Tosta Mista

History

The tosta mista is the most ordered item in Portuguese cafés and snack bars, a humble but deeply satisfying toasted sandwich of ham and cheese that has fueled generations of Portuguese breakfasts and mid-morning snacks. Made on sliced white bread (pão de forma) with mild queijo flamengo (a semi-soft cheese similar to Edam) and presunto or cooked ham, pressed in a sandwich toaster until golden and crisp, it is the Portuguese equivalent of the French croque monsieur — simpler, faster and utterly without pretension. Found at every pastelaria and café counter from Porto to the Algarve.

Ingredients

• Pão de forma (Portuguese sliced white bread)
• Cooked ham (fiambre) or presunto
• Queijo flamengo (semi-soft mild cheese)
• Butter

How to Make

1. 1Butter two slices of pão de forma on the outside.
2. 2Layer cooked ham and sliced queijo flamengo on the inside.
3. 3Close the sandwich and press in a sandwich toaster or panini press.
4. 4Toast until golden and crisp on the outside and the cheese is fully melted, about 3–4 minutes.
5. 5Serve immediately, cut diagonally.

Known for it

• Penta CaféR. Áurea 115, 1100-053 Lisboa, Portugal