If you’re craving a bold, flavorful Mexican street food experience, you have to try this Pambazo Recipe! Imagine a soft roll dipped in a rich, smoky guajillo sauce, then filled with a savory, seasoned potato and chorizo mixture. Pan-fried until lightly crispy on the outside and topped with fresh garnishes, this sandwich is an explosion of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a fiesta-style gathering, pambazos bring the authentic taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love every messy, delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Mexican Street Food: A true classic that’s easy to make at home!
- Flavor Explosion: The spicy, smoky guajillo sauce makes every bite irresistible.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Filled with a rich potato and chorizo mixture for the ultimate comfort food.
- Fun to Eat: Crispy outside, soft inside, and loaded with toppings—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
Gather these essential ingredients for your pambazos:
- Bolillo or Telera Rolls: Traditional Mexican bread that soaks up the sauce while staying sturdy.
- Dried Guajillo Peppers: The star ingredient for the flavorful red sauce.
- Garlic & Onion: Adds depth to both the sauce and filling.
- Chorizo: Gives the filling a rich, spicy kick (or use a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version).
- Potatoes: Create a hearty, creamy texture in the filling.
- Mexican Crema: A cooling, tangy contrast to the bold flavors.
- Lettuce: Adds freshness and crunch.
- Cotija Cheese: A salty, crumbly topping that balances the flavors.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying the bread to perfection.
Note: Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Pambazo Recipe
Step 1: Make the Guajillo Sauce
Remove the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo peppers, then soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes until softened. Blend them with garlic, onion, and a little of the soaking water until smooth. Strain for a silky texture and season with salt to taste.
Step 2: Cook the Potato and Chorizo Filling
Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them slightly. In a skillet, cook the chorizo until crispy, then mix in the potatoes. Stir until well combined and let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Dip and Fry the Bread
Slice the bolillo or telera rolls in half, then dip each one into the guajillo sauce, coating them completely. Heat a bit of oil in a skillet and lightly fry each roll until the exterior is slightly crisp and the sauce is set.
Step 4: Assemble the Pambazo
Spread the chorizo-potato mixture onto the bottom half of each roll. Add shredded lettuce, a drizzle of crema, and crumbled Cotija cheese. Place the top half of the roll over the filling and press gently.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your pambazos warm with extra crema and cheese on the side. Grab some napkins—this is a messy but oh-so-worth-it sandwich!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- For Extra Flavor: Let the bread sit in the sauce for a minute before frying to absorb more flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chorizo for sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of chili powder or blend a chipotle pepper into the sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Frying: It seals in the sauce and gives the pambazo its signature texture.
How to Serve
- With Pickled Jalapeños: For an extra tangy kick.
- Alongside a Fresh Salsa: A tomatillo salsa pairs beautifully.
- As a Street Food Meal: Serve with Mexican street corn (elote) and aguas frescas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pambazos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze the potato and chorizo mixture separately for up to 1 month. Reheat before assembling fresh pambazos.
Reheating
Reheat the assembled pambazo in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side until warmed through.
FAQs
- What bread should I use if I can’t find bolillo or telera rolls?
You can substitute French bread rolls or ciabatta, but make sure they are slightly dense to hold up to the sauce. - Can I make pambazos without frying them?
Yes, but frying gives them their signature texture. If skipping the frying step, toast them lightly in a dry pan after dipping in sauce. - Is guajillo pepper sauce spicy?
Guajillo peppers have a mild heat, but you can add spicier peppers like arbol if you want more heat. - Can I use a different type of filling?
Definitely! Try shredded chicken, refried beans, or even grilled veggies for a unique twist.
This Pambazo Recipe brings the best of Mexican street food into your kitchen. It’s bold, flavorful, and packed with irresistible textures that make every bite unforgettable. So roll up your sleeves, dig in, and enjoy this deliciously messy masterpiece! 🌮🔥
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Printpambazo {recipes}
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 pambazos 1x
Description
Pambazo is a traditional Mexican sandwich made with soft bread dipped in a flavorful guajillo pepper sauce, then filled with chorizo, potatoes, and topped with fresh garnishes. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with bold, savory flavors. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 4 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 small onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Filling:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 8 oz Mexican chorizo
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Sandwich:
- 4 pambazo bread rolls or bolillo rolls
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/4 cup diced white onion
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Guajillo Sauce
- Soak the dried guajillo chilies in hot water for 10 minutes until soft.
- Blend the chilies with garlic, onion, salt, and 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan, then strain and cook the sauce for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, cook the chorizo over medium heat until browned.
- Add the boiled potatoes, mix well, and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Pambazos
- Slice each pambazo roll in half. Dip both sides into the guajillo sauce until coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated bread for about 2 minutes per side until slightly crispy.
- Fill each sandwich with the chorizo-potato mixture.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Top each pambazo with shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, Mexican crema, and diced onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of guajillo chilies.
- Substitute bolillo or telera bread if you can’t find pambazo rolls.
- Serve with a side of salsa or pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~450 kcal
- Calories: 2g
- Sugar: 850mg
- Sodium: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Mexican pambazo, pambazo sandwich, chorizo pambazo, guajillo sauce sandwich