The Cuban Roast Pork Dip from Yard House features tender, slow-roasted pork nestled in a warm, crusty hoagie roll, complemented by melted Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and a side of savory au jus for dipping, delivering a hearty and flavorful sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Oven or slow cooker
- Roasting pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Hoagie roll/bread knife
- Cheese slicer or grater
- Saucepan (for au jus)
- Ladle
- Serving tongs
- Baking sheet (for toasting sandwich)
- Small bowl or ramekin (for au jus)
- Serving platter or plates
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) pork shoulder (pork butt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 large onion
- Hoagie rolls (4–6)
- 8–12 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sliced dill pickles
- For au jus:
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Drippings from roasted pork
When selecting pork shoulder for your Cuban Roast Pork Dip copycat, choose a 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg) cut with good marbling to ensure tenderness and flavor. Use fresh garlic and a blend of ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper to create an authentic seasoning profile that mimics the Yard House version. The combination of orange and lime juices infuses the pork with a bright citrus note essential for Cuban-inspired dishes. Swiss cheese and sliced dill pickles provide the perfect balance of creamy and tangy textures in the sandwich. Your Cuban Roast Pork Dip copycat will shine when served with a savory au jus made from low-sodium beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the pork drippings for dipping.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C), or set up your slow cooker.
- Pat pork shoulder dry; score fat cap if desired.
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Rub marinade all over pork; place pork in roasting pan.
- Slice onion; scatter around pork.
- Cover pan tightly with foil (or lid).
- Roast in oven for 3–4 hours, or until fork-tender (or slow cook on low 8 hours).
- Remove pork and let rest 15 minutes; reserve drippings.
- Shred pork with forks.
- For au jus: In saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire, and reserved drippings. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Slice hoagie rolls; toast lightly on baking sheet, if desired.
- Layer shredded pork, pickles, and Swiss cheese on rolls.
- Toast assembled sandwiches until cheese melts.
- Slice sandwiches; serve with au jus in ramekin for dipping.
Substitution
The Cuban Roast Pork Dip from Yard House copycat menu centers on slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with garlic, cumin, oregano, and citrus juices for authentic flavor. If pork shoulder is unavailable, you can substitute with pork loin, though it may be leaner and less tender after roasting. Swiss cheese can be replaced with provolone or mozzarella for a similar melt and texture without altering the overall taste dramatically. Use beef broth or a mix of beef and chicken broth for au jus if low-sodium varieties are not on hand, adjusting seasoning accordingly. Your sandwich experience will benefit from toasting the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet to achieve a crisp exterior that holds up to the juicy pork and melted cheese.
Tips
Make sure to pat the pork shoulder dry before applying the marinade, which helps the flavors adhere better and improves browning during roasting. Let the pork rest after cooking for at least 15 minutes to retain juices when shredding, ensuring tender and moist meat. When preparing the au jus, simmer reserved drippings with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce slowly to deepen the flavor without reducing too much. Toasting the hoagie rolls before assembling your sandwich prevents sogginess and adds a pleasant crunch to your Cuban Roast Pork Dip.
Nutritions
Your Cuban Roast Pork Dip offers a protein-rich meal primarily from the slow-roasted pork shoulder, which provides essential amino acids crucial for muscle repair and energy. Swiss cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health, while dill pickles contribute low-calorie flavor with beneficial probiotics promoting gut health. The use of olive oil in the marinade introduces healthy monounsaturated fats, and the combination of citrus juices and spices delivers antioxidants that may support immune function. Pairing the sandwich with au jus adds moisture and minerals without excessive sodium, especially when using low-sodium beef broth.
Storage
Store leftover roasted pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its tenderness and flavor. Keep the au jus separately in a sealed jar or container to prevent sogginess when reheating. To enjoy your Cuban Roast Pork Dip at its best, reheat the pork gently in the oven or slow cooker, then reassemble the sandwich with fresh cheese and pickles before toasting.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute pork shoulder with boneless pork loin for a leaner version, adjusting cooking time to avoid dryness. Try replacing Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella for a milder flavor profile. Using a cast iron skillet to sear the pork before roasting enhances the crust and adds depth to the au jus. Consider adding fresh cilantro or caramelized onions in the sandwich to introduce fresh, sweet notes that complement the savory pork.
Allergies
The Cuban Roast Pork Dip contains common allergens such as pork and dairy from the Swiss cheese, which could cause reactions in individuals with meat or milk allergies. The hoagie rolls may contain gluten, posing a risk for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Your need to check for ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, which sometimes contains anchovies or soy, if you have related allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Cuban Roast Pork Dip at Yard House features tender, flavorful pork marinated with authentic Cuban spices and slow-roasted to perfection, creating a rich and savory experience. Its combination of melted Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and warm, toasted bread offers a unique blend of textures and tastes that stand out on the menu. You'll appreciate the irresistible balance of smoky, citrus, and garlicky notes that make this dip a crowd favorite. Attempting the copycat recipe gives you the chance to recreate this gourmet delight at home, saving money while impressing guests with an iconic Yard House specialty.