Ham and Cheese Torta
A classic Mexican street food favorite, this Torta de Jamón y Queso is piled high with savory ham, melty Oaxaca cheese, creamy refried beans, and fresh avocado on a crusty bolillo roll. It's a quick, satisfying, and delicious meal perfect for any time of day.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Rolls and Toppings
- b.Slice the bolillo rolls horizontally, leaving one side attached like a hinge.
- c.Generously spread the softened butter on the cut sides of each roll.
- d.Thinly slice the tomato, white onion, and avocado. Set aside.
- e.In a small bowl, warm the refried beans in a microwave for 30-45 seconds until smooth and easily spreadable.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast the Rolls and Warm the Ham
- b.Heat a large skillet, comal, or griddle over medium heat.
- c.Place the buttered rolls cut-side down and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from the griddle and set aside.
- d.Place the ham slices on the hot griddle and cook for 30-60 seconds per side until warmed through and slightly browned.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Base Layers
- b.Take the toasted rolls. Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans on the bottom half of each roll.
- c.Spread a layer of mayonnaise on the top half of each roll.
- d.Layer the warm ham slices over the refried beans.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Melt the Cheese
- b.Top the ham with a generous amount of shredded Oaxaca cheese.
- c.Carefully place the open-faced tortas back onto the griddle over medium-low heat.
- d.Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. You can cover the griddle with a lid to speed up the melting process.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
- b.Remove the tortas from the griddle. On top of the melted cheese, layer the sliced avocado, tomato, and white onion.
- c.Add the pickled jalapeño slices to your liking.
- d.Season the fresh toppings with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- e.Fold the top half of the roll over to close the torta. Press down gently, slice in half diagonally, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an authentic crust, use a Mexican comal for toasting the bread and warming the ingredients.
- 2Don't skip toasting the bread with butter. It creates a barrier that prevents the roll from getting soggy and adds incredible flavor.
- 3If you can't find Oaxaca cheese, a low-moisture mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese are good substitutes.
- 4Pressing the torta gently on the griddle after assembling helps meld the flavors and makes it easier to handle.
- 5For extra flavor, you can add a splash of the pickled jalapeño brine to the mayonnaise.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace ham with other classic torta fillings like milanesa (breaded steak), carnitas (braised pork), chorizo, or grilled chicken.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
Omit the ham and use extra cheese, grilled mushrooms, roasted poblano peppers, and refried black beans for a hearty vegetarian torta.
Spicy MayoSpicy Mayo
Mix the mayonnaise with a bit of chipotle in adobo sauce to create a smoky and spicy chipotle aioli.
Add GreensAdd Greens
Add a layer of shredded lettuce or fresh cilantro for extra crunch and freshness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
The combination of ham and Oaxaca cheese provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Healthy Fats
Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Energy Boosting Carbohydrates
The bolillo roll is a source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy to fuel your day.
Frequently asked questions
A Ham and Cheese Torta typically contains between 600 to 800 calories, depending on the size of the roll and the amount of cheese, ham, and mayonnaise used.