Cuban Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cuban Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender pulled pork, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a creamy mustard sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it delivers a delicious blend of tangy and cheesy goodness with every bite.

A black cast iron skillet filled with a baked dish showing a top melted cheese layer, creamy light yellow with patches of golden brown spots and topped evenly with sliced green pickles. A woman's hand is lifting a portion with a spatula, revealing stretchy melted cheese and a middle layer of creamy mixture with chunks of what looks like meat or ham beneath the cheese. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a hint of a white cloth underneath. In the background, there are white plates and gold-colored cutlery slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 cups prepared pulled pork (not with sauce or carnitas)
  • 8 ounces sliced ham, cut into small pieces
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (shredded yourself for better melting)
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup yellow mustard
  • 1 cup sliced dill pickles
  • Additional pickles for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet (a 12-inch cast iron skillet works well) over medium heat, combine the whipping cream, cream cheese, and yellow mustard. Stir and heat until a smooth sauce forms and the cream cheese is melted.
  3. Step 3: Add the pulled pork, diced ham, half of the sliced dill pickles, and half of the shredded Swiss cheese to the skillet. Stir everything to combine evenly.
  4. Step 4: Top the mixture with the remaining shredded Swiss cheese and sliced pickles.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
  6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional pickles if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the sauce.
  • Use homemade pulled pork or high-quality deli pork for the best taste and texture.
  • If you prefer a tangier casserole, swap the yellow mustard for Dijon mustard.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture and melted cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the cheese rubbery.

How to Serve

A round black cast iron skillet holds a baked dish with three visible layers: the bottom layer is light yellow and smooth, likely an egg or batter base; the middle layer is melted and browned cheese with bubbly, golden spots; the top layer is scattered with green pickle slices, evenly spaced across the surface, adding texture and color contrast. The skillet sits on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by four small whole pickles, a white salt shaker, a white pepper shaker, two stacked white plates with two silver forks on top, and a white cloth with a black geometric pattern draped in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it fresh when ready to serve for the best results.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Swiss cheese?

Gruyère or mozzarella work well as substitutes for Swiss cheese, offering a similar melt and flavor profile with a slightly different taste.

Print

Cuban Casserole Recipe

This Cuban Casserole is a rich, savory dish combining tender pulled pork, diced ham, and creamy Swiss cheese baked in a flavorful mustard cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this casserole melds classic Cuban ingredients with a creamy cheesy base, topped with dill pickles for a tangy crunch.

  • Author: Joe
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Cuban

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Cheese

  • 4 cups prepared pulled pork (without sauce or carnitas)
  • 8 ounces sliced ham, cut into small pieces
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (shredded yourself for better melting)

Sauce

  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup yellow mustard

Pickles and Garnish

  • 1 cup sliced dill pickles
  • Additional pickles for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, combine the whipping cream, softened cream cheese, and yellow mustard. Stir continuously and heat the mixture until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and homogeneous.
  3. Add Meats and Pickles: Add the pulled pork, diced ham, half of the sliced dill pickles, and half of the shredded Swiss cheese to the skillet. Stir well to evenly combine all the ingredients within the sauce.
  4. Top with Remaining Cheese and Pickles: Evenly spread the remaining Swiss cheese and sliced pickles over the top of the meat mixture in the skillet.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the skillet to the oven (increase oven heat to 400°F) and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has fully melted and started to brown slightly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with additional dill pickles as desired before serving.

Notes

  • Shredding your own Swiss cheese aids in better melting and texture.
  • Ensure the pulled pork is free from sauces to maintain the balance of flavors with the mustard cream sauce.
  • If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, you can prepare the sauce and mix-ins in a pan, then transfer everything to a baking dish before baking.
  • Adjust the quantity of pickles based on your preference for tanginess.
  • This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Cuban casserole, pulled pork casserole, baked casserole, Swiss cheese casserole, creamy casserole, pork and ham casserole

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