Cubano Casserole

The Cuban sandwich, with its delightful symphony of flavors and textures, holds a special place in the hearts of sandwich aficionados worldwide. The classic combination of slow-roasted pork, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and a hint of mustard, all pressed between slices of crispy, buttery bread, is truly incomparable. It’s a culinary masterpiece that evokes a sense of tradition and comfort with every bite. But what if you could take all those beloved elements and transform them into an even more convenient, family-friendly dish? Enter the **Cuban Sandwich Casserole** – a brilliant and flavorful twist on the iconic original that’s designed to feed a crowd and simplify your meal prep. This innovative casserole brings the vibrant essence of a Cuban sandwich to your table in a comforting, layered form, perfect for any time of day.

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The Cuban Sandwich: A Culinary Icon Reimagined

The traditional Cuban sandwich, or “Cubano,” boasts a rich history, believed to have originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Key West and Tampa, Florida, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s a testament to the fusion of cultures, featuring Spanish ham, Italian salami (especially in Tampa), Cuban-style roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard, all nestled within a distinctive Cuban bread and pressed until warm and crisp. Its unique appeal lies in the perfect balance of salty, savory, tangy, and rich flavors.

Our **Cuban Sandwich Casserole** takes this classic and adapts it for a cozy, fuss-free meal. Instead of individual sandwiches, we layer the key ingredients – succulent ham, tender roast pork, sharp Swiss cheese, and bright dill pickles – between slices of bread, all bound together by a savory egg custard. This layered approach allows the flavors to meld beautifully as it bakes, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying dish that pays homage to its inspiration while offering a fresh, exciting experience.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a hearty breakfast, or seeking a comforting dinner solution, this casserole offers versatility and incredible taste. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, and simply bake when ready to serve. Imagine waking up to the aroma of a delicious, cheesy, and meaty casserole, ready to be pulled from the oven. With its irresistible layers and robust flavor, every bite promises a culinary journey reminiscent of the bustling streets of Havana or the vibrant cafes of South Florida. Don’t forget those essential tangy pickles – they’re key to the authentic Cuban flavor profile!

Essential Ingredients for Your Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Crafting the perfect **Cuban Sandwich Casserole** begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in replicating the authentic flavors of the classic sandwich within this comforting baked dish. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips for choosing the best quality:

• Sliced bread: Opt for a good quality, sturdy white bread, such as challah, brioche, or even a robust artisan white loaf. The crusts should be cut off to ensure a soft texture throughout the casserole. The bread acts as the perfect base, soaking up the flavorful egg mixture.
• Swiss cheese: Shredded Swiss cheese is essential for its nutty, slightly sweet, and tangy profile that melts beautifully. If you prefer, Jarlsberg cheese is an excellent alternative, offering a similar mild, buttery flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Deli ham slices: Look for a good quality deli ham, ideally one that is thinly sliced and boasts a savory, slightly smoky flavor. This contributes to the foundational meaty taste of the casserole.
• Roast pork slices: This is where the magic happens! Use thinly sliced leftover homemade roast pork for the best flavor, or opt for high-quality deli-sliced roasted pork. The tenderness and rich flavor of the pork are key to an authentic Cuban experience.
• Dill pickles : Don’t underestimate the power of pickles! Sliced dill pickles provide the essential tangy, briny counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheese. The tangier your pickles, the better the overall balance of flavors will be.
• Eggs: Large eggs form the custard base that binds all the layers together, creating a rich and moist texture similar to a strata.
• Milk: Whole milk is recommended for a creamy and decadent custard. You can use a lower-fat milk, but it may result in a slightly less rich casserole.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
• Dry mustard powder: This secret ingredient adds a subtle, pungent kick that is characteristic of the mustard typically found in Cuban sandwiches, deepening the overall flavor profile of the custard.
• Butter: Melted butter is used to create a rich topping that helps the cornflakes crisp up beautifully.
• Corn Flakes: Crushed Corn Flakes provide a fantastic crispy, golden topping that contrasts wonderfully with the soft layers of the casserole. This adds a delightful texture and a hint of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Creating this delicious **Cuban Sandwich Casserole** is simpler than you might think, especially with the advantage of overnight preparation. Follow these straightforward steps to assemble a hearty and flavorful meal that everyone will adore:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Start by lightly spraying a 9×13-inch casserole dish with baking spray. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
2. First Bread Layer: Arrange half of your crust-removed sliced bread in a single, even layer at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. This forms the essential foundation for your Cuban flavors.
3. Layer the Savory Fillings: Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss (or Jarlsberg) cheese over the bread layer. Next, meticulously lay out the slices of deli ham, followed by the rich roasted pork slices. Distribute the sliced dill pickles over the meat, ensuring that every bite will have that crucial tangy crunch. Finish this layer by sprinkling the remaining cheese on top.
4. Second Bread Layer: Carefully place the rest of the sliced bread over the cheese, creating the final top layer of your “sandwich” base.
5. Whisk the Custard: In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dry mustard powder. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the custard is smooth. The dry mustard is key to that authentic Cuban sandwich flavor!
6. Pour and Refrigerate: Gently pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the entire casserole, making sure the bread is well saturated. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This crucial step allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a wonderfully moist and flavorful casserole.
7. Preheat and Temper: About 30-60 minutes before you plan to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator to allow it to come closer to room temperature. This promotes more even baking. At the same time, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
8. Prepare the Crispy Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Corn Flakes with the melted butter. Mix until the corn flakes are evenly coated.
9. Add Topping and Bake: Evenly spread the buttered Corn Flakes over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole with foil.
10. Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. Serve warm and enjoy the incredible flavors of this unique **Cuban sandwich breakfast casserole**!

Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Casserole Perfection

Achieving the best results with your **Cuban Sandwich Casserole** involves a few key techniques and considerations. These tips from Chef Jenn will help ensure your casserole is a resounding success:

• Choose the Right Bread: The quality and type of bread significantly impact the casserole’s texture. Use a good bakery-quality bread, such as a sturdy white bread, challah, or brioche. Avoid overly soft or thin sandwich bread, as it can disintegrate and become mushy during baking. Regular thickness slices are perfect, and don’t forget to trim the crusts for a consistently soft interior.
• The Magic of Overnight Soaking: This casserole truly shines when prepared the night before. Allowing the dish to refrigerate overnight gives the bread ample time to soak up the egg custard mixture. This saturation is crucial for a uniformly moist and flavorful casserole, preventing dry spots and ensuring every bite is rich and savory.
• Prevent Over-Browning: Keep an eye on the casserole’s top as it bakes. If you notice the cornflake topping or the cheese starting to get too dark before the casserole is cooked through, simply cover the dish lightly with aluminum foil. This will shield the top, allowing the interior to continue cooking without burning.
• Room Temperature Start: For optimal and more even baking, remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 60 minutes before you plan to put it in the oven. This allows the dish to come closer to room temperature, which can also help reduce the overall baking time and ensure a perfectly cooked center.
• Customization is Key: While the classic ingredients are wonderful, feel free to adjust to your taste. For an extra kick, a thin layer of yellow mustard or a touch of hot sauce on the bread layers can add more authentic Cuban sandwich zest. You can also experiment with different types of roasted pork for varying flavor profiles.

Recommended Casseroles for Your Next Meal

If you loved this Cuban Sandwich Casserole, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and flavorful casserole recipes:

Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Cuban Sandwich Casserole Meal

While the **Cuban Sandwich Casserole** is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience. The richness of the ham, pork, and cheese calls for refreshing contrasts, whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

For a **light and balanced dinner**, consider serving this robust casserole with a crisp, vibrant salad. A simple Shirazi salad, with its fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions dressed in lime juice, offers a bright, tangy counterpoint. Alternatively, steamed green beans, a fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette, or a side of sautéed asparagus would provide a healthy and refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the casserole.

If you’re planning a lavish **brunch spread**, the possibilities are even more delightful. Alongside the casserole, offer a medley of fresh seasonal fruit for a sweet and light element. To truly indulge, crispy smoked candied bacon adds a decadent, sweet-and-savory crunch that pairs wonderfully. And for a festive touch, a sparkling mimosa or a zesty Bloody Mary would complete the ultimate brunch experience.

No matter the occasion, this **Cuban breakfast casserole** is designed to impress and satisfy, leaving you with a warm, comforting feeling and a delightful array of flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Solutions for Your Cuban Casserole

One of the fantastic features of this **easy Cuban Sandwich Casserole** is its suitability for make-ahead preparation, making it perfect for busy schedules or entertaining. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its delicious flavors for days to come.

Make-Ahead Instructions: As detailed in the recipe, you can assemble the entire casserole, including pouring the egg custard over the layers, and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to thoroughly absorb the liquid, resulting in a more uniform and tender texture when baked. Just remember to add the buttered cornflake topping right before baking.

Refrigerator Storage: Leftover casserole should be cooled completely before being covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for individual portions, or for larger amounts, cover it loosely with foil and reheat in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or broth before reheating can help maintain moisture.

Freezing for Longer Storage: For extended storage, this casserole freezes remarkably well. Once completely cooled, cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, or place them in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Frozen portions can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or microwave as desired. The layers hold their integrity beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or having a quick, comforting meal on hand.

This casserole maintains its texture and robust flavor remarkably well even after freezing and reheating, solidifying its status as a versatile and convenient dish for any busy week.

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

This layered casserole features all the flavors of a Cuban sandwich! There’s ham, roast pork, cheese, mustard, pickles, and more, but in an easy to make, heat and serve casserole! Get your hands on this Cuban Sandwich Casserole today!

• Course: Casseroles
• Cuisine: American
• Keyword: cuban sandwich, cuban sandwich casserole, egg casserole, strata
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: 873 kcal
• Author: Chef Jenn

Ingredients

• 16 sliced bread (crusts removed)
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese (or Jarlsberg cheese, shredded)
• 12 slices deli ham
• 8 slices roast pork
• 3 dill pickles (sliced)
• 6 eggs
• 3 cups milk
• ½ teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 3 cups crushed corn flakes

Instructions

1. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with baking spray.
2. Arrange half the sliced bread in the bottom of a casserole dish in a single layer.
3. Sprinkle half the cheese over the bread, then lay on the sliced ham and roasted pork. Top with sliced pickles, remaining cheese, and the rest of the slices of bread.
4. Combine the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and mustard powder together in a bowl and whisk until well-mixed.
5. Pour this mixture over the sandwiches in the casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 60 minutes before baking, and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
7. Mix the crushed corn flakes with the melted butter in a bowl and spread them over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
9. Cut into squares and serve!

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Use a good bakery-quality bread that won’t disintegrate when baking. Regular thickness slices are fine.
• Make the dish the night before so the egg has time to soak into every bite.
• Setting the casserole on the counter for an hour or two before baking will reduce the baking time.
• If your casserole starts getting too brown, cover the top lightly with foil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 eighth | Calories: 873kcal | Carbohydrates: 105g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 217mg | Sodium: 1807mg | Potassium: 565mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 2546IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 513mg | Iron: 28mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.