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Keto Cuban Casserole

This keto Cuban casserole is an easy recipe variation of the classic Cuban sandwich.

Made with leftover shredded pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a creamy, cheesy Dijon mustard sauce, it’s a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family will love.

Plus, it’s low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without guilt.

I promise you, this low-carb Cuban casserole is so good you won’t even miss the bread!

So, next time you’re looking for an easy and delicious casserole recipe, be sure to give this one a try. You won’t be disappointed.

While you’re here, be sure to also check out our keto casserole recipes for more tasty options.

Low-Carb Cuban Casserole

Keto Cuban Casserole

Growing up in Hialeah, Florida, where there is a large population of Cuban immigrants, means this girl had countless Cuban sandwiches.

Not to mention that my father is from Cuba, so the Cuban influence runs deep with me.

Unfortunately, after I went keto in 2014 and removed gluten from my diet, I could no longer enjoy this classic Cuban sandwich.

Thankfully, this keto-friendly Cuban casserole finally made it possible for me to enjoy all the flavors I missed without messing with my keto macros.

Plus, it’s allowed me to add another recipe to our Keto Cuban recipes collection for you all to enjoy.

Yup, I’m always looking for more ways to share Cuban cuisine with you all so that you have plenty of keto recipes low in net carbs to make part of your keto meal prep.

What’s also great about this healthy dinner, besides the flavors of a Cubano sandwich without the bread?

It’s a keto casserole that can be made ahead of time, and the recipe doubles easily for when you want a crowd-pleaser.

After all, you want to share a flavorful dish that will help prove to them that keto can be a delicious breeze with the correct recipes.

To make a large batch of this casserole, you’ll simply double the recipe and bake it in a 13×9-inch baking pan for about 10 minutes longer than the original instructions.

Cuban Sandwich Origin Story

Low carb Cuban casserole
Low-carb Cuban casserole

If you’re wondering when the Cuban sandwich was first created, tradition believes the Taino tribe in Cuba first introduced it and then had its influences from the Spaniards, who later added pork and ham to the mix.

You can read more about its possible origin here.

The Cuban sandwich is a variation of the ham and cheese sandwich created in Cuba during the late 1800s.

It’s said to have been invented by Cuban workers employed in cigar factories in Florida.

These cigar factory workers would bring their sandwiches to work with them, and over time, the sandwich became known as the “Cuban sandwich.”

The traditional Cuban sandwich consists of Cuban bread, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. However, there are many variations of the sandwich, including this keto version.

What’s In This Keto Cuban Casserole?

Keto Cuban Casserole Ingredients displayed on a marble counter
Keto Cuban Casserole Ingredients

This keto casserole is packed with all of your favorite Cuban flavors, minus the carbs from bread. You’re basically having a deconstructed Cuban sandwich in a casserole.

You should note that although I made this recipe in a glass casserole dish, you could also use a cast iron skillet with the same great results.

Low-Carb Cuban Casserole Ingredients

The following are the ingredients you’ll need to make this gluten-free, keto Cuban casserole. Note that the full printable recipe card, including the nutrition facts, is at the bottom of the page.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

  • Leftover pulled pork, our keto Cuban lechón made in a slow cooker would work well.
  • Swiss cheese slices
  • Thinly sliced ham
  • Dill pickle slices

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Swiss Cheese Mustard Sauce

creamy, cheesy Dijon mustard sauce being made
creamy, cheesy Dijon mustard sauce being made
  • Heavy cream
  • Shredded Swiss cheese
  • Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
  • Cream cheese, room temperature (thickens the simple cream sauce)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dry mustard
  • Salt
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Spanish paprika

How Do You Make Keto Cuban Casserole?

keto Cuban casserole process pictures
Keto Cuban casserole process pictures

Part of the charm of the Cuban sandwich is its simplicity. Thankfully, the ease of making this into a Cuban casserole didn’t change the fact that it’s super easy to make.

This is not a labor-intensive dish. In fact, it’s a delicious, low-carb meal you can bring to the dinner table quickly.

Just keep in mind that you will need to plan a little ahead when making this low-carb meal since you’ll be using leftover pork butt or pork shoulder

But you can even use pre-cooked pulled pork from your grocery store; use a sauceless pork roast option.

As you can see, you can prepare this Cuban classic turned keto in different ways.

This keto casserole comes together quickly. You’ll start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.

Then, proceed to make the cheesy mustard sauce on the stovetop.

To do so, use a small saucepan and turn the stove to medium heat. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, mustard, and dry spices, and simmer until the sauce is fully heated and everything is well incorporated.

Once the sauce is heated, add the shredded Swiss cheese and continue to stir until fully incorporated, stirring frequently.

Then, to a 9×9 baking dish, add the shredded pork mixture layer. To the pork layer, you’ll then add the thin slices of ham.

Next, pour the Swiss cheese sauce over the top of the oven-safe casserole, ensuring to cover all the slices of ham.

Then, you’ll add the Swiss cheese slices, being sure to slightly overlap each slice.

Top the casserole with the pickle slices and bake the Cuban casserole for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the casserole is bubbly and slightly brown around the edges.

Tag Us

keto Cuban casserole featured image
Easy low-carb Cuban casserole

I sure hope you will give this Cuban casserole a try. Once you do, make sure you remember to tag us on Instagram and Facebook.

It’s what keeps this girl encouraged to keep sharing and perfecting her recipes.

Also, check out our Amazon Store for our recommendations. You might be surprised by how many great keto options are at your disposal.

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In case you don’t know, we have authored two books for you, Essential Keto Bread and Essential Keto Desserts, both inspired by your requests over the years.

I pray these keto cookbooks will help make keto a delicious breeze for you.

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We invite you to join our Private Facebook Group and see if it’s not the key you’ve been missing.

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keto Cuban casserole featured image

Keto Cuban Casserole (Gluten-Free)

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

This Keto Cuban casserole is an easy variation of the classic Cuban sandwich. Made with leftover, shredded pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a creamy cheesy Dijon mustard sauce, it's a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pound of cooked leftover pulled pork
  • 7 ounces (11 slices) Swiss cheese
  • 8 ounces of thinly sliced ham
  • 4 ounces of sliced dill pickles

Swiss Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1 ounce of cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/8 of teaspoon of Spanish paprika

Instructions


Dijon Mustard Cheese Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat simmer the heavy cream, cream cheese, mustard, and dry spices. Be sure to stir frequently. Once the sauce is heated add the shredded Swiss cheese and continue to stir until fully incorporated. Set the sauce aside.

Assembling The Cuban Casserole

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. To a 9x9 baking dish add the shredded pork layer. Then add the thin slices of ham.
  3. Next, pour the Swiss cheese sauce over the top of the casserole being sure to cover all the slices of ham.
  4. Then add the Swiss cheese slices, slightly overlapping.
  5. Top the casserole with the pickle slices.
  6. Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes until the cheese melts and the casserole is bubbly and slightly brown around the edges.
  7. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 weeks.

Notes


This recipe can also be make in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet

Double The Recipe

  • The recipe can be doubled easily and baked in a 13x9 inch pan for 40-45 minutes.

Make Ahead Instructions

  • The casserole can be made ahead and assembled up to 48 hours before baking.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 675Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 178mgSodium: 669mgCarbohydrates: 3.7gNet Carbohydrates: 3.2gFiber: .5gSugar: .7gProtein: 43g

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