Brazilian Cuisine
Hot Ham, Cheese, and Oregano Sandwich
This hot sandwich is a classic of Brazilian snack bars (lanchonetes), where it is famously known as 'misto quente'. The dish features a perfect balance of simple and familiar ingredients: crispy, golden-brown toasted bread, juicy ham, and gooey melted cheese. A pinch of dried oregano and a thin layer of butter infuse the sandwich with a distinctive Mediterranean aroma and home-style comfort. It is a hearty, quick, and incredibly popular snack that is equally great for an early breakfast or an evening tea.
Dishday
Recipe overview
- Total time
- 11 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cooking
- 6 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cuisine
- Brazilian Cuisine
Nutrition
per serving
- Calories
- 310 kcal
- Protein
- 15 g
- Fat
- 16 g
- Carbs
- 26 g
- Fiber
- 1.2 g
Step by step
Method
- 01
Arrange the slices of sandwich bread on a clean work surface
Arrange the slices of sandwich bread on a clean work surface. Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter onto one side of four bread slices, which will serve as the inner base.
- 02
Carefully place a slice of semi-hard cheese onto the buttered…
Carefully place a slice of semi-hard cheese onto the buttered side of the bread, making sure it stays within the edges. The cheese acts as a barrier to keep the bread from getting soggy.
- 03
Layer the thin slices of juicy ham evenly over the cheese
Layer the thin slices of juicy ham evenly over the cheese. Fold the ham in half if necessary so that it fits neatly within the borders of the bread slice.
- 04
Sprinkle the dried oregano evenly over the ham
Sprinkle the dried oregano evenly over the ham. This aromatic touch fills the sandwich with an appetizing herbal scent reminiscent of pizza, balancing the savory meat.
- 05
Top the filling with a second slice of cheese and the remaini…
Top the filling with a second slice of cheese and the remaining bread slices. Butter the outer sides of the assembled sandwiches — this is the secret to a perfect golden crust.
- 06
Heat a dry skillet thoroughly over medium heat
Heat a dry skillet thoroughly over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread turns golden and crunchy, and the cheese melts completely.
Dishday
Useful advice
Cooking tip
To make the sandwich as crispy as possible and prevent it from getting soggy, spread the butter on the outside of the bread right before placing it in the pan.
How to serve
Cut the ready hot sandwich diagonally into triangles — it makes it easier to eat, and the melted cheese will pull apart beautifully.
How to store
It is highly recommended to eat it immediately while the bread is crunchy. If it cools down, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 180°C for about 5 minutes.
Note
Choose a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, Gouda, or traditional Brazilian Prato cheese.
