Torta de Jamón (Mexican Ham Sandwich)
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Updated May 27, 2025, Published Oct 03, 2021
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This Torta de Jamón is a simple, satisfying Mexican ham sandwich layered with creamy avocado, salty ham, melty cheese, and crisp romaine lettuce, all tucked into a soft bolillo roll. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for lunch, picnics, or road trips.
What is a Torta de Jamón?
A torta is a Mexican-style sandwich typically served on a crusty roll like a bolillo or telera. Torta de Jamón is one of the most classic versions — it’s simple and comforting, made with just a handful of ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Familiar and comforting – It’s the kind of sandwich you can eat again and again.
- Fast and easy – Just slice, layer, and enjoy — no cooking required.
- Great for on-the-go – Wrap it up for a quick lunch, road trip, or picnic.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this nostalgic favorite:
- Bolillos – Traditional Mexican sandwich rolls. Sub with French or hoagie rolls if needed.
- Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess, but feel free to swap in mustard, butter, or mashed avocado.
- Deli ham – Use your favorite thinly sliced ham or any leftover ham or turkey.
- Asadero or muenster cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy flavor.
- Avocado – Sliced for richness and texture.
- Tomato – Adds freshness and juiciness.
- Romaine lettuce – For a bit of crunch.
- Whole jalapeños – Optional but traditional! Take little mordidas (nibbles) for heat.
The full recipe with exact quantities is in the printable card below.
Note: This “recipe” is more of a guide. Feel free to swap ingredients or adjust the portions to suit your taste.
How to Make a Torta de Jamón
Step 1: Prep the rolls. Slice bolillos in half lengthwise, without cutting all the way through. Open them up and spread about 1 tablespoon of mayo on each side.
Step 2: Layer the fillings. Add 1–2 slices of ham, cheese, avocado, tomato, and romaine lettuce to each sandwich.
Step 3: Serve. Enjoy right away or serve with a whole jalapeño on the side for a spicy bite with every few nibbles. Wrap in plastic if you’re taking it to-go.
Torta Memories
I have so many fond memories tied to this meal. My mom used to make and sell these sandwiches in our family store, Soza’s Grocery, and they would sell out before noon. She also made them for camping trips and long drives — to this day, a road trip just doesn’t feel right without a torta packed and ready.
After our first Muy Bueno cookbook came out, my mom and I were invited to cook on the show Daytime with Jerry Penacoli. We made a Mexican picnic lunch, including this torta — it was such a special moment.
Watch this video to see how we make them today — it’s still a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
In Mexico, a torta is a hearty sandwich served on a soft roll like a bolillo or telera. It’s usually filled with a mix of meats, cheese, and fresh toppings. Tortas are a beloved street food and a staple in many Mexican homes — simple, filling, and full of flavor.
Toppings can vary, but common ones include sliced avocado, tomato, lettuce, onion, pickled jalapeños, and refried beans. Some people like to add a smear of mayo or butter, and a spicy salsa or whole jalapeño on the side is always welcome!
At its core, a torta usually includes a fresh roll, meat (like ham, milanesa, or carnitas), cheese, and fresh toppings. The beauty of a torta is that it’s completely customizable — every family has their favorite way of making it.
One of the most classic torta fillings is jamón (ham) — simple and nostalgic. Other popular meats include milanesa (breaded beef or chicken cutlet), carne asada, carnitas, chorizo with eggs, or even barbacoa. You really can’t go wrong!
More Easy Recipes
If you tried this Torta de Jamón or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you make your tortas — and if a jalapeño on the side is a must in your family too.
Torta de Jamón – Mexican Ham Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 bolillos (oval Mexican sandwich rolls) or other sandwich rolls
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 16 ounces deli ham, slices
- 8 ounces asadero cheese or muenster slices
- 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 cup Romaine lettuce
- 4 jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the bolillos in half lengthwise, not cutting all the way through. Open the rolls and spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the inside of each.
- On each roll, place 1 to 2 slices of ham, 1 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.
Video
Notes
- Bread: Serve on a traditional bolillo or telera roll. If you can’t find either, French rolls or hoagie buns work great too.
- Cheese: Asadero is traditional, but muenster is a great substitute.
- Make it to-go: Wrap in plastic wrap for a perfect packed lunch or road trip meal.
- Spicy bite: A whole jalapeño on the side is optional but traditional — take a little mordida (bite) whenever you’re craving a kick!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Jenna Sparks
This recipe is also published in the Muy Bueno cookbook
¡Es posible que desee revisar sus cifras de calorías en la Torta de Jamón. Mire un “pequeño ‘alto, ¡LOL!
Gracias por su respuesta. Lo arreglé.