Easy 4-Ingredient Puerto Rican Sandwiches de Mezcla Recipe
The definite party food. This Puerto Rican Sandwiches de Mezcla Recipe is perfect for a birthday party, Super Bowl party, a simple tea party or even a get-together. All you need is 4 ingredients and a food processor.
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Jump to RecipeIt is hard, almost impossible, to say when these Puerto Rican party sandwiches were invented, or the circumstances around it. As you may know, Puerto Rican cuisine is largely influenced by Spanish colonialism and African culture. However, considering when Spam and cheese whiz were invented, then it is obvious that this *delicacy* was not a result of that! Still, the creamy mezcla cheese treats are a staple in Puerto Rico.
These cheese spread sandwiches or “sandwichitos de mezcla” as we call them, are made of a cheese sauce blend. The recipe itself has its variations but it usually comes down to the type of cheese people prefer. While they are not the healthiest snack, I can promise you it is the perfect party food.
They are great appetizers, a tasty snack with tons of flavor for any gathering. Growing up, there would always be a tray of sandwichitos de mezcla at the end-of-the-year school party as well as holidays. A classic on Dia de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day). As soon as the tray was placed on the table, they would be devoured within minutes. Most definitely one of our favorite traditional foods.
For a list of Puerto Rico’s most traditional side dishes, check out this post on the Best Puerto Rican Side Dishes to try at home today!
What you need.
To make Puerto Rican sandwiches de mezcla, you need a food processor or blender to incorporate the ingredients and make the mixture. You also need a bread knife or a sharp knife. As far as ingredients go, you need a 24-ounce pack of white bread. However, if you plan to make the full recipe (I will explain shortly), you need two packs instead of one. The next ingredient is 12 ounces of canned meat. I normally use Spam, but you can use whatever your favorite luncheon meat is. Be sure to cut the meat into small cubes so they blend better.
The next key ingredient is cheese. Many Puerto Ricans make it with cheese whiz. While that is the most known/original recipe, it is not uncommon to make it with cream cheese or some other kind. It highly depends on your taste and preference. If you like cheese whiz, you need a 15-ounce jar but if you want to make it with cream cheese, you need 16 ounces (two packs) of softened cheese.
Lastly, you need about 7 oz of roasted red peppers. Some people use pimiento peppers or Goya’s fancy pimientos, but I prefer the roasted red bell pepper. The flavor is milder and complements the already strong-tasting luncheon meat. If you are really not a fan of red peppers, it is best to use half. However, this is the ingredient that adds depth to the flavor and gives it a nice twist. I recommend not skipping it altogether.
Please note, this recipe makes a lot of sandwiches so if you are making them for a small get-together, you can easily cut the recipe in half and save the rest of the ingredients for later as they have good shelf life. If you only make half, you will have the equivalent of about one full 24-ounce pack of bread. Although, I will say… these little sandwiches go FAST.
What to do.
Once you have all the ingredients, place luncheon meat cubes, softened cheese and peppers in the blender or food processor. Blend them well for a few minutes until you have a creamy and smooth mixture. While the mixture is in the processor, cut the corners of the sandwich bread and line them up for the filling.
As soon as the mixture is done, take two bread slices and add one heaping tablespoon of mixture to each slice. Spread it evenly then put them together to make the sandwich. Continue to do this until you run out of mixture or bread. At this point, use a bread knife (or a sharp knife) and do a diagonal cut on each sandwich. You can also cut them in half or fourths. Be sure to have a big serving tray or large Tupperware ready to store/serve your sandwiches in.
Things to keep in mind.
If you want to save time, you can make them the night before. Be sure to store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They can be stored for about two days. I would not go over that as the bread becomes mushy and it is just not the same.
Last thing! This yummy cheese spread can be used for baguettes or as a dip, too. We rarely ever use it for anything other than the sandwich filling but whenever I have leftovers, I like to get a baguette, cut it and spread the mixture on it. It is delicious.
I hope you love this Puerto Rican sandwiches de mezcla recipe and cause a stir when you bring it to the next party. 😊 Feel free to post pictures and let me know what you thought of the recipe, and if you made any changes.
¡Buen provecho from The Happy Wookiee!
Easy Puerto Rican Sandwiches de Mezcla
Equipment
- 1 food processor or blender
- 1 sharp knife or bread knife
Ingredients
- 2 24 oz pack of bread
- 12 oz canned luncheon meat (Spam) cubed
- 16 oz cream cheese softened*
- 5-7 oz roasted red bell pepper
Instructions
- Once you have all the ingredients, place luncheon meat cubes, softened cheese, and peppers in the blender or food processor.
- Blend them well for a few minutes until you have a creamy and smooth mixture.
- While the mixture is in the processor, cut the corners of the sandwich bread and line them up for the filling.
- As soon as the mixture is done, take two bread slices and add one heaping tablespoon of mixture to each slice.
- Spread it evenly then put them together to make the sandwich. Continue to do thisuntil you run out of mixture or bread.
- At this point, use a bread knife (or a sharp knife) and do a diagonal cut on each sandwich. You can also cut them in half or fourths. Be sure to have a big serving tray or large Tupperware ready to store/serve your sandwiches in
- Serve immediately or make the night before and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for about two days. I would not go over that as the bread becomes mushy and it is just not the same.
- ¡Buen provecho from The Happy Wookiee!
Notes
- Many Puerto Ricans make it with cheese whiz. While that is the most known/original recipe, it is not uncommon to make it with cream cheese or some other kind. It highly depends on your taste and preference. If you like cheese whiz, you need a 15-ounce jar.
- Please note, this recipe makes a lot of sandwiches so if you are making them for a small get-together, you can easily cut the recipe in half and save the rest of the ingredients for later as they have good shelf life.
- If you only make half, you will have the equivalent of about one full 24-ounce pack of bread. Although, I will say… these little sandwiches go FAST.
