Best 2 Chef Johns Cuban Bread Recipes

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Chef John's Cuban bread is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of a traditional Cuban dish with a unique and modern twist. This bread, with its crisp, golden brown crust and soft, pillowy interior, makes for a delightful addition to any meal or snack. Whether you're looking for a tasty sandwich bread, a complement to your favorite soup or stew, or a delectable treat to enjoy with friends and family, Chef John's Cuban bread is sure to hit the spot.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHEF JOHN'S CUBAN SANDWICH



Chef John's Cuban Sandwich image

Here's how I build a Cuban, or Cubano, sandwich. I like to use pulled pork. Carnitas would work too. These ingredients and amounts are open to your own personal preferences, but here's the general idea.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Caribbean

Time 21m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 9

¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup mustard
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 (8 ounce) loaf Cuban bread
8 slices Swiss cheese
6 thin slices smoked fully-cooked ham
1 ½ cups cooked pulled pork, heated
1 large dill pickle, sliced thinly lengthwise
2 tablespoons butter, or as needed

Steps:

  • Mix mayonnaise, mustard, and cayenne together in a bowl to make the sauce.
  • Trim off ends of bread. Cut loaf in half and evenly split bread to make tops and bottoms of 2 sandwiches. Spread each half on both sides generously with the mayo/mustard sauce.
  • Divide sandwich ingredients between the two bottom halves in this order: 2 slices Swiss cheese, 3 slices ham, hot cooked pork, pickle slices, and 2 more slices of Swiss cheese. Place tops on sandwiches.
  • Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in skillet and press down with a heavy weight (such as another skillet or foil-wrapped bricks). Toast sandwiches until bread is crisp and filling is heated through, 3 or 4 minutes per side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1473.1 calories, Carbohydrate 85.4 g, Cholesterol 287.1 mg, Fat 85.2 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 88.2 g, SaturatedFat 37.3 g, Sodium 4076.6 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

CHEF JOHN'S CUBAN BREAD



Chef John's Cuban Bread image

I didn't think I liked Cuban sandwiches until I had one on real Cuban bread--what a difference! This bread uses lard and a double-hit of yeast plus a fermented starter. All this adds extra flavor and lift.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     White Bread Recipes

Time 12h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

½ teaspoon active dry yeast
½ cup warm water
½ cup flour
1 package active dry yeast
2 teaspoons white sugar
¾ cup warm water
3 tablespoons lard
2 teaspoons fine salt
3 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed - divided
1 tablespoon cornmeal
Water to spray tops of loaves

Steps:

  • Combine 1/2 cup warm water, 1/2 teaspoon yeast, and 1/2 cup flour in a bowl or measuring cup. Whisk the starter until well blended. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  • Place 1 package active dry yeast and 2 teaspoons sugar in a mixing bowl. Pour in 3/4 cup warm water. Let rest 15 minutes to ensure yeast is alive (bubbles will form on surface). Add lard and salt to bowl; add 1 cup of the flour. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated and dough forms a sticky ball. Add the starter (reserving 1/4 cup if you want to keep the starter going, if desired. Otherwise add it all.). Sprinkle most of the rest of the flour on the dough, reserving 1/2 cup to be used if needed when kneading.
  • Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until dough comes together in a firm ball, adding additional flour only as needed. Dough should be soft and supple with just a bit of tackiness on the surface.
  • Place dough in a bowl and coat surface with a little vegetable oil. Cover bowl with a damp kitchen towel and place in a warm spot to rise. Let rise until at least doubled in size, about 2 hours.
  • Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and sprinkle with a little cornmeal.
  • Transfer dough onto lightly floured surface. Lightly press the dough into a rectangle with your lightly floured hands. Divide dough in half and press and shape each half into a long 1/2-inch thick rectangle about 12 inches long. Roll up tightly starting at the long end to form a skinny loaf. Flatten a bit. Transfer each loaf to a prepared baking sheet and dust with a bit of flour. Cover with a light, dry towel and let rise until doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Cut a 1/4-inch deep slit down the top of the loaves with a sharp knife or razor. Mist loaves lightly with water.
  • Place pans in pre-heated oven, one pan on lower rack, one on higher rack. After 10 minutes, switch pan positions. Continue to bake until loaves are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes longer. Transfer loaves to cooling rack and let cool to room temperature before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 169.1 calories, Carbohydrate 29.4 g, Cholesterol 3 mg, Fat 3.6 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 389.5 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

Tips for Making Cuban Bread:

  • Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the final flavor and texture of the bread.
  • Proof the yeast properly: This is an important step that helps the yeast to activate and grow, resulting in a light and fluffy bread.
  • Knead the dough thoroughly: This will help to develop the gluten in the flour, which will give the bread its structure and chewiness.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place: This will help the yeast to work its magic and cause the dough to double in size.
  • Bake the bread at a high temperature: This will create a crispy crust and a soft and fluffy interior.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving: This will help to prevent the bread from tearing.

Conclusion:

Cuban bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're using it to make sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying it on its own, this bread is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a new bread to try, give Cuban bread a try. You won't be disappointed.

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