Cuban Panini

I can’t remember when I was introduced to Cuban sandwiches, but I DO remember that I’ve always loved them and I always order it if it’s an option on the menu. If you’ve never had them, you must! Whether it’s this version or one at your local deli, they are one of my all-time favorite sammies. Typically, they are made with ham, pork, cheese and pickles…pretty much a perfect combo, don’t you think?

I was hungry for them recently and decided to try to make a healthier version (no butter, deli meat) for a low calorie, quick dinner. We had these Panini-style with a side salad for a dinner consisting of less than 500 calories.

You know I love quick and easy – and you can add super delicious to the description of these, too!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

4 slices Italian or sourdough bread (you’ll want something heartier than your typical white bread; my grocery store had 80 calorie/slice Italian bread)

2 oz thinly sliced smoked ham

2 oz thinly sliced pork roast (I used Boar’s Head Porketta from my deli)

4 slices of cheese (best to use Swiss, Havarti, something with a little bite to it…)

4 tsp mustard (yellow or spicy brown works great)

4 slices sandwich style dill pickles

Nonstick spray

Preparation:

Spread mustard on each slice of bread.

Layer cheese on each slice.

Lay 2 pickle slices on one side of each sandwich.

Lay the ham and pork on top and close your sandwich up.

Spray a grill pan (or grilling machine) with non-stick spray.

Once heated, add your sandwiches, pressing and grilling both sides until the cheese is melty and the sandwich is hot.

If you are using a grill pan, you are going to want to use a spatula or another pan on top of the sandwiches to press down on them making them more Panini-like.

Serve them up – they are so super yummy and easy!!