- Cuisine Puerto Rican
- Course Main
- Prep 20 min
- Cook 35 min
- Serves 4
Ingredients
- 6 oz organic uncured sweet ham, sliced thin
- 6 oz organic roast pork, sliced thin
- 4 slices organic Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup organic mayonnaise (homemade or store-bought without preservatives)
- 2 tbsp organic yellow mustard (no additives)
- 4 soft organic challah or brioche-style rolls, split in half
- 2 large fresh dill pickles, sliced thin lengthwise
- 2 tbsp grass-fed butter, softened (for pressing)
Clean swaps
How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.
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Shop the clean pantry
Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.
What you'll need
- Cast iron skillet — Sears better than any non-stick; naturally non-stick once seasoned.
- Enameled Dutch oven — For braises, roasts, and one-pot mains.
- Instant-read thermometer — The only reliable way to nail doneness without guessing.
Instructions
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one cut side of each roll and mustard on the other side.
- Layer ham slices on the bottom half of each roll, then roast pork on top of the ham.
- Top the meat with a slice of Swiss cheese and a layer of sliced pickles, then close the sandwiches.
- Spread the softened butter lightly over the outside of each sandwich, top and bottom.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and press them down firmly with a heavy pan or foil-wrapped weight, plancha-style.
- Toast 3-4 minutes per side, keeping the sandwiches pressed, until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
- Slice on the diagonal and serve immediately while still warm.
FAQ
Is this Kasalta-Style Medianoche Sandwich gluten-free?
No, the recipe uses organic challah bread, which is not gluten-free. However, you could substitute it with a certified gluten-free bread for those following a gluten-free diet.
Can I use honey instead of dates in the glaze?
Yes, you can use organic honey as an alternative to dates in the sweet glaze. Just ensure that the honey is minimally processed and free from added preservatives.
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