Is torta de fiambre a dessert?

No—this savory ham and cheese loaf is salty and rich, meant as a snack or light meal.

Why is the center wet?

Underbaked. Give Torta de fiambre more time; cover the top if it browns too fast.

Can I use leftover roast?

Yes, diced small. Keep the egg ratio so the loaf still sets.

Both work. Cold slices are classic for picnics; warm with salad for dinner.

Torta de fiambre

Name: Torta de fiambre
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Uruguayan
Ingredients: 150g Cheddar Cheese; 200g Ham; 3 Egg; 100g Vegetable Oil; 240g Milk; 120g All purpose flour; 2 tsp Baking Powder; 1 tsp Salt; To taste Dried Oregano

By Chef Cannon

Cuisine: Uruguayan

Torta de fiambre is a savory ham and cheese loaf bound with eggs, cheddar and oil—closer to a baked picnic cake than a sandwich. Mix until just combined so it stays tender, bake until a skewer comes out clean, and cool slightly before slicing. It travels well for lunch boxes and keeps its shape when cold.

At a glance

Time: about 1 hour · 8–10 slices · Difficulty: easy · ≈ 320 kcal per slice

Tutorial

Ingredients

150g Cheddar Cheese
200g Ham
3 Egg
100g Vegetable Oil
240g Milk
120g All purpose flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Salt
To taste Dried Oregano

Steps

Line the bottom of a springform of 20-2cm (8-9inches) with parchment paper, I usually leave some overhang as the batter is very liquid and may spill a bit. Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius.
2
Grate the cheese and take out the ham.
3
Mix all remaining ingredients in a large bowl for about one to two minutes.
4
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, it is going to be very liquid. Then place ham and cheese on top and pour the remaining batter on top.
5
Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until top is golden. Wait for a few minutes before releasing from the pan and enjoy either hot or cold with some fresh herbs.

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Time and temperature

Oven: 180 C / 350 F · bake 35–45 min · rest 10 min before cutting

Nutrition

320 kcal · Protein 14 g · Fat 24 g · Carbs 12 g

1 slice of 10 (estimate)

Substitutes

Cheddar → mozzarella or gouda
Ham → turkey or vegetarian deli slices
Vegetable oil → melted butter
Add herbs: oregano or chives

Storage

Refrigerate 3–4 days wrapped. Reheat slices in a toaster oven. Freeze wrapped slices up to 1 month.

FAQ

Is torta de fiambre a dessert?: No—this savory ham and cheese loaf is salty and rich, meant as a snack or light meal.
Why is the center wet?: Underbaked. Give Torta de fiambre more time; cover the top if it browns too fast.
Can I use leftover roast?: Yes, diced small. Keep the egg ratio so the loaf still sets.
Serve hot or cold?: Both work. Cold slices are classic for picnics; warm with salad for dinner.