Juice, Lime Juice, Garlic, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano, salt, Black Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, and Bay Leaves added to the Boneless Pork Butt in the slow cooker.

Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until you can easily pull the pork apart with a fork.

Once the pork is done, use two forks to shred it.

Cut the loaf of bread lengthwise and open it.

Pork shredded with 2 forks.
Loaf bread cut into lengthwise to open it.

Spread mustard on the inside surfaces of the bread.

Start making your sandwich by laying down slices of ham.

On top of the ham, add your shredded pork, layer with cheese and top with pickles.

Bread added with ham and shredded pork over it with cheese beside to be layered on top.

Put the top of the bread on the sandwich and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich

Here's some tips for making these sandwiches:

Low and Slow: Cook your pork on low for 6 to 7 hours.

Shred Like a Pro: After cooking, shred the pork with two forks. It should fall apart easily. If it doesn't, let it cook a bit longer.

Bread: Use a good quality bread for your sandwiches. A sturdy, crusty bread holds up better to all the fillings.

Variation Idea: Try adding a spicy mayo or aioli spread on the bread for a different flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

Close up Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich

If you end up with leftovers, you can store them in the fridge. Just make sure to wait for them to cool completely and stick in a plastic bag or cover with plastic wrap. Sandwiches will keep for a couple days in the fridge.

If you have some of the pork leftover. You can transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Ways to Use Leftover Pork

If you have leftover pork from the sandwiches and are looking for a different way of using them up instead of making more Cuban sandwiches, here are some ideas:

Pork Tacos: Make tacos and use the pork as the meat for them.

Quesadillas: Use the Cuban pulled pork with some cheese in flour tortillas and grill.

Pork Hash: Fry the shredded pork with potatoes and onions for a breakfast pork hash.

Cuban-inspired salad: Top mixed greens with pork, ham, cheese, and citrus vinaigrette.

Stuffed peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mix of pork, rice, and cheese.

Pork fried rice: Stir-fry pork with rice, eggs, and vegetables.

Cuban-inspired grilled cheese: Make a grilled cheese with pork, ham, and Swiss cheese.

Loaded nachos: Top tortilla chips with pork, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream.

There's a ton of different ways to use up the pork.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich

Sweet Plantain Chips: Serve these crispy, caramelized chips on the side.

Black Bean Soup: A hearty black bean soup complements the flavors of the Cuban sandwich.

Cucumber Salad: A crisp and fresh cucumber salad pairs nicely.

Cuban Style Rice and Beans: A staple side dish.

Cut--up Fresh Fruit: Cut up some fruit that is in season where you are at.

Side Salad: A side salad topped with your favorite dressing.

Make sure to "PIN IT" for later and follow Gather in my Kitchen on Pinterest for all the latest easy and delicious recipes!

Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwich with chips on a white plate.

Slow Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

No ratings yet
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 1256kcal
Author: Jenny
These amazing Cuban sandwiches cook low and slow in the crockpot.  Perfect for a crowd, game day, or busy weeknights!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds boneless pork butt cut into large pieces
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 loaf Cuban bread or Italian bread
  • 12 slices Swiss cheese
  • 24 slices smoked or honey deli ham
  • Prepared mustard
  • Sliced pickles

Instructions

  • Prepare a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Place the chunks of pork into the slow cooker. Pour the juices over the pork and then top the meat with the seasonings.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or until the pork is fork tender.
  • Shred the meat with two forks.
  • Slice the bread loaf down the width. Spread mustard over the inside of the bread and add layers of ham. Top the ham with the shredded pork and then a layer of cheese. Add pickles to the sandwich and add the top layer of bread.
  • Press the sandwich down tightly. Slice and serve.

Notes

If it doesn't shred apart easily with the fork, then cook it in the slow cooker until it does.
Any leftover shredded pork can be used in tacos, burritos, or salads for another delicious meal.
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.

Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 1256kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 97g | Fat: 74g | Saturated Fat: 33g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 282mg | Sodium: 2648mg | Potassium: 1663mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 418IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 382mg | Iron: 7mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @gatherinmykitchenblog or tag #gatherinmykitchenblog!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating