Growing up in South Florida, I consider myself somewhat of an expert in Cuban cuisine. After I moved away, I never lost that insatiable craving for slow-roasted pork, black beans with chopped garlic and onions, and authentic Cuban Sandwiches, both the traditional and the sweeter, Medianoche.

These crostinis, offer a quick and satisfying alternative to help suppress those sudden urges.  They’re great for lunch, as a weekend snack or hors d’oeuvre.  And, yes, they’re not traditional. I’ve boosted the flavor by adding smokey and creamy Gruyère cheese. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. 

Cuban-Inspired Crostini:

Pre-heat your oven to 450. Cut freshly baked Cuban bread (or French in a pinch) into 1/2″ slices. Brush both sides with extra-virgin olive oil and arrange slices on a baking sheet.  Bake for 10 minutes or until the slices become golden brown and crispy. Remove the crostinis from the oven.

Top each slice with yellow mustard, thin slices of roast-pork, sweet ham, and Gruyère cheese. Return them to the oven and allow the cheese to melt, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Remove them from the oven and top with a sweet pickle chip and a dash (or two, or three) of Cholula hot sauce.

For more Cuban recipes or a list of local Cuban  restaurants in your area, visit http://www.tasteofcuba.com/