There’s nothing quite like the warm, rich, and satisfying flavors of a traditional Cuban breakfast. From buttery, crispy Cuban toast dunked into sweet café con leche to fluffy scrambled eggs, tropical fruits, and savory ham or cheese, this breakfast is a delicious way to start the day. Whether you’re sitting in a lively Havana café or recreating the experience at home, this meal brings the heart and soul of Cuba straight to your table.
What Is a Cuban Breakfast?
A traditional Cuban breakfast is a simple yet flavorful combination of:
✔ Cuban Toast (Pan Cubano con Mantequilla) – A crispy, buttered Cuban bread, toasted to perfection.
✔ Café con Leche – A comforting blend of strong Cuban espresso and steamed milk, sweetened to taste.
✔ Scrambled or Fried Eggs – Often served with ham, cheese, or sautéed onions for extra richness.
✔ Tropical Fruits – Fresh mangoes, papaya, guava, or plantains add natural sweetness.
Breakfast in Cuba is about simplicity and connection. While lunch and dinner are often heavier meals, breakfast is light yet satisfying, focusing on strong coffee, buttery bread, and fresh fruit. It reflects Cuba’s Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, making it a unique and flavorful way to start the day.
Classic Cuban Breakfast Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: CubanDifficulty: Easy2-3
servings10
minutes15
minutes500-600 kcal per serving
kcalEnjoy a classic Cuban breakfast with crispy buttered Cuban toast, creamy scrambled eggs, sweet caramelized plantains, and a rich, frothy café con leche. A delicious and satisfying way to start your day!
Ingredients
For the Cuban Toast (Pan Cubano con Mantequilla):
4 slices Cuban bread (or French/Italian bread as a substitute)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Café con Leche:
2 shots strong Cuban espresso (or any strong coffee)
1 cup whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
1-2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
For the Scrambled Eggs:
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
2 tablespoons milk or cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: ½ cup diced ham, cheese, or sautéed onions & peppers
For the Caramelized Plantains:
1 ripe plantain (yellow with black spots)
1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
Add 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey, if desired, to increase sweetness.
Directions
- Make the Cuban Toast
Slice the Cuban bread in half lengthwise and spread butter generously on both sides.
Toast on a hot skillet or panini press until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
For extra authenticity, gently press the bread down while toasting to achieve a crisp exterior.
- Brew the Café con Leche
Brew strong Cuban espresso using a moka pot or espresso machine.
Heat the milk in a small pot until it is steamy but not boiling.
Froth the milk using a whisk and then pour it over the espresso.
Add sugar to taste and stir well. - Prepare the Scrambled Eggs
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (if using), salt, and black pepper.
In a pan, heat butter or oil over low to medium heat.
Pour in the eggs and stir gently with a spatula, cooking until just set but still creamy.
If adding ham, cheese, or sautéed onions & peppers, stir them in during the last 30 seconds of cooking. - Cook the Caramelized Plantains
Peel and slice the ripe plantain into ½-inch thick rounds.
Warm the butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the plantains and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.
For extra sweetness, sprinkle with a little sugar or honey while cooking. - Assemble Serve
✔ Serve the Cuban toast alongside the scrambled eggs and caramelized plantains.
✔ Pour yourself a steaming cup of café con leche.
✔ Enjoy your authentic Cuban breakfast with a side of fresh tropical fruit like mango, guava, or papaya.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Simple & Quick – Easy to prepare with just a few fresh ingredients.
✔ Culturally Rich – Offers a taste of authentic Cuban flavors and traditions.
✔ Customizable – Can be made sweet or savory, depending on personal preference.
I first experienced a true Cuban breakfast while strolling through Old Havana, where the aroma of fresh-baked Cuban bread and strong espresso filled the air. Sitting at a small café, dipping my crispy, buttery toast into warm café con leche, I instantly fell in love with the comfort and simplicity of the meal. Now, it’s a weekend favorite in my own kitchen, bringing back memories of Cuban hospitality and vibrant flavors.
Tips & Variations for the Perfect Cuban Breakfast
A traditional Cuban breakfast is already delicious and comforting, but with a few tweaks, you can customize it to your taste while keeping its authentic flavors. Whether you want to enhance the flavors, make dietary adjustments, or improve presentation, these tips and variations will help you elevate your Cuban morning meal!
Flavor Variations
Want to add extra richness and depth to your breakfast? Try these tasty upgrades:
✔ Savory Scrambled Eggs – Sauté onions and bell peppers before adding the eggs for a delicious Cuban-style scramble.
✔ Guava & Cheese Toast – Spread guava paste (pasta de guayaba) on Cuban toast and top with queso blanco or cream cheese for a sweet and savory twist.
✔ Avocado Topping – Add sliced avocado on top of your Cuban toast for an extra layer of creaminess and healthy fats.
✔ Extra Crunch – Sprinkle crushed plantain chips over eggs or toast for texture and a salty kick.
✔ Cinnamon-Sugar Toast – Dust Cuban toast with cinnamon and sugar for a Cuban-inspired version of French toast.
Dietary Adjustments
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free bread instead of Cuban bread.
✔ Dairy-Free Version – Swap out regular milk for plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy) and use vegan butter.
✔ Healthier Twist – Use whole-grain bread, reduce the amount of butter, and add more fresh fruit to keep it light and nutritious.
Presentation Ideas
✔ Colorful Plating – Serve on a vibrant platter with tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and guava for a festive Cuban feel.
✔ Fresh Garnishes – Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley over eggs for extra flavor and visual appeal.
✔ Classic Cuban Pairing – Serve with a side of Cuban-style black beans (frijoles negros) for a heartier meal.
With these customizations and presentation tips, you can make your Cuban breakfast experience even more enjoyable while keeping the authentic flavors of Cuba alive! 🇨🇺
What’s your favorite Cuban breakfast twist? Let us know in the comments!
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them for the Perfect Cuban Breakfast
Even the simplest breakfast dishes can have small mistakes that affect texture and flavor. If you’ve ever had dry toast, overcooked eggs, or bitter café con leche, don’t worry! Here’s how to fix common Cuban breakfast mistakes so you can enjoy an authentic, delicious meal every time.
Problem: The Toast is Too Dry
🔴 Issue: The bread lacks flavor and feels too dry after toasting.
✅ Solution: Butter both sides of the Cuban bread generously before toasting. The butter melts into the bread, giving it a crispy, golden texture and rich flavor. If you prefer a deeper crunch, toast the bread in a hot skillet rather than a toaster.
Problem: The Eggs Are Overcooked
🔴 Issue: The scrambled eggs turn out dry and rubbery.
✅ Solution: Cook the eggs on low heat and stir gently. Remove them from the heat just before they’re fully set, as they will continue to cook from residual heat. Adding a splash of milk or cream can also help keep them soft and fluffy.
Problem: The Café con Leche is Too Bitter
🔴 Issue: The coffee tastes overpowering or harsh.
✅ Solution: Adjust the coffee-to-milk ratio by adding more steamed milk for a smoother taste. Cuban coffee is strong, so adding a teaspoon of sugar when brewing helps balance the bitterness.
Problem: The Plantains Are Too Hard
🔴 Issue: The plantains don’t soften properly and taste starchy.
✅ Solution: Use ripe plantains with deep yellow skin and black spots—they’re naturally sweet and soften when cooked. Pan-fry them in a bit of butter or oil until they caramelize and turn golden brown.
Problem: The Bread is Not Crispy
🔴 Issue: The toast turns out soft instead of crunchy.
✅ Solution: Toast the bread on a hot skillet or use a panini press for an even, crispy texture. If using a skillet, press the bread down slightly to ensure good contact with the heat.
With these easy fixes, your Cuban breakfast will always turn out perfect—from crispy Cuban toast and soft eggs to smooth café con leche and sweet, caramelized plantains.
🔥 What’s your best Cuban breakfast tip? Let us know in the comments!
Nutritional Information for a Traditional Cuban Breakfast
Caloric Breakdown (Per Serving)
✔ Calories: ~400-500 kcal (varies based on portion size and additions)
✔ Fat: 15-20g (mostly from butter, eggs, and whole milk)
✔ Carbohydrates: 40-50g (from Cuban bread, plantains, and fruit)
✔ Protein: 15-20g (from eggs, ham, and milk)
✔ Sugar: 10-15g (from natural sugars in fruits and sweetened café con leche)
✔ Fiber: ~4-6g (from plantains and tropical fruits)
Health Benefits of Cuban Breakfast
✔ Eggs – A great source of high-quality protein, B vitamins, and choline, essential for brain health.
✔ Tropical Fruits – Mangoes, papayas, and guavas are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting immune function.
✔ Plantains – Naturally high in fiber, potassium, and slow-digesting carbs, providing long-lasting energy.
Healthier Alternatives
✅ Use Whole-Grain Bread – Higher in fiber and nutrients than traditional white Cuban bread.
✅ Reduce Butter & Use Avocado – Swap some butter for avocado slices for a healthier fat alternative.
✅ Opt for Low-Fat or Plant-Based Milk – Use low-fat dairy or almond/oat milk in café con leche to lower saturated fat.
✅ Less Sugar in Coffee – Sweeten with natural honey or cinnamon instead of refined sugar.
This breakfast is a balanced meal that offers protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it both nourishing and delicious!
For exact values, visit USDA FoodData Central.
FAQs About Cuban Breakfast
Can I use regular bread instead of Cuban bread?
Yes, you can use regular bread instead of Cuban bread, but for the most authentic texture and flavor, Cuban bread or French bread is the best option. Cuban bread has a light, airy crumb and a crispy crust, which makes it perfect for toasting and dipping into café con leche. If you can’t find Cuban bread, Italian bread or a soft baguette can work as a substitute.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This breakfast is best served fresh, especially the toast and café con leche. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance to make things easier. For example, you can pre-cut the bread, prep the eggs, and make the café con leche base ahead of time. If serving plantains, cook them just before eating to maintain their caramelized texture.
Can I use a different type of milk for café con leche?
You can use any type of milk for café con leche, including dairy or plant-based options. While whole milk is traditional for its creamy texture, almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk are excellent substitutes if you’re looking for a dairy-free or lighter option. Keep in mind that some plant-based milks have a slightly different sweetness or thickness, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar or milk-to-coffee ratio.
What can I substitute for plantains?
If you don’t have plantains, you can substitute them with bananas for a similar natural sweetness. However, bananas are softer and won’t caramelize like plantains when cooked. If you prefer, you can skip the plantains entirely and replace them with extra tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or guava to keep the dish balanced and refreshing.
Start Your Day the Cuban Way!
A Cuban breakfast is the perfect way to start your morning with bold flavors and comforting textures. From crispy, buttery Cuban toast dipped in rich café con leche to savory eggs and sweet plantains, this meal is a simple yet satisfying tradition. Whether you’re recreating a cherished family memory or exploring Cuban cuisine for the first time, this breakfast will transport you to the vibrant streets of Havana.
Now, it’s your turn! Try this classic Cuban breakfast at home and experience the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and hearty flavors. We’d love to hear about your experience—did you add your own twist? Have a favorite variation? Leave a comment below and share your tips!
For more delicious Cuban recipes and cooking inspiration, follow us on [Facebook] and stay connected!
🔥 Enjoy your taste of Cuba at home! 🇨🇺