Easy Vegan Cuban Sandwich Recipe: Pressed Perfection with Plant-Based "Pork" & "Swiss"

2 週間前

Inspired by: @iszy

Craving a classic Cuban sandwich that's entirely plant-based and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This easy vegan Cuban sandwich recipe delivers all the smoky, tangy, and cheesy goodness of the traditional version, without any dairy or meat. It's the perfect hearty meal for lunch or dinner, proving that vegan comfort food can be incredibly satisfying. As one abillion user commented, "this sandwich looks amazing 😍" – and we couldn't agree more!

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a beloved sandwich staple with a compassionate twist. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or simply exploring plant-based options, you'll love how straightforward it is to prepare. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly pressed, golden-brown French bread, loaded with savory vegan "pork," "smoked ham" slices, tangy pickles, sharp Dijon, and gooey melted vegan "Swiss" cheese. It's a taste sensation that's sure to make you declare yourself a "sandwich king" (or queen!), just like abillion user @jonok, who inspired this delicious creation!

Why You'll Love This Vegan Cuban Sandwich

Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of savory vegan meats, sharp mustard, and zesty pickles creates a complex and irresistible taste profile.
Perfect Texture: The secret is in the press! Toasted to golden perfection, the French bread achieves a satisfying crunch while remaining wonderfully soft inside.
Simple & Satisfying: With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up this impressive sandwich in no time. One loaf can even make several large servings, with enough for leftovers!
Dietary Friendly: Naturally vegan and dairy-free, this recipe is a fantastic choice for those with dietary preferences or allergies.

Ingredients for Vegan Cuban Sandwich A vibrant display of plant-based ingredients ready to be transformed into the ultimate vegan Cuban sandwich.

Ingredients

1 large loaf of fresh French bread or baguette
1/2 cup The Herbivorous Butcher Cuban Pork alternative (or similar plant-based shredded "pork")
4-6 slices Tofurky smoked slices (or other vegan deli "ham" slices)
4 slices Daiya oat milk swiss (or your favorite vegan cheese)
1/4 cup Grillo’s Pickles (sliced lengthwise)
2 tablespoons Organicville Dijon mustard (or other quality dijon mustard)
1 tablespoon vegan butter, melted (such as Miyoko's Creamery butter)

Equipment

Sharp bread knife
Large cutting board
Panini press or a large skillet with a heavy object (like another skillet or brick wrapped in foil) for pressing

Instructions

Slice the French bread lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, creating a "hinge."
Spread a generous layer of Dijon mustard on both inner sides of the bread.
Layer the ingredients starting with the vegan "pork" alternative on the bottom half, followed by the Tofurky smoked slices.
Next, layer the Daiya oat milk swiss slices evenly over the vegan meats.
Arrange the pickle slices on top of the "cheese."
Close the sandwich. Brush the top and bottom of the bread lightly with melted vegan butter.
Preheat your panini press. If using a skillet, heat it over medium-low heat.
Place the sandwich in the preheated panini press and close it, pressing firmly. If using a skillet, place the sandwich in the hot skillet and immediately place a heavy object on top to press it down.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the "cheese" is melted and gooey. You may need to flip the sandwich if using a skillet to ensure even toasting on both sides.
Carefully remove the sandwich from the press or skillet. Cut into desired portions and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly toasted and incredibly delicious vegan Cuban sandwich!

Finished Vegan Cuban Sandwich The perfectly pressed, golden-brown vegan Cuban sandwich, ready to be enjoyed.

Variations & Adaptations

Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your sandwich layers for a spicy twist.
Different Vegan Meats: Experiment with other vegan meat alternatives like seitan, marinated tempeh, or even roasted mushrooms for varied textures and flavors.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a sturdy gluten-free baguette or bread to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
Cheesy Variations: Try different types of vegan cheese slices, such as provolone or cheddar, to change up the flavor profile.
Add a Veggie Layer: For extra crunch and nutrients, consider adding thinly sliced onions or a bit of fresh spinach before pressing.

Tips & Hacks

The Press is Key: For the most authentic Cuban sandwich experience, a panini press is highly recommended. If you don't have one, a heavy cast-iron skillet with another heavy object on top works wonders for achieving that signature flat, crispy texture.
Don't Overfill: While it's tempting to load up your sandwich, overfilling can make it difficult to press evenly and can cause ingredients to spill out.
Warm Ingredients: If your vegan "pork" alternative is stored in the fridge, warming it slightly before assembling the sandwich can help ensure everything heats through evenly during pressing.
Pickle Perfection: Don't skip the pickles! Their briny, acidic crunch is essential for balancing the richness of the other ingredients in a Cuban sandwich.

Ready to try this amazing vegan Cuban sandwich? Whip it up and share your culinary creations on abillion! We'd love to see how your "sandwich king" masterpiece turns out.