Sándwich Jamon Y Queso Don Pepe Recipe
Cuban sandwich with ham and cheese, Don Pepe style
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Ingredients
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Bread & Assembly
Proteins & Cheese
Optional Garnish
Method
Preparation
Slice the bread
Cut the Cuban loaf horizontally lengthwise so you have a top and bottom. If the loaf is very thick, split into two equal smaller sandwich portions now.
Spread mustard
Evenly spread the yellow mustard on the inside of both the top and bottom halves of the bread. Use about 1 tablespoon per half for tang and moisture.
Assemble the Sandwich
Layer the meats
On the bottom half of the bread, arrange 6 slices of roast ham in an even layer, slightly overlapping to cover the bread. Add the 6 slices of sweet ham (or extra roast ham) as a second layer on top of the first. Then add the remaining 6 slices of roast ham to make a generous triple-layer typical of a hearty Cuban sandwich.
Add cheese and pickles
Place the 8 slices of Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the ham layers so cheese covers meat from edge to edge. Arrange 8 dill pickle slices in a single layer over the cheese. If using pickled jalapeños, add them sparingly on top of the pickles now.
Close the sandwich and butter
Place the top half of the bread over the fillings. Spread the softened unsalted butter evenly over the outside of both the top and bottom of the sandwich (about 1 tablespoon per side). Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper on the inside if desired.
Press & Cook
Heat the press or skillet
Preheat a sandwich press (panini press) over medium-high heat. If you don't have a press, heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat and have a heavy cast-iron pan or another heavy skillet ready to press the sandwich.
Press and grill
Place the buttered sandwich on the hot press and close firmly. Cook for 4–6 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted. If using a skillet, place the sandwich in the pan buttered-side-down, then put the second skillet or weight on top to press. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden and cheese is melted.
Rest and slice
Remove the sandwich from the press and let it rest 1 minute to allow fillings to settle. Using a sharp knife, slice the sandwich into 4 diagonal pieces for serving.