Spanish Delights: Gourmet Ham and Cheese Bocadillos
Indulge in the rich flavors of Spain with these Gourmet Ham and Cheese Bocadillos. Perfectly toasted Italian rolls are filled with fresh, ripe tomatoes, aromatic oregano, and your choice of savory ham or prosciutto, complemented by creamy Monterey Jack cheese. This recipe elevates the classic Spanish sandwich into a gourmet experience, ideal for lunch, snacks, or gatherings. Share these delightful bocadillos with friends and family for a taste of Spanish cuisine right at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian rolls
4 large (cut open)
garlic cloves
3-4 (smashed)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (to flavor garlic)
ripe tomatoes
2 large (thinly sliced)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
ham or prosciutto
8 slices (for layering)
Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler or toaster oven. Cut the Italian rolls open and toast them lightly until golden brown.
2
Smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife and place them in a small bowl. Add the olive oil and mix well to infuse the oil with the garlic flavor.
3
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the insides and outsides of the toasted rolls with the garlic oil mixture.
4
In a large, heavy non-stick skillet, place the bottom halves of the rolls. Layer the sliced tomatoes evenly on each roll, followed by a sprinkle of dried oregano.
5
Add the ham or prosciutto on top of the tomatoes, then layer the Monterey Jack cheese generously over the meat.
6
Top each sandwich with the upper halves of the rolls, pressing down gently to secure the filling.
7
Place the skillet over medium-high heat and reduce to medium once hot. Cook the sandwiches for about 6 minutes per side, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted. For an extra crispy result, press down gently with another skillet or use a panini press during cooking.
8
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and slice them in half. Serve immediately for the best taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spanish Bocadillo?
A bocadillo is a traditional Spanish sandwich made with rustic bread, such as Italian rolls or baguettes, typically filled with meat, cheese, or other savory ingredients.
What bread is best for Gourmet Ham and Cheese Bocadillos?
Large Italian rolls are recommended for this recipe as they provide a sturdy base that toasts well and holds the ingredients.
How do I prepare the garlic for the oil infusion?
Smash 3 to 4 garlic cloves with the side of a knife and mix them with olive oil in a small bowl to infuse the flavor.
Can I substitute prosciutto for ham in this recipe?
Yes, you can use either savory ham or prosciutto depending on your preference for these gourmet sandwiches.
What type of cheese is used in these bocadillos?
This recipe specifically calls for Monterey Jack cheese because of its creamy texture and excellent melting properties.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be ripe and thinly sliced to ensure they layer evenly and provide fresh flavor in every bite.
What is the purpose of the dried oregano?
Dried oregano is used as an aromatic seasoning that complements the fresh tomatoes and savory ham.
How do I toast the Italian rolls?
Cut the rolls open and place them under a broiler or in a toaster oven until they are lightly golden brown.
Do I need to brush the oil on the outside of the bread?
Yes, using a pastry brush to apply the garlic oil mixture to both the insides and outsides of the rolls enhances the flavor and crispiness.
How long do I cook the sandwiches in the skillet?
Cook the sandwiches over medium heat for about 6 minutes per side until the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted.
Can I use a panini press for this recipe?
Absolutely. For an extra crispy result, you can use a panini press or press down with another heavy skillet during the cooking process.
What is the best way to serve these bocadillos?
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the heat, slice them in half, and serve immediately for the best taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, these bocadillos are tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal, making them perfect for lunch or snacks.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: Italian rolls, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, oregano, ham or prosciutto, and Monterey Jack cheese.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil to be mixed with the smashed garlic.
Can I make these for a large gathering?
Yes, the recipe is ideal for gatherings and can easily be scaled up to serve more guests.
What temperature should I use for the skillet?
Start with medium-high heat to get the skillet hot, then reduce to medium once you begin cooking the sandwiches.
How many slices of meat should I use?
The recipe suggests using 8 slices of ham or prosciutto for 4 large rolls.
Can I use a different type of roll?
While Italian rolls are suggested, any sturdy rustic roll that can withstand toasting and pressing will work.
Is the garlic removed after infusing the oil?
The instructions suggest mixing the smashed garlic with oil; you can leave them in the bowl or remove them before brushing the bread for a milder flavor.
What makes this sandwich 'gourmet'?
The combination of garlic-infused oil, fresh oregano, and high-quality cheese elevates the traditional ham and cheese sandwich.
Is this recipe considered Mediterranean?
Yes, the use of olive oil, fresh tomatoes, and garlic follows Mediterranean culinary themes.
How much cheese is used per sandwich?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of Monterey Jack cheese distributed across 4 sandwiches, which is approximately 2 ounces per roll.
Should the rolls be toasted before adding ingredients?
Yes, the rolls are lightly toasted first before the garlic oil and fillings are added.
How much oregano should I use?
A sprinkle of about 1 teaspoon of dried oregano is distributed among the sandwiches.
Can I prepare the garlic oil in advance?
Yes, letting the garlic sit in the oil for a bit longer can enhance the aromatic flavor infusion.
What is the texture of the finished sandwich?
The finished bocadillo should have a very crispy exterior with a warm, melted cheese interior.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on tomatoes, you could add roasted peppers or arugula for additional gourmet flair.
Why should I press down on the sandwich while cooking?
Pressing down helps secure the filling and ensures even contact with the heat for a crispier crust.
Are these sandwiches kid-friendly?
Yes, the classic combination of ham and cheese is generally very popular with children.