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Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich

I think there is a rule about how many pork roasts one can make in a single week. I have now broken that rule. I’m embarrassed to say, I still can’t get enough. The Sprakers might be eating Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich again in the next few days, don’t tell the Sweet Hubby, ok? You know “the first rule of fixing dinner for guests”? The one about, “never fix a new recipe”? I broke that rule too. In this case, the guests are family and they have to love me anyway – so there is that. Besides, I’m sure they have become immune to the statement, “It’s a new recipe that I am trying out for the blog”.

So, I said all of that to say this, consider it a warning, the flavor in this dish is dangerous unless you have a plan to be eating pork roast twice per week. In which case, here you are,  be my guest. For reals, you should print this recipe and then seal it in plastic. Keep it right on the kitchen counter or stuck to the fridge door. It is easy and could be on your weekly dinner plan right away. Everyone likes to be a kitchen rockstar, right?

Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich

Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich

Well then, here you are, just get out the sandwich supplies, load this stuff on the bun, toast and serve. Go put your feet up, you are done kitchen rockstar! That is how easy this Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich is! Está volao!! (It’s amazing!)

I know you recipe seekers are saying, “Just give me the recipe already!”. I promise, I will. I will. If you will hang around for the Tips and Tricks section – I’ll give you all the necessary tips that will save you time and put you in the know! Anyone and I do mean ANYONE can make this terrific Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich and have it on the table in minutes. Great for a family meal or even to put in the freezer for later!

Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich

Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich

Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich

Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich

If you enjoyed this Cuban Sandwich Recipe - please visit www.loavesanddishes.net for more great meals!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cuban sandwich, crockpot cuban sandwich
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 202kcal

Ingredients

For the Pork Roast

  • 2-3 lb Pork Shoulder Roast or Boston Butt Roast
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ¾ tsp pepper
  • 1 Tbs Olive Oil
  • ½ Cup Orange Juice
  • 1 medium onion - quartered
  • 1 head of garlic - - cut in half so that the cloves are cut through the belt line
  • 3 tsp Cumin
  • 3 Bay leaves
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 Orange - zest juice and fruit
  • 3 limes - zest juice and fruit

For the complete Sandwiches

  • Unsalted sweet cream butter
  • Thick Bun I used Sub Buns
  • Deli Ham - thick sliced
  • Provolone or Swiss Cheese I used Provolone
  • Exceptional Dill pickles
  • whole grain mustard
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  • INSTRUCTIONS
  • For the Pork Roast
  • Remove the Pork from the packaging. Cut hash marks into fattest side of the pork making XXX’s across the top. The Cuts should go down into the meat about ½ inch (Just through the fat layer). Sprinkle the roast liberally with salt and pepper on all sides. Pour the olive oil and orange juice into the crock pot and place the meat on top with the fat side up.
  • Quarter the onion and slice the whole head of garlic in half and snug these into the crock pot next to the roast. You don't’ have to worry about peeling them that good - you won't’ be eating them, they are just for flavor.
  • Put the rest of the ingredients into the crock pot - on top of the roast. The orange and the limes: using a zester, zest them first, then cut in half and squeeze the juice over the top of the roast and then take what is left of the fruit and poke it into the crock pot next to the roast. (Makes more flavor).
  • Put the lid on and set on low for 12 hours. At the end of 12 hours, the roast should be falling apart.
  • For the sandwich
  • Heat a large skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Butter the inside of the bun slightly with the unsalted sweet cream butter. When skillet is heated, toast the bun - butter side down. When toasted, remove from the heat and layer the pork, ham, cheese and pickle onto the bun. Spread with mustard. Close the bun and then place in Panini press OR - do what I do and place back in the skillet over medium heat. Cover with a piece of aluminum foil and place another heavy cast iron skillet on top.
  • Heat while pressed until cheese is melted. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • If you have a larger group for dinner, you can certainly increase this recipe to serve a crowd.
  • When placing the pork roast into the crock pot - put the fat side up - this is so that as it cooks all the drippy juices will dribble down the pork adding flavor.  If you turn it the other way, you will be cheating yourself.  Trust me.  Don't’ worry - the fat ends up in the bottom of the crock pot, not on your roast.
  • I’m pretty excited to try this recipe in my new pressure cooker, but haven’t had a chance for that just yet.  I’ll let you know the results of that experiment.
  • You can freeze these leftover (yeah right, you won’t have leftovers, but let’s just pretend you did - you could freeze them).
  • The times I have made this recipe, I’ve noted that there is a slight bitter aftertaste initially.  I am guessing this is from the citrus.  The best way to address this is to sprinkle a little extra salt on the sandwich before putting anything on top of the roast. Then just pile on the ham/cheese/pickle/mustard.  YUM!  I never noticed a hint of bitter in the completed sandwich.
  • The number of sandwiches you are able to make from this roast depends upon how much roast you want on each sandwich.  For the recipe, I am supposing ¼ lb of meat per sandwich - of course, you can go more or less depending on your taste.
  • I know some of you live with someone who will say “I don’t LIKE pickle” or “I don't’ like mustard”!!  I know.  I live with them too.  I am going to encourage you to encourage them to try just a taste with mustard and pickle.  ‘Cause, man.  Good!
  • As this pork is nearly finished cooking, the meat will start to fall apart.  If you are having to cut it apart, it isn’t done, even if the meat appears to be cooked through.  Just keep cooking it and it will eventually start to fall apart. This is when it is done!
  • When  you put the meat on the sandwich, you might want to drizzle a little of the juice onto your sandwich - not a lot - just a tiny little drizzle.
  • After this meat sits in the fridge overnight, unbelievably it becomes even more tasty!  I doubt you will have much left though.  
  • When you pull the meat out of the crock pot, discard the onions, garlic, lime, orange, juice etc.  Unless, of course, you want to turn it into some kind of delicious gravy.  If you do that, please share that recipe with us!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich
Amount Per Serving
Calories 202 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 46mg15%
Sodium 278mg12%
Potassium 371mg11%
Carbohydrates 21g7%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 16g18%
Protein 14g28%
Vitamin A 306IU6%
Vitamin C 19mg23%
Calcium 46mg5%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

PROCESS PHOTOS FOR SLOW COOKED CROCK POT CUBAN SANDWICH

THE INGREDIENTS READY TO GO

THE INGREDIENTS READY TO GO

TOASTING THE BUN

TOASTING THE BUN

LOTS OF PORK!

LOTS OF PORK!

LOTS OF HAM AND CHEESE!

LOTS OF HAM AND CHEESE!

SET BACK IN THE SKILLET

SET BACK IN THE SKILLET

PUT IN THE PANINI PRESS - OR UNDER A HEAVY PAN.

PUT IN THE PANINI PRESS – OR UNDER A HEAVY PAN.

Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich

Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SLOW COOKED CROCK POT CUBAN SANDWICH

  • If you have a larger group for dinner, you can certainly increase this recipe to serve a crowd.
  • When placing the pork roast into the crock pot – put the fat side up – this is so that as it cooks all the drippy juices will dribble down the pork adding flavor. If you turn it the other way, you will be cheating yourself. Trust me. Don’t’ worry – the fat ends up in the bottom of the crock pot, not on your roast.
  • I’m pretty excited to try this recipe in my new pressure cooker, but haven’t had a chance for that just yet. I’ll let you know the results of that experiment.
  • You can freeze any leftover (yeah right, you won’t have leftovers, but let’s just pretend you did – you could freeze them).
  • Both times I have made this recipe, I’ve noted that there is a slight bitter aftertaste initially. I am guessing this is from the citrus. The best way to address this is to sprinkle a little extra salt on the sandwich before putting anything on top of the roast. Then just pile on the ham/cheese/pickle/mustard. YUM! I never noticed a hint of bitter in the completed sandwich.
  • The number of sandwiches you are able to make from this roast depends upon how much roast you want on each sandwich. For the recipe, I am supposing ¼ lb of meat per sandwich – of course, you can go more or less depending on your taste.
  • I know some of you live with someone who will say “I don’t LIKE pickle” or “I don’t’ like mustard”!! I know. I live with them too. I am going to encourage you to encourage them to try just a taste with mustard and pickle. ‘Cause, man. Good!
  • As this pork is nearly finished cooking, the meat will start to fall apart. If you are having to cut it apart, it isn’t done, even if the meat appears to be cooked through. Just keep cooking it and it will eventually start to fall apart. This is when it is done!
  • When  you put the meat on the sandwich, you might want to drizzle a little of the juice onto your sandwich – not a lot – just a tiny little drizzle.
  • After this meat sits in the fridge over night, unbelievably it becomes even more tasty! I doubt you will have much left though.
  • When you pull the meat out of the crock pot, discard the onions, garlic, lime, orange, juice etc. Unless, of course, you want to turn it into some kind of delicious gravy. If you do that, please share that recipe with us!
  • Crockpot Cuban Pork

NUTRITION INFORMATION FOR SLOW COOKED CROCK POT CUBAN SANDWICH

 

Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich

Slow Cooked Crock Pot Cuban Sandwich

WHERE DID THE RECIPE FOR SLOW COOKED CROCK POT CUBAN SANDWICH COME FROM?

Recently, as you already know, Sarah and I went to the International Food Blogger Conference. What a great time we had! While we were in Sacramento, we decided to visit Dad’s! Oh man! If you ever visit Sacramento, you have to visit Dad’s! Sarah ordered the Cuban Sandwich and whoo hoo. Delicious!

Sarah and I talked over dinner and guessed how the pork  was made and what spices were used. We asked, but they wouldn’t tell us what was in the mix. I researched Cuban flavors after we came home. We talked about it some more. Eventually I landed on my first variation. Then, we landed here. Here is GOOD! No, its GREAT!

A word of advice about visiting Dad’s. When you call an Uber to leave Dads.  Just make sure you get in the car with the Uber driver that you called. Don’t take someone else’s Uber driver. It is bad form. I know. Mistakes Happen. That is all I’m going to say about that.

Uber is the BEST way to get around Sacramento though. The Best!

If You Enjoyed This Sandwich, You Might Also Enjoy…

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

The BEST Sandwich Ever

Grilled Chocolate Cheddar Sandwich

Crockpot Carnitas!

A VERSE TO SHARE

 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy,your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:22-24

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




Moxie

Friday 2nd of February 2018

These are super delicious!

Marcia

Friday 26th of August 2016

Sometimes it's all about the pickle! Who doesn't like pickle at your house?!? I recently had a Cuban with marinated cucumbers. Don't know the difference between that and a pickle, but it really made the sandwich. I will definitely give this s try!

Wendi Spraker

Friday 26th of August 2016

Hi Marcia! Sometimes it IS all about the pickle. So right! Marinated cucumbers sound really flavorful! What are some of your other favorite flavorful sandwiches?

Mary

Thursday 25th of August 2016

I love a good Cuban sandwich...this is a perfect recipe. Love all the tips and hints you posted for making an extraordinary sandwich. Using the crockpot is an extra bonus and the Wickles Pickles....wicked! Pinned. Looking forward to making this scrumptious looking dish. Thanks for another great recipe.

Wendi Spraker

Thursday 25th of August 2016

Hey there Mary! Great to hear from you!! I thought my readers would love the ease of just putting this in the crockpot and letting it steep all day in those delicious juices! That sandwich. AWGH!! So so good. and wickle pickles. If they have them at your store- oh man, try them. They don't pay me to say that either. I just love them.

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