Cuban Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cuban Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together tender pulled pork, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese in a creamy mustard sauce. It’s perfect for a hearty meal that celebrates bold flavors with an easy-to-make casserole format.

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, softened cream cheese, and yellow mustard. Stir and heat until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
3. Step 3: Add the pulled pork, diced ham, half of the sliced pickles, and half of the shredded Swiss cheese to the sauce.
4. Step 4: Stir everything together to blend the ingredients evenly.
5. Step 5: Top the mixture with the remaining Swiss cheese and pickles.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional pickles if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Shredding the Swiss cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese helps it melt more smoothly for a creamier casserole.
• Use a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet to minimize cleanup and serve directly from the pan.
• For extra tang, try adding a splash of pickle juice to the cream sauce before combining the pork and ham.
• You can substitute the pulled pork with leftover roast pork or shredded chicken if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover Cuban Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to keep the cheese creamy and sauce smooth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to step 5, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.

What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?

Gruyère or mozzarella are good alternatives that melt well and complement the flavors in this casserole.

Cuban Casserole Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

This Cuban Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pulled pork, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, all baked together in a rich mustard-cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this casserole offers a delightful blend of traditional Cuban flavors with a creamy cheesy twist.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 4 cups prepared pulled pork (not with sauce or carnitas)
• 8 ounces sliced ham (cut into small pieces)

Dairy

• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (shredded yourself for better melting)
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)

Condiments & Others

• ¼ cup yellow mustard
• 1 cup sliced dill pickles
• Additional pickles for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Sauce: In a large oven-safe skillet (preferably a 12-inch cast iron skillet) set over medium heat, combine the whipping cream, softened cream cheese, and yellow mustard. Stir continuously and heat gently until the cream cheese melts and the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy sauce.
3. Add Meats and Ingredients: Into the sauce, add the pulled pork, diced ham, half of the sliced dill pickles, and half of the shredded Swiss cheese. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients throughout the sauce.
4. Top with Remaining Cheese and Pickles: Evenly spread the remaining Swiss cheese and the rest of the pickles on top of the mixed ingredients in the skillet to create a flavorful, cheesy crust when baked.
5. Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven set at 400°F (204°C) and bake for about 20 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and beginning to brown lightly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with additional pickles if desired. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.

Notes

• Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and creamier texture.
• This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance richness.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce before combining the meats.
• The casserole can be prepared in a large oven-safe skillet or transferred to a baking dish if necessary.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Cuban casserole, pulled pork casserole, Swiss cheese casserole, baked pork dish, creamy mustard sauce