Name: Cuban Chopped Grinder Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 4 submarine rolls (6-10 inches each, sliced in half lengthwise but not all the way through); ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; ½ pound pre-cooked pulled pork; ½ pound sliced ham; 3 dill pickles, sliced in half lengthwise; 4 slices Swiss cheese; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

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Introduction

The Cuban Chopped Grinder Sandwich is a flavorful twist on classic Cuban sandwiches, combining savory pulled pork, ham, and Swiss cheese with zesty pickles and mustard. This chopped filling is mixed together and piled high in soft submarine rolls, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.

A close-up view of a sandwich shows one layer of a soft, toasted sub roll sliced open lengthwise, revealing a filling made of small chopped pieces of pink ham, yellow egg, and green pickles mixed together, creating a chunky texture. The sandwich rests on a white tray with light-colored potato chips beneath it. In the background, there is a white bowl containing a yellow condiment sauce and several sliced green pickles on a white marbled surface. The edges of the sandwich roll have a slight crisp, and the filling looks moist and colorful. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 submarine rolls (6-10 inches each, sliced in half lengthwise mostly through)
½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ pound pre-cooked pulled pork
½ pound sliced ham
3 dill pickles, sliced in half lengthwise
4 slices Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons yellow mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to low broil and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Place the submarine rolls on the baking sheet with the cut side facing up, keeping the halves attached.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and kosher salt. Brush this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the rolls.
Step 4: Toast the rolls in the preheated oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cut sides turn golden brown.
Step 5: On a large cutting board, layer the pulled pork, sliced ham, halved pickles, and Swiss cheese. Using a sharp knife, finely dice all ingredients together.
Step 6: Add yellow mustard to the diced mixture and stir well with a spatula until fully combined, creating about 4 cups of filling.
Step 7: Spoon approximately 1 cup of the chopped filling onto the cut side of each toasted roll half, then close the sandwich with the other half.
Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Cuban Chopped Grinder Sandwich.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, warm the pulled pork and ham before chopping to make the mixture juicier and more aromatic.
Substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella for a different cheese profile.
Add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce to the filling for a tangy kick.
Use freshly baked rolls or Cuban bread if available for the most authentic texture.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the toasted texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sandwich on a white soft hoagie roll, toasted light brown on the inside edges, filled with a mixed salad layer made of chopped pieces of ham in pink, chunks of pale yellow egg, and green pickles, all mixed together with a slightly creamy dressing, filling the sandwich fully. The sandwich is placed on a tray lined with potato chips in pale beige and a white bowl with yellow mustard is visible in the background next to large green pickle slices, all set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this sandwich?

Yes, you can substitute the pulled pork or ham with other cooked meats such as roast beef or turkey. Just ensure they are pre-cooked and sliced thinly for the best texture.

Is it necessary to keep the rolls attached when toasting?

Keeping the rolls attached while toasting helps maintain the sandwich’s structure and prevents the halves from drying out, making assembly easier and the sandwich more enjoyable.