Torta de Jamón (Mexican Ham Sandwich)

by Yvette Marquez on October 3, 2021

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Familiar, easy to make, and entirely customizable — sandwiches are a worldwide favorite for many reasons. This recipe for Torta de Jamón, the Mexican ham sandwich, is about to become one of your favorites!

two tortas de jamon on a wooden cutting board with two whole jalapeños

Soft and fresh bolillo rolls serve as the perfect base for salty ham, creamy avocado, cheese, and crunchy romaine lettuce. This ham torta is a sandwich masterpiece!

Table of Contents

About This Recipe

Fresh bread in the form of a bolillo or a telera is what makes it a traditional torta. This particular recipe is no different, but you can certainly feel free to use any kind of soft roll that you might have on hand. I also love using mayo on my sandwiches, but I know that is a personal preference.

Round the torta de jamón out with a few slices of ham, a slice or two of Mexican asadero cheese, a few spears of romaine lettuce, maybe a few slices of tomatoes, and a spicy jalapeño on the side. As with all other sandwiches, this “recipe” is more of a loose suggestion. Feel free to adjust any of the quantities or the ingredients to your liking.

buffet style spread for making tortas de jamón

I have so many fond memories of this meal. Tortas are very easy to make and perfect for quick meals, picnics, and packed lunches. My mom used to make and sell them in our family grocery store, Soza’s Grocery. Every day she would make at least a dozen and they would sell out by noon.

Since they’re perfectly portable, she also made these Mexican sandwiches for road trips and camping adventures; till this day, a road trip simply is not a road trip without a torta!

After the publishing of the Muy Bueno cookbook, my mom and I were invited to cook with Daytime host Jerry Penacoli making a Mexican picnic lunch menu. If you want to see my mom make a torta, you’ll get a good peek at a favorite childhood memory of mine.

Watch this video to see how I continue to make these tortas for my family.

How to Make Tortas

If you’ve ever made a sandwich – and I suspect you have – you already know how to make a torta!

Slice the bolillos in half lengthwise and open the rolls and spread about one tablespoon of mayonnaise on the inside of each.

On each roll, place one to two slices of ham,one to two slice of cheese, some avocado and tomato slices, and lettuce. Serve with a fresh jalapeño.

Wrap it up with plastic wrap if you want it to-go.

avocados, tomatoes, ham and lettuce on a mexican ham sandwich

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of bread should I use?

For a traditional Mexican sandwich, serve your torta on a bolillo or a telera. If you can’t find either of these Mexican breads, you can also use a French roll or hoagie roll.

What type of cheese should I use?

My mom makes tortas with fresh asadero cheese which she buys at a local dairy. Freshly made cheese is the best and is what I think makes these tortas so good. If you can’t find asadero cheese, my next favorite is muenster.

What type of ham should I use?

I prefer to buy thinly sliced deli ham, but any leftover ham or even Thanksgiving turkey leftovers can be used.

I’m not a fan of mayonnaise – what else can I use?

This torta de jamón is your sandwich, so feel free to make it to your liking! Try swapping in another spread like mustard or hummus.

What am I supposed to do with the jalapeño?

You know how some like it hot? Well, if you’re part of team spicy, do as we do and serve a whole jalapeño on the side of your torta; take a little nibble whenever you’re in need of some potent heat!

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If you made this recipe for my Torta de Jamón, be sure to rate and review it below. And if you make a delicious masterpiece that you want to share with the whole world, be sure to tag me in your Instagram posts so I can see!