Cuban Bocaditos De Jamon

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Cuban ham spread served as a dip or as the filling in finger sandwiches

Prep Time5

Cooling Time12

Total Time17

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: cuban

Servings:

Calories: 168kcal

Author: Cari

Ingredients

1 ½ lb smoked ham cut into cubes
8 pimento stuffed olives
1 tablespoon olive brine
1 ½ tablespoon fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 whole roasted red pepper deseeded
4 oz cream cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
24 hawaiian rolls

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until a paste forms and it has reached your desired consistency.
Place the spread in a storage container and put it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to chill.
To make the sandwiches, slice 24 hawaiian rolls in half to create a top and bottom bun. Then, generously spread the ham mix, place the top bun on the ham and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

Variations for this Cuban ham spread

Extra Creamy: Increase the amount of cream cheese for a thicker, richer spread that's perfect for piping onto Cuban bread or crackers.
Smoother Texture: Increase the amount of mayonnaise for a thinner spread.
Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Garlic Flavor: Blend in a small clove of garlic or a pinch of garlic powder for extra depth without overpowering the classic flavor.
Deviled Ham Spread: Use canned deviled ham instead of traditional cooked ham for a slightly deeper, more robust flavor.
Serve it as a dip: You can also serve this ham spread as a dip with a variety of crackers such as club, saltines, ritz crackers

Substitutions

Ham: Leftover baked ham, deli ham, or sweet ham all work well. Just avoid honey-glazed ham, as it can make the spread overly sweet.
Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese can be substituted for a lighter option with a similar creamy texture.
Stuffed Green Olives: Regular green olives, chopped Spanish olives, or even capers can provide a similar salty, briny flavor if pimento-stuffed olives aren't available.

Storage Instructions for Cuban pasta de bocadillo

Refrigerator

Store the ham spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as a small amount of liquid may separate during storage.

Make Ahead

Cuban pasta de bocadito is an excellent make-ahead recipe. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together for an even more delicious spread.

Freezer

Although you can freeze the ham spread for up to 1 month, it's generally not recommended because the mayonnaise and cream cheese can separate and become grainy once thawed. If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.

Serving After Storage

For the best texture and flavor, remove the ham spread from the refrigerator 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows it to soften slightly, making it easier to spread on Cuban bread, crackers, or sandwiches.

Nutrition