Sandwich de Mezcla Recipe | Puerto Rican Sandwhicitos

Welcome to your ultimate guide for making the most delicious and crowd-pleasing sandwich de mezcla! Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a quick but satisfying meal, our simple and easy recipe will have you whipping up these traditional Puerto Rican sandwiches in no time.

Favored at every Puerto Rican gathering, the sandwich de mezcla or ‘mezcla de sandwich,' also known as Sandwichitos de Mezcla, offers a delightful blend of taste and texture sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The Sandwich de Mezcla isn’t merely a meal; it’s a cultural icon that carries with it the warmth of Puerto Rican traditions and a testament to the resourcefulness of its people. Originating from the mid-20th century, this sandwich was born out of a desire to enjoy high tea, or ‘merienda,' in a manner that was more palatable and accessible to the local palate, eschewing the traditionally bland tea sandwiches served by the English.

The Sandwich de Mezcla’s adaptability and heartiness have made it a favorite at family celebrations, beach outings, birthdays, quinceañera, baptisms, and casual get-togethers.

You might enjoy these Puerto Rican dips:

• Bola de Fuego Dip
• Puerto Rican Dip de Pollo or Chicken Dip

Personally, this is one of my favorite Puerto Rican sandwiches, and I continue to share it with my family at gatherings.

So, let's embark on this culinary journey together and explore the wonder and versatility of the sandwich de mezcla!

What is sandwich de mezcla made of?

The sandwich de mezcla is a marvel of simplicity and flavor, consisting of a creamy and tangy filling spread between soft, pillowy bread. The filling is a harmonious blend of three primary ingredients:

1. Cheese spread – This offers a creamy base that carries the other flavors.
2. Pimento-stuffed olives – These add a tangy and slightly briny contrast to the creamy cheese.
3. Luncheon meat (such as Spam) – Finely chopped, this adds a savory depth and richness to the mix.

These ingredients come together to create a filling that's spread on soft, white bread, traditionally trimmed of crusts, and cut into small, appetizing pieces that make it perfect for sharing at gatherings. The result is a sandwich that's a treat to the taste buds and a delightful textural experience.

How do you assemble the sandwich de mezcla?

Assembling the Sandwich de Mezcla has never been easier! Begin by gathering all your ingredients, including two loaves of white bread, a jar of red peppers, Cheez Whiz, and Spam Spread. Once your ingredients are ready, follow these simple steps:

1. Add all the ingredients to your food processor.
2. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
3. Transfer the mixture into a bowl or container and place in the refrigerator until it hardens a little for easy spreading.
4. Once your mezcla de sandwich is ready, spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto a slice of white bread.
5. Close the sandwich with another slice of bread.
6. For an extra touch, consider cutting your sandwiches in half or quarters, which will make them perfect party sizes.

Serving Suggestions

The sandwich de mezcla is a versatile delight that can be served in various ways, limited only by your imagination. Here are some serving suggestions to help get you started:

• Classic Sandwich – Simply serve the sandwiches as they are for a classic and tasty experience.
• Panini Style – For an elevated twist on this traditional sandwich, consider grilling or pressing it panini-style, which will give the bread a delightful crunch and deepen the flavors of the filling.
• Tortilla Wraps – Want to take your mezcla de sandwich on-the-go? Spread some of the mixture onto a flour tortilla, add some shredded lettuce and roll it up for an easy and portable meal.

There are endless ways to enjoy this Puerto Rican delicacy, so don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

To make these Sandwichitos, you can add:

Of course, the bread should be there. You can have sliced white bread, preferably flat-top bread, so it will be easy for you to slice off the crust on the side if you want. Or you can have whole bread, and you can slice it at your desired thickness.

• Canned and processed meats: Spam, ham, meatloaves. These have different varieties. Some are salty, less salty, spicy, barbecued, and more.
• Dairies: milk, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and cheese sauce. They make the spread creamier.
• Condiments: hot sauce, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, and more. They make the spread creamier, too. You may, then, add more or less of these condiments.
• Hard-boiled eggs are great as a natural and healthy extender.
• Spices: Salt, sugar, other sweeteners, pepper, pimento, and other spices. Makes a distinctive and savory flavor. Maybe used more or less. It depends on how you prefer the taste.
• For a healthier version, herbs are also added.

How do you store the mezcla de sandwich?

If you are going to have a party the next day or in a few more days, the spread for the Sandwich de Mezcla can be prepared ahead of time.

Place the mezcla spread in a clean, airtight container and refrigerate. The spread can have a good shelf life when stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. I find that it tastes better after a few days.

I strongly advise against assembling the sandwichitos if they are for another day to prevent them from becoming squishy. Assemble them on the party day or when you want to eat them.

That’s why these sandwiches can also be great as breakfast or a meal on the go, especially if you are in a hurry.

You need to get a jar of your favorite mezcla spread from the refrigerator and a pair of sliced bread. Spread the spread on the bread however you like (thick or thin). Then wrap the bread and put it in your bag.

Below is a good example of the sandwichitos de mezcla. It’s super easy and has only four ingredients. I remember having them and pairing these sandwichitos with my Strawberry Lemonade. They are so good together!

So, there you have it. The delicious  Mezcla para Sandwiches! You can start your party!

Don’t forget to pin this on your favorite sandwich on the Pinterest board. It will be easy for you to check back again. Great to share, too.