Torta de Jamón is a classic Mexican ham sandwich that’s simple and satisfying.
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What Mexican kid didn’t grow up watching the TV show, El Chavo? As a kid, I always felt badly for el Chavo del Ocho. He lived in a barrel, no parents, and all he wanted was a Torta de Jamon.
Even to this day, people in Mexico refer to this sandwich as “el torta del chavo.” Can’t say I blame him either. It’s delicious!
Made with ham, tomatoes, lettuce, pickled jalapeños, and creamy mayonnaise, it’s a quick meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack.
Table of Contents
🥖 Bread
Traditionally served on a telera or bolillo roll, this sandwich is a staple at Mexican bakeries. If you don’t have either of those breads available, use a baguette or a hoagie bread.
👩🏼🍳 Instructions
- Slice the telera or bolillo in half lengthwise.
- Spread the mayonnaise on one side of the bread.
- Place the slices of ham on the bottom half of the bread.
- Add the tomato slices and onion over the ham.
- Top with the shredded lettuce.
- Add as many pickled jalapeños as you like.
- Add avocado slices, if using.
- Place the top half of the bread over the fillings.
- For a warm sandwich, toast the torta on a hot griddle for a few minutes on each side until lightly golden.
- Alternatively, skip the toasting step and enjoy the sandwich as is.
🙋🏻♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
A Torta de Jamón is a traditional Mexican ham sandwich made with a telera or bolillo roll and filled with ingredients such as ham, lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and pickled jalapeños.
Both are popular Mexican breads used for tortas. Teleras are softer and flatter, while bolillos have a crustier exterior and a shape similar to a small baguette.
Yes. If you can’t find a telera rolls or bolillo, a baguette, sandwich roll, or crusty French bread will work well.
Absolutely. Many people add queso fresco, avocado, onions, refried beans, or different meats to customize their torta. If I don’t have pickled jalapenos, I will add chopped chipotle in adobo sauce and mix it with mayo. It goes great on this sandwich!
🥪 More Mexican Tortas
This Torta de Jamón recipe proves that simple ingredients can create an incredibly flavorful meal. Whether toasted or served fresh, it’s easy to see why this sandwich is a Mexican favorite.
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Torta de Jamón (Mexican Ham Sandwich)
Ingredients
- 1 telera or bolillo, sliced in half
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 slices ham
- 2 slices tomatoes
- 1 leaf lettuce thinly sliced
- 3 slices onion
- 1 pickled jalapeño (or as desired)
- 2 slices avocado
- refried beans (optional)
- cheese slices (optional)
Instructions
- Cut bread in half.
- Smear mayo on one side of the bread.
- To the bottom half of the bread, add ham, tomato, lettuce, onion, jalapenos, and avocado.
- Add the optional ingredients to the sandwich.
- Top with other half of the bread.
- You can toast the sandwich for a few minutes on each side over a hot griddle.
- Or skip altogether the toasting part, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
More Pictures
Muy buenas resetas
muchísimas gracias 🙂
I’m making these today for my construction workers. I’ll report back with their comments 😉
UPDATE: My Mexican workers loved the tortas. I watched 20 of them disappear in about 10 minutes! Thanks so much for the recipe, Maggie!
Omg can we say yum?!? This looks like one delicious sandwich. Must give it a try!!!
This looks like a lovely recipe. Any tips for vegetarians? What can we substitute the ham with?
Yes! I have been eating grilled tofu. Marinated in cilantro and jalapeno. Delicious!
Never heard of a Mexican sandwich but it looks yummy and it does look difficult to make.
nothing beats a good ham sammich! i gotta try this
My husband love tortas! I am going to have to show him this.
Wow, so delicious and easy recipe to make for the kids. I am sure my kids will love it like and will make their favorite.
I just learn the world Jamon when I visited Spain, it means ham. Tried all type of Jamon in Spain and love it. Glad to learn about this recipe and able to make this for lunch and easy to bring to office too.
Looks great! Nothing beats a simple and delicious ham sandwich!
Ooo I love sandwiches! Those look so healthy and fresh. Homemade sandwiches are the best. I want some now!
Yum this recipe looks so delicious and easy! Can’t wait to try it ourselves.
I love sandwiches. This looks yummy and delicious, though never eaten it
This looks so delicious. Reminds me of my favorite sandwich and that lunch time is near!
I am not familiar with that show but it sounds fun and interesting. That Torta de Jamón looks really yummy.
I like trying out different foods from different cultures. This is a good pick for me. Thanks!
haha.. i am vegetarian, but anyhow, your pictures look amazing and i think the recipe turned out well too! Good luck!
Ok, that looks amazing. I cannot wait to make it when we are in Mexico in December!
This sounds yummy; I always add jalapenos to sandwiches for an added kick!