Planning your next party just got easier with this collection of 20+ Cuban appetizers! Here you’ll find casual finger foods and bite-sized treats that will make any gathering more delicious. Your guests will love the crispy goodness of Cuban Empanadas, the nostalgic charm of classic street food Ham Croquettes, the crunch of Plantain Chips, and the zesty flavors of Cuban Sandwich Roll-Ups.
Many of these appetizers are simple to prepare and can be prepped in advance, allowing you to enjoy the party too. Take, for example, these Cuban Sandwich Skewers!
Cuban Appetizers
Instant Pot Mojo Pork (Cuban Pork Roast Recipe)
Instant Pot Mojo Pork cooks up so tender & delicious! This Cuban pork roast is made with a tangy citrus marinade and delicious spices.
Instant Pot Cuban Pork Roast Recipe
Sheet Pan Cuban Sandwiches
This Sheet Pan Cuban Sandwich is the ultimate cubano sandwich recipe. Ham, cuban pork & gruyere cheese are layered with pickles and mustard.
Sheet Pan Cuban Sandwiches
Papas Rellenas (Picadillo Stuffed Potato Balls)
Papas rellenas are mashed potato balls stuffed with flavorful Cuban picadillo, then fried till crispy and golden. The best snack or appetizer!Recipe: A Sassy Spoon
Papas Rellenas
Frituras de Maiz (Cuban Sweet Corn Fritters)
Frituras de Maiz, or Cuban sweet corn fritters, are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect appetizer or snack.Recipe: A Sassy Spoon
Cuban Sweet Corn Fritters
Oven Baked Tostones (Crispy Baked Green Plantains)
Oven-baked Tostones (Crispy Baked Green Plantains) is a healthier twist to the traditional twice “Fried” green plantains. Delicious as a Latin appetizer or side dish!Recipe: A Latin Flair
Oven Baked Tostones
Cuban Ham Croquettes
Cuban fritters that are crispy on the outside and warm and creamy on the inside with a Latin bechamel sauce.Recipe: Latina Mom Meals
Cuban Ham Croquettes
Tostones Rellenos
You’re 3 ingredients away from these Tostones Rellenos (or Cuban Stuffed Plantain Cups) and filling them with your favorite fillings like vaca frita!Recipe: A Sassy Spoon
Tostones Rellenos (Cuban Stuffed Plantain Cups)
Onion, Ham, and Cheese Empanadas
These sautéed onion, ham, and cheese empanadas are the perfect almost-homemade snack. Refrigerated pie crusts help cut down prep time.Recipe: Little Black Skillet
Onion, Ham, and Cheese Empanadas
Cuban Sandwich Skewers
Serve up the classic Cuban Sandwich on a stick! Ham, Salami, Swiss cheese and a tiny pickle make these Cuban Sandwich Skewers!Recipe: Best Appetizers
Cuban Sandwich Skewers
Baked Yuca Fries
These baked yuca fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The cilantro dipping sauce is ridiculously addictive!Recipe: The New Baguette
Baked Yuca Fries with Cilantro Dipping Sauce
Miami Cuban Dip
Easy, cheesy Miami Cuban dip is a fun appetizer twist on the classic Cuban sandwich, completely with all of the signature flavors that make it so famous!Recipe: Creme de la Crumb
Miami Cuban Dip
Cuban Sandwich Roll Up
This little indulgence is a take on a deli-style Cuban sandwich and drizzled with a mojo sauce (a mixture of lots of garlic, olive oil, and citrus). When it’s all rolled up and baked, all of those flavors render, creating some pretty incredible aromas coming from your kitchen! Recipe: Hapa Nom
Cuban Sandwich Roll Up
Cuban Egg Rolls
These easy and tasty Cuban Roast Pork Egg Rolls are made with juicy Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Roast Pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles.Recipe: Jawns I Cooked
Cuban Egg Rolls
Albondigas Cubanas Criollas (Cuban Meatballs)
These albondigas Cubanas criollas are made with ground beef and pork. The meatballs are pan-seared and then smothered in a spiced sauce.Recipe: Cooked by Julie
Cuban Meatballs
Pinchos De Pollo
Pinchos de pollo are citrus marinated chunks of chicken on a skewer glazed with guava bbq sauce. This is the Cuban version of the popular street food!Recipe: A Sassy Spoon
Pinchos De Pollo (Easy Cuban-Style Chicken Skewers)
Pastelitos de Guayaba (Guava Pastelitos)
Pastelitos de Guayaba con Queso (Guava Pastelitos) is a Cuban favorite. Flakey puff pastry is filled with guava paste and sweet cream cheese.Recipe: A Cozy Kitchen
Pastelitos de Guayaba (Guava Pastelitos)
Plantain Chips with Mojo Sauce
These Plantain Chips with Mojo Sauce are a delicious snack that only takes 20 minutes to make! It’s crispy, savory, and perfect for sharing!Recipe: A Cozy Kitchen
Plantain Chips with Mojo Sauce
Chicharrones de Pollo
Chicharrones de Pollo are bite size chicken pieces marinated in a garlic, lime and rum marinade, dredged through flour & fried to perfection.Recipe: Jo Cooks
Chicharrones de Pollo
Cuban Chimichurri Sauce
Cuban Chimichurri sauce is a delicious oil-based sauce made from fresh herbs, garlic, and onion. It's the perfect blend of Cuban-inspired tangy and savory flavors to bring life to any meal.Recipe: Nuts and Twins
Cuban Chimichurri Sauce
Empanadas
These Cuban-style beef empanadas are filled with a flavorful picadillo. They’re great for breakfast, brunch or as a mid-day snack. Pair an empanada with a shot of Cuban coffee for an authentic Miami style pick me up. Recipe: Cook To Eat Well
Cuban Empanadas
More Appetizers to Try
Did you Make Any of These Cuban Appetizers?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of Cuban appetizers. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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PS – Be sure to check out these 15+ Cuban Side Dishes and 25+ Cuban Desserts as well.
Full Recipe
20+ Cuban Appetizer Recipes
Planning your next party just got easier with this collection of 20+ Cuban appetizers! Here you'll find casual finger foods and bite-sized treats that will make any gathering more delicious. Try these Cuban Sandwiches.
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Serves 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 torta rolls (baguettes or hero rolls, split lengthwise)
- 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- ½ pound thinly sliced cooked ham
- ½ pound Cuban Mojo-Marinated Pork (or store-bought roast pork)
- ¼ pound thinly sliced Gruyere Cheese
- 6 dill pickles (sliced, plus 4 teaspoons pickle juice)
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Brush each top bread slice with 1 teaspoon pickle juice and mustard, then layer on the ham, pork, cheese, and dill pickles.
- Brush the top and bottom of the sandwich with melted butter and place on a baking sheet. Place a second baking sheet on top of sandwiches and press lightly. Place a large cast-iron skillet on top of baking sheets to press.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Let cool slightly, then slice each sandwich into small appetizer sized pieces and serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 939mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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