Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches Recipe
Introduction
Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches are a flavorful twist on the classic Cuban sandwich, featuring garlicky bread, savory ham, melted cheese, and tangy pickles. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying snack.

Ingredients
- Bread (such as Cuban or French bread)
- Garlic butter (softened)
- Sliced ham
- Sliced cheese (such as Swiss or mozzarella)
- Sliced pickles
Instructions
- Step 1: Spread a generous layer of garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Step 2: Layer sliced ham, cheese, and pickles on the unbuttered side of one bread slice.
- Step 3: Top with the second slice of bread, garlic butter side facing out.
- Step 4: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and place the sandwich in the pan.
- Step 5: Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese has melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, slice, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of dried oregano or a dash of mustard inside the sandwich.
- Try swapping ham for roasted pork for a more traditional Cuban style.
- Use a panini press to get perfectly even grilling and melted cheese.
Storage
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness rather than using a microwave, which can make the bread soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this sandwich?
Yes, Swiss is traditional and melts well, but mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar can be good alternatives depending on your taste.
What if I don’t have garlic butter?
You can make garlic butter easily by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Alternatively, brush bread with olive oil and rub a cut garlic clove over it before grilling.
PrintCuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches Recipe
These Cuban Garlic Bread Sandwiches are a flavorful twist on the classic Cuban sandwich, featuring toasted garlic butter bread layered with savory ham, melted cheese, and tangy pickles. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, these sandwiches are grilled until golden and crispy to create a deliciously gooey and crunchy bite every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread (preferably Cuban or white sandwich bread)
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter (softened)
- 8 slices ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese or your preferred melting cheese
- 8 dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Spread garlic butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. This will give the sandwiches a rich, aromatic flavor and a golden crisp texture when grilled.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On the non-buttered side of four bread slices, layer the ham slices evenly, followed by the cheese slices, and finally place the pickle slices on top. Cover each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook until the bread is golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press down gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly and the sandwich to hold together.
- Serve Warm: Remove the sandwiches from the pan, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute regular butter mixed with fresh minced garlic if garlic butter is unavailable.
- Use Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a great melt; cheddar can also work but will alter the classic flavor slightly.
- Adjust the amount of pickles based on your preference for tanginess.
- For an extra authentic Cuban touch, add a slice of roasted pork or mustard if desired.
- To crisp the sandwiches evenly, use a panini press if available.
Keywords: Cuban sandwich, garlic bread, grilled sandwich, ham sandwich, melted cheese sandwich, quick lunch, easy sandwich

