10 Best Mexican Sandwiches (+ Easy Recipes)

These Mexican sandwiches are super fun and full of flavor!

From spicy stuffed pambazos to burger-like cemitas, they’ll absolutely knock your socks off.

Every cuisine in the world has its own version of sandwiches to offer.

France has the croque monsieur, Japan has egg sandos, and America has the good old hamburger (yes, it’s a sandwich!).

But today, we’re putting the spotlight on Mexico!

Did you know that there are at least ten must-try Mexican sandwiches out there? It’s true! And they go way beyond burritos and enchiladas.

So vamos mi amigos y amigas! Let’s get this show on the road.

1. Pambazos

Let’s get the ball rolling with pambazos, a delectable sandwich fully loaded with potatoes, chorizo, queso crumbles, salsa, lettuce, and crema.

What a ridiculously delicious mish-mash of all things great and flavorful! I mean, potatoes in bread? Why not?

But that’s not all.

The bread is a star on its own. Called telera, this Mexican bread is crisp and golden on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

To make it more drool-worthy, the telera is brushed in fiery guajillo salsa and toasted to even crisper perfection.

2. Tortas Hamburguesas

From the name, you can gather that this next sandwich is Mexico’s version of the American hamburger.

These tortas are often served at Mexican restaurants and food trucks, but you can also make them easily at home.

It’s basically a sandwich with two pieces of toasted white bread and a juicy Mexican-seasoned burger patty.

And when I say Mexican-seasoned, I’m talking cilantro, lime, and smoked paprika. Yum!

Top the torta with avocado slices, salsa, and a fiery mayo sauce to give it that signature Mexican flair.

3. Vegan Battered Tofu Mexican Tortas

Hey, vegans. I’ve got one helluva Mexican sandwich for you!

Instead of the usual meat filling, these tortas use battered tofu steak. Drenched in a robust Mexican red chile sauce, it’s anything but bland.

On top of the tofu steak is a medley of Mexican toppings, including vegan mayo, refried beans, and shredded lettuce – you name it!

All of that goodness is tucked in between two crisp and toasty buns. Delish.

4. Cemita Sandwiches with Homemade Rolls

While a cemita looks exactly like a hamburger, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

First, there’s the bread. Instead of typical buns, this “burger” uses a cemita, which is soft, fluffy, and enriched with eggs.

Think of it as the love child of challah and brioche.

Then, there’s the filling: dreamy carnitas seasoned with chipotle chile and a minty herb called papalo.

Topped with cheese and avocado slices, the cemita is definitely not an ordinary burger. And I know you’ll love it!

5. Torta Ahogada

Torta ahogada is an oval-shaped sandwich filled with tender pork carnitas drenched in red chile and tomato sauce.

It literally means “drowned sandwich,” so expect this one to be messy!

To hold all the fillings, you’ll need to use birote, a baguette-like bread with a crunchy crust and a wonderful salty flavor.

If you can’t find birote, sourdough or French baguette make great alternatives.

Finally, serve fresh lime wedges on the side to balance out the rich fiery sauce.

6. Mexican Molletes

Up next is an open-faced sandwich that’ll send your usual bruschetta packing. 

Seriously, these molletes are beyond amazing.

Toasted bread slices (bolillo) are smeared with refried beans and topped with pico de gallo and ooey-gooey melted cheese.

Whether you’re in the mood for a light breakfast or a quick snack, molletes won’t disappoint.

This recipe calls for a homemade pico de gallo made from tomatoes, jalapeños, and onions, then seasoned with lime, salt, and cilantro.

If you don’t have the energy to make it from scratch, store-bought salsa will work fine, too.

7. Mexican Torta Cubana

Torta Cubana is a phenomenal sandwich with layers of carnitas, ham, cheese, chipotle mayo, refried beans, and avocado slices – the works!

All that filling goes inside two halves of a perfectly buttered and toasted bread roll, creating one of the most epic sandwiches I’ve seen in my entire life.

This is the sandwich for those who need more than one filling to feel satisfied. It’s got not just one, but three main fillings, and they’re all divine.

8. Pork Leg Torta

As the name suggests, this torta uses tender pork leg as its filling. 

Compared to other cuts of pork, the leg is pretty lean. But it does have a good amount of fat for flavor.

It’s also on the expensive side, so expect it to taste amazing.

You’ll brown and shred the meat to create a tender and juicy sandwich filling. Then, add some refried beans, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and avocado, and you’re all set.

9. Sincronizadas

Sincronizadas are a lot like quesadillas, only they use ham and cheese. Think of it like a ham and cheese panini with a Mexican twist.

Apart from the three main ingredients  – ham, cheese, and flour tortillas – feel free to add whatever tasty extras you like (such as tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado slices).

Just like quesadillas, sincronizadas are best served with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

10. Torta de Jamón

Capping off this marvelous Mexican menu is the torta de jamón, a hearty sandwich that bursts with salty and savory flavors.

The hero of this sandwich is a thick slice of salty ham. It’s complemented by Mexican staples such as mayo, avocado slices, asadero cheese, and jalapeños.

It’s the perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving ham! 

If you don’t have real ham on hand, this recipe works perfectly fine with ordinary deli ham. Just add 2-3 slices to amp up the flavors.