Sincronizadas are a Mexican ham and cheese sandwich, melted between two crispy flour tortillas. This dish is quick to make and very satisfying, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on a busy evening.
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There are some dishes that seem to spread without borders. Every country makes its own version, but each is similar in a comforting kind of way. Like curry, stew, or rice and beans, everyone seems to have their own interpretation of the same classic ingredients.
This dish is one of those dishes. The main ingredients: ham and cheese. Sincronizadas, at their core, are a Mexican ham and cheese sandwich.
Of course, Mexico has put its own spin on the dish. Instead of bread, they use flour tortillas. Instead of Swiss, they use Oaxaca.
The combination of flavors and textures is classic. Gooey, melty cheese is layered with savory ham and sandwiched between two crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside flour tortillas.
On their own, sincronizadas are delicious enough, but what makes this sandwich extra delicious is the opportunity to customize it. Top it with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo.
This dish is a great option for when you are low on ingredients but need something filling. But it can also be dressed up and served as a wonderful lunch or a quick weeknight dinner.
Recipe Origins
The origin of sincronizadas is unclear, but it is very similar to the Mexican quesadilla which was invented by the Aztecs and perfected (with the addition of cheese) by the Spanish.
There are several differences between sincronizadas and quesadillas. Quesadillas were originally made with corn tortillas and may still be made with corn tortillas in many parts of Mexico. Sincronizadas, which may have developed first in Northern Mexico, is always made with flour tortillas.
Sincronizadas also use two tortillas to sandwich the cheese and ham, while quesadillas are often made with one tortilla, folded in half over its fillings.
The name “sincronizada” translates to “synchronized” in English. It could have earned this name because of the way the two homemade flour tortillas work together to sandwich the fillings, or because the ham is sandwiched between two synchronized layers of cheese. It also could just be because the flavors of melted cheese and ham pair perfectly together. Read more about the Sincronizadas vs Quesadillas to understand what makes them unique. Then try them both!
Why Make This Recipe:
- Simple: It doesn’t get much easier than ham and cheese in a flour tortilla.
- Filling: The combination of ham and cheese is satisfying to your taste buds but also packs enough protein to satisfy your appetite.
- Taste of Mexico: Sincronizadas are one of those simple, comfort food dishes that every mom makes on a busy weekday. Give it an authentic Mexican twist by topping it with salsa or guacamole.
What Do I Need To Make This Recipe
Ingredients
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.
- Flour Tortillas: Medium size or about 5.5” in diameter
- Ham: Deli slices work well, but you can also use carved ham off the bone. Choose whatever thickness you prefer to to make hearty sincronizadas.
- Oaxaca Cheese: I got a fresh block and grated it for extra gooey sincronizadas!
What is Oaxaca Cheese?
Oaxaca cheese comes from Oaxaca, a state in Mexico. It is also produced in Chihuahua or Manchego and even some dairies in the US.
It’s a soft, white, stringy cheese made from cow’s milk that melts easily and has a mild, buttery flavor.
It is very similar to mozzarella but with some subtle differences. If you cannot locate Oaxaca cheese, mozzarella is a decent substitute. You could also substitute asadero, Havarti, Mexican queso manchego, Monterey jack, or even American cheese in a real pinch.
Topping Ideas
This dish is delicious on its own but is also easy to customize with different toppings. Try it with:
- Guacamole
- Pickled Red Onions
- Pico de Gallo
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Fresh Jalapenos
- Queso Fresco
How to Make This Recipe
Step One: Heat Your Tortillas
Place a dry skillet on the stove over medium heat, then add two flour tortillas and allow them to warm up for 10-15 seconds.
Step Two: Add The Filling
Add ½ cup of shredded cheese on top of one of the tortillas. Then add the ham slices, and, finally, the rest of the cheese (another half cup). Then place the other tortilla on top.
Step Three: Grill and Slice
Press on top of the sincronizada until the cheese is melted and the bottom tortilla is toasted golden brown (about 1-2 minutes). Then flip the sincronizada and grill on the other side until toasted.
Remove from the heat and cut into quarters.
Top with guacamole, pickled red onions, or pico de gallo. Enjoy!
Need another simple snack? Picaditas is a great option!
Expert tips:
- All the toppings are optional for your sincronizadas. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
- You do not need to add any oil to the pan if you are using a nonstick griddle but you can if you find your tortillas stick at all. Some people like to add a little olive oil or canola oil to increase the crunch!
- Ham and cheese are what make a sincronizada a sincronizada, but feel free to experiment with other fillings like chicken, ground beef, vegetables and refried beans. Any extra filling, including vegetables, should be cooked before they are added. The sincronizadas are only cooked until the tortilla is browned and the cheese is melted, which is not enough time to cook vegetables or meat.
- This dish is best served fresh when it is hot and melty.
- If you are making more than one serving at a time, place the cooked sincronizadas on a cookie sheet in a warm oven to keep them warm.
FAQs
You can save any leftover sincronizadas and reheat leftovers later on, but this dish is best enjoyed fresh. It comes together in about 10 minutes so it’s not difficult to make just one serving at a time.
If you decide to try to save leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for three to five days. Reheat in a pan over the stove for the best results.
Serve sincronizadas with fresh guacamole, tortilla chips, sour cream, pico de gallo, Mexican rice or refried beans. Sincronizadas can be served as a lunch, a main course or even an appetizer.
Did you enjoy this Mexican Sincronizadas recipe? If so, make sure to check out these other recipes I picked out just for you:
- How to Make Arroz con Leche
- Sopita
- Pineapple Coconut Agua Fresca
- Mexican Food: Everything You Need to Know
Sincronizadas
Equipment
Ingredients
Sincronizada Ingredients
- 4 medium Flour Tortillas, 5.5”
- 2-4 pieces Ham
- 2 cups Oaxaca Cheese, shredded
Topping Ideas
- Guacamole
- Pickled Red Onions
- Pico de Gallo
Instructions
- Place a dry skillet on the stove, then add two flour tortillas and allow them to warm up for 10-15 seconds.
- Add ½ cup of grated cheese on top of one of the tortillas. Then add the ham slices, and, finally, another ½ cup of grated cheese. Then place the other tortilla on top.
- Press on top of the sincronizada until the cheese is melted and one side of the tortilla is toasted (about 1-2 minutes). Then flip the sincronizada and grill on the other side until toasted.
- Remove from the heat. Cut into quarters.
- Top with guacamole, pickled red onions, or pico de gallo. Enjoy!
Notes
- Flour Tortillas: Medium size or about 5.5” in diameter
- Ham: Deli slices work well, but you can also use carved ham off the bone. Choose whatever thickness you prefer.
- Oaxaca Cheese: I got a fresh block and grated it for extra gooey sincronizadas!
- All the toppings are optional. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
- You do not need to add any oil to the pan if you are using a nonstick griddle but you can if you find your tortillas stick at all. Some people like to add a little olive oil or canola oil to increase the crunch!
- Ham and cheese are what make a sincronizada a sincronizada, but feel free to experiment with other fillings like chicken, ground beef, vegetables, and refried beans. Any extra filling, including vegetables, should be cooked before they are added. The sincronizada is only cooked until the tortilla is browned and the cheese is melted, which is not enough time to cook vegetables or meat.
- This dish is best served fresh when it is hot and melty.
- If you are making more than one serving at a time, place the cooked sincronizadas on a cookie sheet in a warm oven to keep them warm.
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