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    Home » Recipes » Mexican » Torta de Jamón (Mexican Ham Sandwich)

    Torta de Jamón (Mexican Ham Sandwich)

    Last Updated August 11, 2022. Originally Posted March 27, 2018 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Torta de Jamón is a Mexican Ham Sandwich served on a telera or bolillo. It became a Mexican food classic by the TV show, El Chavo. It’s ready in minutes, making it a great lunch option.
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    Torta de Jamón is a Mexican Ham Sandwich served on a telera or bolillo. It became a Mexican food classic by the TV show, El Chavo. It’s ready in minutes, making it a great lunch option. by Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    Torta de Jamón is a Mexican Ham Sandwich served on a telera or bolillo. It became a Mexican food classic by the TV show, El Chavo. It’s ready in minutes, making it a great lunch option.

    Torta de Jamón, Mexican Ham Sandwich

    Who else was raised watching El Chavo? The jokes are so corny, but they still make me laugh. Even to this day, just the thought of El Chavo and the comedic genius, Chespirito, brings a smile to my face. Many years later, I was fortunate enough to watch him perform live in the theatre production of “Once y Doce” in Mexico City. That night, for dinner, we had a Torta de Jamón (or Mexican Ham Sandwich).

    El Chavo in a barrel

    If you have never watched the show, El Chavo was a homeless boy living in a barrel. It was a barrel of laughs. Pun intended!! In nearly every episode, he desperately wanted a Torta de Jamón, or Mexican Ham Sandwich. It may sound simple and easy, and but that’s exactly the irony behind the joke. I must admit… I’m a bit of a ham, but you won’t find me between two slices of bread. LOL.

    two telera mexican breads

    You start with either a telera or bolillo. If you can’t find either of these Mexican breads, you can also use a baguette. I like to remove the center. You save a few calories, and trust me, you won’t miss it.

    Ingredients to make a Torta de Jamon surrounding white bread sliced in half on green cutting board

    From here, the assembly is a no brainer. Mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickled jalapeños, and of course, ham slices. You can also add avocado slices, but I didn’t have any ripe ones to use. (sad face)

    Bread topped with ham, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickled jalapenos and pickled carrots

    If you go to Mexico and order one of these sandwiches, they are more than likely going to toast the bread. I’m skipping this step because I’m all about easy meals and cutting corners where I can. Busy moms understand! This yummy Torta de Jamón, or Mexican Ham Sandwich, is perfect for lunch or last minute dinner. It’s ready in minutes and sure to hit the spot. Hope you enjoy!

    Torta de Jamon, Mexican Ham Sandwich

    Torta de Jamón (Mexican Ham Sandwich)

    Torta de Jamón is a Mexican Ham Sandwich served on a telera or bolillo. It became a Mexican food classic by the TV show, El Chavo. It’s ready in minutes, making it a great lunch option.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Lunch
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 242kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 telera or bolillo, sliced in half
    • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
    • 2 slices ham
    • 2 slices tomatoes
    • 1 leaf lettuce thinly sliced
    • Pickled jalapeños as many as you like
    • Avocado 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, jalapenos, and avocado (if using).
    • 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

    Torta de Jamón is a Mexican Ham Sandwich served on a telera or bolillo
    You start with either a telera or bolillo. If you can’t find either of these Mexican breads, you can also use a baguette.
    You can toast the bread at the end.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 757mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

    Filed Under: Lunch Recipes, Mexican, Pork, Recipes

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Khushboo Motihar

      January 31, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      This looks like a lovely recipe. Any tips for vegetarians? What can we substitute the ham with?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        February 1, 2019 at 11:20 am

        Yes! I have been eating grilled tofu. Marinated in cilantro and jalapeno. Delicious!

        Reply
    2. Courtney

      February 1, 2019 at 5:31 am

      Omg can we say yum?!? This looks like one delicious sandwich. Must give it a try!!!

      Reply
    3. Mary

      August 30, 2019 at 8:50 am

      I’m making these today for my construction workers. I’ll report back with their comments 😉

      Reply
      • Mary

        August 30, 2019 at 4:01 pm

        5 stars
        UPDATE: My Mexican workers loved the tortas. I watched 20 of them disappear in about 10 minutes! Thanks so much for the recipe, Maggie!

        Reply
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