Cuban Sandwich Appetizer Skewers. Fun to make and fun to eat! These cold appetizers on a stick with Swiss cheese, ham, Dijon mustard, salami, and baby dill pickles can be prepared ahead of time and are always a crowd pleaser.
Happy hour is one of my favorite parts of the day. These Cuban sandwich skewers join a rotating lineup of easy, flavorful nibbles that pair perfectly with a drink or a simple get-together. They sit nicely alongside other small bites like BLT bites, antipasto skewers, or spicy deviled eggs, bringing the bright, savory flavors of a classic Cuban sandwich into a compact, easy-to-eat form.
The combination is irresistible: nutty Swiss cheese, smoky ham spread with a little spicy Dijon mustard, salty folded salami, and a tangy baby dill pickle. Each skewer balances creamy, salty, and tangy notes, creating a little party of flavors on a stick. Because they’re served cold and assemble quickly, they’re ideal for entertaining and can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
What are Cuban sandwich appetizer skewers?
The traditional Cuban sandwich is built from layers of tender pork, deli ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, pressed until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted. These appetizer skewers take the essential flavors of that classic sandwich and translate them into a bite-sized, portable format. Instead of bread and a press, the ingredients are compacted onto a short skewer: cheese, ham, salami, and a pickle. The result is all the familiarity of a Cuban sandwich with less fuss and more flexibility for a party.
Ingredients
These skewers require only a few simple components and take minutes to assemble. They’re perfect for last-minute hosting or for preparing ahead and chilling until guests arrive.
- Swiss cheese (block)
- Deli ham
- Salami
- Baby dill pickles
- Spicy Dijon mustard
- 4-inch toothpicks or small skewers
How to make appetizer skewers
- Prep the ingredients — Cut the Swiss cheese into roughly ¾-inch cubes. Slice each ham slice into strips, spread each strip lightly with Dijon mustard, and roll the strips into tight rolls. Fold salami slices into quarters so they sit neatly on the skewer.
- Assemble the skewers — Thread a cheese cube onto a 4-inch toothpick, then add a ham roll, a folded quarter of salami, and finish with a baby dill pickle. Repeat until you’ve used all the ingredients.
- Chill and store — Arrange the assembled skewers on a platter. Cover lightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Serve chilled straight from the refrigerator.
Chef tips for making appetizer skewers
- Cut evenly — Even-sized cheese cubes ensure a balanced bite and make the skewers look tidy and appetizing.
- Spread the mustard thinly — A little Dijon goes a long way; spreading a thin layer on the ham adds bright heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Pick the right skewers — Four-inch toothpicks or short cocktail skewers work best. Shorter picks may not hold all components securely.
- Choose flavorful ham — A smoky deli ham complements the Swiss cheese and pickles. Honey-glazed or maple-glazed varieties also work well if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
More appetizer ideas
- Grandma’s sausage and cheddar cheese balls
- Roast beef crostini with horseradish cream
- Cucumber and watermelon bites with blue cheese
- Garden-fresh basil hummus with veggies or pita
- Everything-but-the-bagel seasoned chicken bites
- Endive leaves stuffed with parmesan and walnuts
Just one more thing
If you try these Cuban Sandwich Appetizer Skewers, I hope you enjoy how easy they are to assemble and how well they travel to a party or potluck. They’re great chilled, simple to prep in advance, and flexible — feel free to swap or add ingredients to suit your taste. For example, substitute prosciutto or roasted pork slices for the ham, or use a milder mustard if you prefer less heat. The balance of cheese, cured meat, tangy pickle, and mustard is what gives these skewers their classic Cuban-inspired flavor.
Recipe
Cuban Sandwich Appetizer Skewers
Ingredients
- 24 four-inch toothpicks
- 6 slices deli ham, each cut into 4 strips
- 3 tablespoons spicy Dijon mustard
- 12 oz block Swiss cheese, cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 24 small slices of salami, each folded into quarters
- 24 baby dill pickles (cornichons)
Instructions
- Place the ham on a cutting board and cut each slice into four strips. Spread each strip lightly with Dijon mustard, then roll each strip up and set aside.
- Cut the Swiss cheese into ¾-inch cubes and set aside.
- For each skewer, thread a Swiss cheese cube, a ham roll, a folded quarter of salami, and a baby dill pickle. Continue assembling until all ingredients are used.
- Arrange on a serving platter, cover lightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Prep the ingredients ahead to make assembly fast. Even cubes and uniform rolls make the skewers look polished.
- A smoky tavern-style deli ham works especially well, but honey-glazed or maple-glazed ham can add a sweeter note.
- Use 4-inch toothpicks or short cocktail skewers; shorter picks may not hold all components securely.
Nutrition (per serving: 2 skewers)
Calories: 209 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.5 g | Protein: 13.3 g | Fat: 14.5 g | Saturated Fat: 7.8 g | Cholesterol: 50 mg | Sodium: 2160 mg | Fiber: 1.7 g | Sugar: 2.1 g
