What to Serve with Cuban Sandwich: 20+ Easy Side Dishes
One of my happiest memories is biting into the crisp bread of a best Cuban sandwich while the tangy mustard and juicy ham melt into something unforgettable.
If you wonder what to serve with Cuban sandwiches, you’re in the right spot. I’m thrilled to share easy side dish ideas that will add color, flavor, and fun to your table.
Each choice brings a unique twist to the meal, helping you discover a new favorite. Let’s make your next bite the best yet. I promise each mouthful brims with savory excitement.
What is a Cuban Sandwich?
This a hearty sandwich made with soft Cuban bread, roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. People also call it a Cubano, and it is a super choice for any pork lover.
What to Serve with Cuban Sandwich?
I love pairing this classic sandwich with sides that bring out each smoky note. You can try fresh salads, fried treats, creamy bowls, or Cuban favorites that add bright contrast.
Classic Cuban Side Dishes
I crave flavors that remind me of home. These classic Cuban sides bring tangy warmth, crisp bites, and tastes that highlight your Cuban sandwich.
- Cuban Slaw: Sometimes I desire shredded cabbage tossed with lime juice and fresh cilantro. This mix reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen in Cuba. I feel like I’m there when I spoon some up.
- Cuban Chopped Salad: Mixing lettuce, pulled pork, dill pickles, cheese, and a drizzle of lemon juice always makes me happy. The flavors of a Cuban restaurant inspire this bowl, which helps me feel fresh and bright.
- Yuca Fries: Sometimes, I need a starchy side dish that pairs well with Cuban sandwiches. I bake them until the outside is crispy and the inside is soft.
- Black Bean Soup: I usually savor a steaming bowl filled with black beans and smoky seasonings. It reminds me of a traditional Cuban side dish that comforts me, especially on a chilly day.
- Cuban Black Beans: I love how these beans absorb hints of cumin, onions, and peppers. They taste flavorful next to a tasty sandwich, and they also add a healthy touch to your meal.
- Cuban Ham Croquettes: Little fried treats made with ham taste golden, creamy, and perfect for parties. I remember sinking my teeth into them at a street stand in Havana, and they felt comforting.
- Tostones: I like smashing green plantains and frying them until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. A little sprinkle of salt makes me want more with every bite.
Refreshing Salads
I often want a light, crisp side that contrasts the richness of the sandwich. Fresh dressing and colorful produce lift the entire meal so nicely.
- Avocado Salad: Featuring creamy avocados and juicy tomatoes, this salad gives me a cozy feeling. I love the hint of lemon juice on top, which highlights every bite and keeps things simple.
- Citrus Fruit Salad; Slices of oranges, grapefruit, and lime bring a burst of tangy life. This refreshing side brightens my plate, especially when I want a sweet pop along with my savory sandwich.
- Caesar Salad: I never skip that zesty dressing made with parmesan cheese on crunchy romaine. This classic salad pairs with a delicious sandwich, and it feels like a hearty but heavy choice.
- Mango Cucumber Salad: Diced mango and crisp cucumber give me a bright sweetness. I add a dash of lime for a zesty kick. Everything tastes watery, cool, and totally perfect on a warm afternoon.
Easy Vegetable Side Dishes
I love a quick veggie fix that doesn’t feel heavy. These sides help balance the rich flavors of a Cuban sandwich without too much fuss.
- Baked Plantains: Ripened plantains caramelize into a sweet treat when I bake them with a pinch of salt. That comforting bite makes me remember back lazy days in my aunt’s sunny kitchen.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Crunching on these little bites feels so fun when I need a protein boost. I toss chickpeas in olive oil and bake them until they turn golden and deliciously crispy.
- Pickled Jalapeños: I crave a burst of heat by adding jalapeños to my plate. They zap my taste buds awake, and they stand out next to the mellow notes of melted cheese.
- Buttered Corn on the Cob: Hot golden kernels rolled in butter remind me of summer cookouts. I can’t resist that sweet crunch, which always balances the salty ham and mustard inside the best Cuban sandwich.
Fried and Crispy Sides
I like my sides crunchy and fun when I bite into a Cubano. These picks deliver texture contrast and make your sandwich game more exciting.
- Sweet Potato Fries: I slice sweet potatoes nice and thin, then bake them until they turn crisp. They offer a gentle sweetness that highlights the very bold fillings of a savory sandwich routine.
- French Fries: Hot, salty potatoes never go out of style. I like dipping them in mustard sauce for an extra burst of flavor that matches the zesty notes inside a Cuban sandwich.
- Plantain Chips: These thin, crunchy snacks deliver a sweetness in every bite. I feel this side dish complements your meal by adding a crisp contrast to the softness of the bread.
- Onion Rings: I coat sliced onions in batter and fry them until golden. That crunchy ring always makes me grin. They match the richness of the sandwich and add a fun surprise.
- Chili Cheese Fries: A pile of fries smothered in chili and melted cheese feels indulgent. Sometimes I want that bold, messy option that pairs wonderfully with Cuban sandwiches’ tangy mustard and roast pork.
Creamy and Filling Additions
Every now and then, I crave something smooth that balances the crunchy textures. These choices bring much comfort to your table alongside a Cuban sandwich.
- Macaroni Salad: I boil elbow pasta, then coat it in mayo and crunchy veggies. The cool, creamy taste gives me a break from the mustard and pickles in the best Cuban sandwich.
- Creamy Tomato Bisque: A smooth tomato soup feels like a hug for your taste buds. I enjoy dipping parts of my sandwich in it, which adds an extra layer of flavor I love.
- Mac and Cheese: Velvety noodles covered in melted cheese always spark big smiles. This gooey option works well with Cuban sandwiches, bringing a comforting hug that helps balance tangy mustard and crisp pickles.
- Pesto Potato Salad: Basil pesto mixed with tender potatoes gives a bright, herbal lift. I enjoy the pop of green in every forkful, which keeps the meal very cheerful alongside a smoky main.
Final Thoughts
I feel excited whenever I see these sides for Cuban sandwiches on my table. They help highlight the crisp bread, the mustard punch, and the rich roast pork in each bite.
You have dozens of delicious side dish options, from tangy salads to hearty fries. If you’re ready to shake up your routine, try something new and see how it sparks joy.
Each pairing gives a fun twist that can upgrade any meal. So, pick your favorite Cuban sandwich sides!
