“El Gigante” Mexican Ham Torta
Now THIS is a sandwich! “El Gigante” is a true hero when it comes to busting hunger…or your classic Mexican ham torta cravings! Sponsored by Smithfield.
Here in Texas, Mexican tortas are aย thing. They’re a staple on the menu at Mexican restaurants and food trucks.
While I don’t think I’ve ever had aย bad torta, all tortas are not created equal! This is a recipe re-created from one I fell in love with in Mexico over a decade ago and have been searching for ever since.
What is a Torta?
A torta is a Mexican-style sandwich, made hot or cold. While the fillings vary widely based on where you are and personal preference, the trademark of a torta is the fluffy, yet crusty roll on which it is served.
Traditionally, a torta is prepared using eitherย bolillo orย telera rolls. These are similar to a French baguette, but with a less crumbly crust, and they are sized for one person.
For both hot and cold tortas, the bread is usually buttered and lightly toasted. Then you pile it full of your favorite meats and veggies, especially jalapeรฑo and avocado.
A torta is big, hearty, and messy. If it’s not messy, you’re not doing it right!
“El Gigante” Torta de Jamรณn
On summer in college I studied abroad in Mexico. Our school served tortas for lunch and I quickly became addicted. I literally ate one every single day!
These tortas were unlike any I’d tasted before. Here in Texas, the go-to torta is essentially a taco on a bunย โ a spread of beans, piles of fajita meat, sliced avocado and tomato, finished with a sprinkle of shredded lettuce.
However, the torta I grew to love was closer in resemblance to a traditional cold-cut hero sandwich…with a twist. Fluffy torta bread, spread liberally with mayo, filled with deli meat (ham or turkey), LTA (lettuce, tomato, avocado), and a hearty slice of fresh jalapeรฑo (none of that pickled stuff!)
So simple, and yet so perfect!
I’ve craved this perfect Mexican ham torta ever since returning to the states, so much so that it almost took on mythical status! Despite my searching at every restaurant I visit, I’ve only found an equivalent once, so I decided to re-create it myself at home!
However, this time I enlisted my husbandโs help to take my torta to the next level. We nicknamed our sandwich “El Gigante” (the โGiantโ) because a sandwich this meaty deserves a heroโs name!
โEl Giganteโ is a true hero when it comes to busting hunger…or your classic ham torta cravings! Perfect for sharing and parties!
Itโs EASY to be a HERO when you join the Hero Club!
Mexican Ham Torta Ingredients
- Bolillo orย telera roll (I used telera)
- Smithfield Prime Fresh Delicatessen Smoked Ham & Smoked Turkey
- Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon
- Green leaf lettuce
- Sliced Tomato
- Avocado
- Mayo
- Jalapeno
- Cheese (optional)
A free printable copy of this recipe with full ingredient amounts and directions is available at the bottom of the post.
How to Make a Mexican Ham Torta
Keep reading for photo step-by-step instructions and prep tips orย click here to jump to printable recipe.ย
Prepare Smithfield bacon according to directions on the package. This will give you time to prep your bread and slice your veggies.
Slice bread loaf in half. Both bollilo and telera rolls are sized for one person, so one roll makes one sandwich.
Lightly butter the outside of the bread and toast each half until golden brown.
Spread the inside of each half liberally with mayo.
Starting with the bottom, layer Smithfield Prime Fresh Smoked Ham and Smoked Turkey.ย Feel free to use as much meat as your heart desires for your โEl Giganteโ HERO sandwich!
We chose Smithfield Prime Fresh for our deli meats because they offer the same fresh taste you expect from your grocer’s deli, without the wait (or the premium price tag)! Plus they’re gluten free and contain no MSG. You can find Smithfield Prime Fresh deli meats in the refrigerated meat section at your local supermarket.
Since this is a “super hero” sandwich, we added Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon โ because everything is better with bacon!
On top of your meats, add layers of lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
TIP: Slice avocado, then smash with a spoon before removing from skin for easier spreading.
Finally, add a slice of fresh jalapeรฑo for that extra kick and place the top piece of bread.
Youโre now officially a member of The HERO Club!
For more delicious recipes using Smithfield Prime Fresh deli meats, visit PrimeFreshDeli.com.
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"El Gigante" Mexican Ham Torta
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare Smithfield bacon according to directions on the package.
- Slice bread in half and lightly butter the outside. Toast until golden brown.
- Spread the inside of each half with mayo.
- Starting with the bottom, layer Smithfield Prime Fresh Smoked Ham and Smoked Turkey.ย Feel free to use as much meat as your heart desires for your โEl Giganteโ HERO sandwich!
- Add 1-3 layers of Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon, depending on how tall you plan to make your sandwich.
- On top of your meats, add layers of lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
- Top with a slice of fresh jalapeรฑo.
Notes
Nutrition
Love bacon? Try Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon in our Easy Cinnamon Rolls with Candied Bacon & Maple Glaze:
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