Party Sandwiches (Sandwichitos de Mezcla) are made from a puréed ham-cheese filling known as (Mezcla) that is spread between two slices of white bread and served as appetizers (entremeses) for special events in our culture. These sandwiches are traditionally prepared with white bread; however, you can use the bread of your preference. In addition, the sandwich spread (mezcla) is also used as a dip accompanied with crackers and chips.
Furthermore, these Party Sandwiches are an essential food item that you will find when attending many celebrations in Puerto Rico – especially birthday parties. Similarly, these sandwiches are usually prepared the day before your planned festivities.
Food History!
The pork meat that we use in preparing the sandwich spread (mezcla) is Spam (canned cooked pork). Furthermore, it is believed that the name Spam is a contraction from the term “spiced ham.” Spam also became a staple to the US soldier’s diet during WW II and was introduced to Puerto Rico in the 1940’s.
Displaying the Three Main Ingredients for the Sandwich Spread!
For this recipe, you will need 1 can (12 ounces) of Spam (jamonilla), Cheez Whiz (¾ cup) and roasted red bell peppers (½ cup) with liquid. The liquid from the roasted red peppers will create a smoother texture to the mixture.
Preparing the Pork Meat!
I prefer to first cut the pork meat (Spam) crosswise and lengthwise into ½-inch slices before cutting into cubes.
Cut pork meat into 1-inch cubes and place the cubed pork meat into a bowl.
Mixing All the Ingredients for the Party Sandwiches!
Using a food processor, add the roasted red peppers (½ cup) with liquid.
Now let’s add the cubed pork meat (12 ounces) and ¾ cup Cheez Whiz. Furthermore, you can substitute Velvetta cheese for Cheez Whiz if you so desire.
Cover food processor with lid and mix all the ingredients until a smooth puréed consistency is formed.
The ham-cheese mixture has the puréed consistency that I am looking for. Therefore, the sandwich spread mixture is ready. Place the ham-cheese mixture into a glass bowl.
Note: Some individuals prefer a much creamier texture – almost liquidy. However, I prefer a smooth consistency with some texture from the puréed ham. This is the exact consistency of how it was prepared in Puerto Rico in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Most importantly, you prepare the mezcla like we say “a su estilo.”
Assembling the Party Sandwiches – Sandwichitos de Mezcla!
Remove the bread crust from 2 loaves of white bread with a sharp serrated knife. Don’t throw away the bread crust because you can make our delicious bread pudding with the leftover crusts. Repeat this process for each bread slice. Click on link to learn how to prepare Bread Pudding.
Note: You can also stack the bread slices to cut several at a time.
Spread sufficient filling evenly on top of one bread slice.
I normally apply a generous amount of the spread (mezcla) on one slice of bread then cover with another slice of bread. Repeat this process until all the sandwiches are assembled.
Make a diagonal cut to the sandwich with a clean serrated knife. Continue this process with the remaining sandwiches.
The sandwich spread is not oozing out of the bread when it is cut in half diagonally because it has the right consistency.
Party Sandwiches (Sandwichitos de Mezcla) Served on a Plate!
Lastly, arrange the party sandwiches on a plate and enjoy! You can definitely taste the ham, cheese and roasted red bell peppers!
Generally, I prepare the sandwich spread to make both the sandwiches and a dip to serve with crackers.
Click on the button below to watch my YouTube video on How to Prepare Sandwichitos de Mezcla (Party Sandwiches)!
Recipe and Nutritional Facts!
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. Please refer to our Nutritional Facts Disclaimer for more information.
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Sandwichitos de Mezcla (Party Sandwiches)
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 0 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 40 Triangular Half Sandwiches 1x
Description
Party sandwiches filled with a ham-cheese filling and served as appetizers!
Ingredients
- 1 can (12 ounces) of Spam, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¾ cup Cheez Whiz or Velvetta Cheese
- ½ cup roasted red bell peppers with liquid
- 2 loaves of white bread
Instructions
- In a food processor, mix all the ingredients until a smooth puréed consistency is formed.
- Remove the bread crusts with a serrated knife.
- Apply a generous amount of sandwich spread on one bread slice and cover with another bread slice.
- Repeat this process until the sandwiches are made.
- Make a diagonal cut to each sandwich with a clean serrated knife.
- Serve on a large platter and enjoy.
- Category: Appetizers
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Keywords: Sandwichitos de Mezcla, Party Sandwiches
16 Comments. Leave new
Acabo de hacer este Plato para mi clase de alumnos de español. Para mi me salió súper fácil y me gustó la textura y el sabor. La voy a usar en el futuro.
★★★★★
Hola Kristen, Me alegro que le gustó los sandwichitos de mezcla. Es la misma textura que mi prima me enseñó cómo preparar la mezcla en Puerto Rico. Gracias por su comentario y que tenga un buen día.
Thank you for such great recipe!
★★★★★
Hi Julissa, You are welcome! I love to prepare these Party Sandwiches! Thank you for visiting my website and enjoy your weekend!
En mi casa le ponían sandwich spread pero no me acuerdo que marca usaban. Alguien hace la mezcla y le hecha sandwich spread?
Hola Amy, Solamente recuerdo dos marcas de sandwich spread – Kraft y Hellmann. Que tenga un buen fin de semana.
Gracias Aida! This was very helpful.
★★★★★
Hola Xamarie, You are welcome. Thank you for visiting my Food Blogging Website!
I miss the real birthday parties of the 70s, when sandwichitos de mezcla were a staple. Our mothers used to sprinkle them with milk if the bread was getting dry. Thanks for sharing this classic!
★★★★★
Hola Sonia, You are correct! I lived in Puerto Rico in the 70’s, and these sandwiches were prepared often during that era. Fond memories!
I made this recipe for my son (per his request) and his friends from college. He wanted an appetizer that was easy to carry and related to Puerto Rico. The recipe is simple and on point… delicious!
★★★★★
Hola Alice, Awesome! What an experience for your son to share and present to his college friends. Thank you for taking the time for making them for your son. They are delicious sandwiches to make for special events.
Good recipe. If I have mezcla left over for how long can a keep it
Hola Aurora, Thank you. It is a very simple recipe. The time limitation for most perishable foods in the refrigerator like processed meat is 3 to 5 days. Since Spam is considered a processed meat, the mezcla can be kept refrigerated for 3 to 5 days.
Hola! Hice mi mezcla en la licuadora y me quedó muy líquida, sin agregarle líquido de los pimientos, hay alguna forma de arreglarla?
Hola Magan, Es la primera vez que me dicen que la mezcla es muy líquida. Para arreglar la mezcla, le sugiero que pongas unos pedazos de jamonilla en la liquidora hasta que tenga la textura que deseas.