Torta – A Beautiful Mess

While torta is a Spanish culinary term that can refer to cake or flatbread, I’m referring to a Mexican sandwich. I love a torta! They can be very similar to tacos but a little more filling with the added sandwich bread, plus there are endless fillings you can use to make your ideal torta recipe.

Most often, a torta is made with either telera or bolillo bread, but you could use a crusty roll or even baguette if you can find either of those. I like to toast the bread and then fill with meat, lettuce, tomato and melted cheese or guacamole (you could use both though if you wanted). I will share a specific recipe for a carnitas torta in the recipe card at the end of this post, but I’m also going to share a whole bunch of other filling ideas as this truly is one of those super customizable recipes.

Related: While not traditional, you could use homemade focaccia for the bread in this torta recipe.

Meat Fillings

Other Ingredients

• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Tomato
• Onion
• Jicama
• Radish
• Sliced avocado
• Peppers – like jalapeños or serrano for heat
• Cilantro
• Lime juice
• Refried beans

Sauces & Spreads

Breakfast Tortas

Try a torta for breakfast! Think of this like a sandwich version of breakfast tacos or a breakfast burrito. You could make a similar torta to one described with the ingredients above and add a fried egg, or use your favorite breakfast taco ingredients.

How to make a Torta

If needed slice the bolillo or telera bread in half. Toast the bread in a dry skillet over medium heat.

Add any spreads like guacamole or chipotle sauce. Then layer on the meat filling, like carnitas, sliced tomato, shredded lettuce and any other fillings you want.

Tips and Notes

• If you want to add melted cheese, add a slice or two of cheese to the inside of the bread while toasting the outside to help the cheese melt.
• If I made the meat filling ahead of time, I warm it before adding to my sandwich.
• If you find this torta too messy, or your fillings fall out easily, I would recommend wrapping in aluminum foil, like a burrito, to help keep it warm and mess free as you eat.
• A torta is best the day it is made. However, many of the components can be made or prepped ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Then toast and assemble the sandwich when you are ready.

More Mexican and Tex Mex Recipes