Everything you love about a classic Cubano: ham, cheese, pulled pork, pickles, and mustard turned into a fun, quick, individual pizza experience! Using a few convenience foods and shortcuts makes for one incredibly fun, delicious, and QUICK weeknight meal!
WHAT’S NEW?
Holy moly. What is it about Fridays when you’re SO ready for the weekend and the (work) sky is falling? The girls had (another) half day of school and fortunately Mark was able to manage the ladies while I cranked it out at work until a bit after 5pm. I was hoping it would be a quiet, productive Friday at the office. But instead, it was a chaotic, highly productive day at the office. And the weekend is here and we’re on a Cancun countdown, TGIF pizza is ordered and the movie is picked out. I’m only a bit cranky because I didn’t workout yesterday OR today and that’s just not how I roll.
My only weekend must-do is get a bit of reading done — book club is coming up this week and there’s several Variety Show practices that will absorb some time. We are heading to the Forest Park (Illinois) St. Patty’s Day Parade tomorrow and to see my brother, his family, and my folks – should be fun! But the highlight of my weekend just may be a 7pm hockey game. None of that hockey into Monday morning stuff this week. There is a God!
ROLL CALL FOR THIS RECIPE
- Cubano sandwich fans. Oh, don’t know what a Cubano is? You’re totally missing out. It’s the Cuban spin on a ham and cheese sandwich that always involves some type of carbohydrate vehicle and in my experience, some type of mustard and pickle combination. All that to say, a pizza base is arguable one that yields a best result. Standard pizza? Pssssh. Cuban Sandwich Pizza is where it’s at.
- Weeknight Quickie Fans. This recipe is full of shortcuts making it a great way to get dinner on the table…and FAST!
- Flavor Fans: I think that’s what I love most about Cubanos – all those BIG, BOLD flavors. I love everything there is to love here: Swiss cheese, pork shoulder, Dijon mustard, and bread and butter pickles. Every ingredient is simple and yet contributes in a huge way to the final Cubano pizza recipe!
KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Pizza Crust: Sure, you could go the traditional pizza route and use homemade pizza dough or use a store-bought pizza dough, but this recipe is ultra quick.
- BBQ Pork: While this recipe uses a ready-made, prepared product, this recipe is perfect for leftovers. Talk about a brilliant way to clean up after a cookout 😉
- Pickles: I opted for bread and butter slices, but dill or sweet pickles work just great, or feel free to omit altogether!
- Mustard: While I prefer a classic, smooth Dijon, you can sub in any mustard you like: yellow, whole grain, or honey mustard will all work great!
- Cheese: Swiss is the go-to here (Gruyere would be great), but feel free to sub in Provolone, Gouda, Havarti, Mozzarella cheese…or another cheese you love!
- Additions: Red onion, caramelized onion, green bell pepper, mushrooms, the sky is the limit. As long as all the Cubano basics are there, treat this recipe just as you would a pizza!
NUTRITIONAL MERITS
- Pizza is a food that’s so easy to overeat – it’s delicious! I love the individual-sized naan bread that make a perfect portion that allows for a pizza indulgence!
- Sure, there’s not a whole lot of nutritional merit here, but it does offer a nice balance of carbohydrate and lots of protein!
- Serve with a salad or veggie side to increase the wholesomeness!
VARIATIONS, STORAGE, & TIPS
- The best way to get a pizza crust that’s perfectly crisp-tender and easy to hold and eat is that quick little par bake. Don’t skip the pre-bake to get that nice brown color around the edge of the naan.
- This recipe is perfect for leftover pulled pork and barbecue leftovers!
- Cool completely before storing in the fridge. Layer parchment or wax paper between individual pizzas.
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-9 minutes on a baking sheet.
Individual Cubano Naan Pizzas
Everything you love about a classic Cubano: ham, cheese, pulled pork, pickles, and mustard turned into a fun, quick, individual pizza experience! Using a few convenience foods and shortcuts makes for one incredibly fun, delicious, and QUICK weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb prepared BBQ pulled pork*
- 6 mini naan
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Swiss cheese
- 12 pieces thinly sliced ham (about 8 ounces)
- 18 bread and butter pickle slices
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Arrange 6 naan on 1-2 large baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes; remove from oven.
- Cook pork according to package directions to heat.
- Spread 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard over the surface of each naan.
- Next, spread about 3 tablespoons of shredded Swiss over each par-baked naan. Layer with 2 slices of ham, and 1/6th of the pulled pork (~2.5 ounces).
- Return to oven to bake for 5-7 minutes or until edges are beginning to brown and cheese is melted.
- Top each pizza with 3 pickle slices and cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
*I used a refrigerated pulled pork from Aldi that got microwaved for a few minutes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 prepared pizzaAmount Per Serving: Calories: 426Total Fat: 15.0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 1121mgCarbohydrates: 44.5gFiber: 1.0gSugar: 19.2gProtein: 24.8g
Pizza fanatic like Mr. Prevention? Check out these pizza recipes!
- Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough
- 15-Minute BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Greek Pita Pizzas
- Southwestern Pizzas with Black Beans and Corn
- Green Goddess Pesto Squash Pizza
- Pull Apart Roasted Garlic Pizza Dip Sliders
Be well,
