Party like you’re in Puerto Rico by making a tray of these cheesy, meaty treats.
I love recipes with interesting backstories, such as this one for sandwich de mezcla. Long ago, cream cheese, canned ham, and cheese spread arrived in Puerto Rico, following the colonization of the island by the United States. Those ingredients transformed into the dish known today as sandwichitos de mezcla.
You can find these little sandwiches at family celebrations, birthday parties, and other fun events. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself making them for no reason at all except that they taste great and you’re in the mood! And, since they are so easy, delicious, and portable, you’ll want to take them to work, the beach, or on picnics.
I visited the island of Puerto Rico a few summers ago and fell in love with the food. Traditional Puerto Rican cuisine is full of incredible flavor thanks to all the delicious spices they use. While this little party sandwich may not hold a candle to dishes like mofongo or quesitos, it is still worth trying for your next get-together.
Is Sandwich de Mezcla Healthy?
Processed canned meat and cheese spread on white bread is definitely not the healthiest. That said, it is also not something you are likely to eat daily. Most canned ham products are high in sodium, however, you can find some with lower salt levels, so opting for one of those can help reduce salt intake.
You can also help balance out the meal by serving healthy dishes alongside these sandwiches, including fresh vegetables and fruit. Or skip the bread and serve the mixture in a bowl with veggie dippers. You can also opt for whole-grain bread to improve the nutritional profile of the sandwiches.
Making The Perfect Mezcla Spread
The most crucial step in making these sandwiches is getting the texture of the cheese spread right. You want a velvety, creamy consistency without lumps, so I recommend using a good-quality food processor. If you are unsure about the processing ability of your equipment, you can start by doing the meat first and then adding the cheese and other ingredients.
Additionally, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. Let the cream cheese and cheese spread sit out on the counter for 30 to 60 minutes to accomplish this step. Also, remember to reserve the liquid from the pimentos to thin the mixture a little if you need to, which will make it more spreadable. Add a small amount at a time, as you do not want it to get runny (no one likes soggy bread!).
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate prepared mezcla spread in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Leftover sandwiches can be refrigerated in zipper bags or airtight containers for a day or two, but the bread may become soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Sandwich de mezcla is the perfect party food, especially when planning a Latin theme. Some other fabulous dishes to include on your buffet table are Arepas and Puerto Rican Rice And Beans. If you want to include a filling and comforting dish, try this delicious stew recipe for Sancocho. And don’t forget about the drinks! Whip up a batch of Rum Horchata, a sweet, creamy cocktail that will have you dreaming about the tropics in no time.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cheese spread room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature, cubed
- 1 jar (4 ounces) pimentos
- 2 pinches garlic powder
- 1 pinch smoked paprika
- 1 can (12 ounces) canned ham cubed
- 3 loaves white sandwich bread
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine cheese spread, cream cheese, pimentos (reserve some liquid), garlic powder, smoked paprika, and canned ham. Process until smooth.
- Add a small amount of pimento brine if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of the mixture on a slice of bread. Top with another slice of bread.
- Trim the crusts using a serrated knife and cut the sandwich diagonally into triangles. Clean the knife between cuts.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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