The PERFECT SANDWICH in 10 EASY Steps
Don’t we love the simplicity of sandwiches? However, its simplicity can make it easy to get a little sloppy or lackluster with the concept. To avoid falling into that trap, here are 10 tips from www.goldmedalbakery.com for making not just a sandwich, but a masterpiece!
START WITH QUALITY INGREDIENTS. A tasty sandwich needs tasty ingredients. Opting for high-quality meats, cheeses, toppings and condiments will ensure your sandwich looks and tastes its best.
Consider purchasing freshly sliced meats from the deli counter. Same goes for your cheeses. Pay a little more for having getting slices from the cheese section in the deli. You’ll get extra flavor this way.
TURN TO SAUCES AND SPREADS. With quality ingredients in place, incorporate sauces and spreads. The right condiments will take your sandwich to a whole new level. A nice change in this area comes by making your own. Replacing your plain mayo with homemade lemon dill mayonnaise can elevate a sandwich all on its own.
A few of the best sandwich condiments sandwich shops suggest are chipotle mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hummus, tzatziki, fruit jam, pepper jelly, barbecue sauce, and pesto.
INCLUDE LOTS OF VEGGIES. When you’re considering the characteristics of a good sandwich, vegetables are an essential part of the puzzle. Whether it’s dill pickle slices or some caramelized onion, vegetable choices can help your sandwich taste fresher and lighter.
Beyond the pickles, lettuce, and tomato routine, you might consider: spinach, onions, avocado. Sprouts, olives, peppers. Mushrooms, and coleslaw.
PLAN FOR PROPER PAIRINGS. There’s a reason the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is such an iconic sandwich. The best sandwich toppings will complement each other in both flavor and texture. For example, a creamy brie cheese, spicy pepper jelly and cured salami sandwich tastes delicious thanks to the marriage of sweet, hot and spicy flavors. Slices of honey ham, sharp cheddar cheese and spicy whole-grain mustard on premium wheat bread make a great-tasting arrangement.
CONSIDER ALL CHEESE OPTIONS. Swapping out basic slices for a finely-aged cheese can make a significant taste difference. Give these options a try: gouda, goat cheese, Muenster, Swiss, pepper jack, provolone, and extra sharp cheddar.
EXPLORE BREAD CHOICES. Your bread choice can make a big difference. Choose your bread based on your sandwich’s depth. For example, two slices of premium Texas toast are thick enough to support the delicious weight of a barbecue brisket sandwich. Always start with fresh, quality bread. And if possible, buy it from a quality bread maker, so you know it’ll hold up and taste great.
INCLUDE A LITTLE SWEETNESS. The beauty of a sandwich is its versatility. If you’re a fan of super savory sandwiches, try switching things up by adding a touch of sweetness to your next meal. A sweet element makes a nice contrast for savory. Think about incorporating jams, honey and fruit slices. For instance, putting apple slices on a chicken sandwich can make your sandwich taste fresher.
THINLY SLICED MEAT IS MEANT TO BE PILED. A thick slab of ham or turkey is generally too heavy for what’s meant to be a handheld meal. By using thin slices instead, you can enjoy the meat without compromising your sandwich’s overall composition. Thin cuts also make it possible to use more than one kind of meat.
For example, turkey and ham are a classic combination. If you like a chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich on white bread, thinly-sliced chicken leaves you plenty of room for the rest of your delicious toppings.
PLACE LAYERS INTENTIONALLY. “Sandwich science” exists, and it’s all about layering them correctly. So put some thought into their assembly. The right sandwich arrangement will ensure you experience every ingredient’s flavor and texture.
One idea for layering your sandwich, from the bottom and going up, is:
Slather condiments on the bottom bread slice. Then add the densest vegetables, like pickles, followed by the lettuce and then the tomato. From here add the cheese. Then the meat. Finally, spread another layer of condiments on the top slice of bread.
This approach is popular for a few reasons. First, the condiments “hold” the subsequent vegetables, ensuring they don’t slide off. Second, the meat and cheese are usually meant to complement each other, so it makes sense to arrange them together. Finally, you’re sure to get the flavor of the condiments with the meat at the top of the sandwich.
FINISH WITH GRILLING. There’s something special about a toasted sandwich. So add some butter to a hot pan or spread a little mayonnaise on the bread and toast your sandwich on either side until golden brown. Just be sure to put your cold ingredients on afterward to retain their flavor and texture, and say “HELLO!” to the perfect sandwich!
START WITH QUALITY INGREDIENTS. A tasty sandwich needs tasty ingredients. Opting for high-quality meats, cheeses, toppings and condiments will ensure your sandwich looks and tastes its best.
Consider purchasing freshly sliced meats from the deli counter. Same goes for your cheeses. Pay a little more for having getting slices from the cheese section in the deli. You’ll get extra flavor this way.
TURN TO SAUCES AND SPREADS. With quality ingredients in place, incorporate sauces and spreads. The right condiments will take your sandwich to a whole new level. A nice change in this area comes by making your own. Replacing your plain mayo with homemade lemon dill mayonnaise can elevate a sandwich all on its own.
A few of the best sandwich condiments sandwich shops suggest are chipotle mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hummus, tzatziki, fruit jam, pepper jelly, barbecue sauce, and pesto.
INCLUDE LOTS OF VEGGIES. When you’re considering the characteristics of a good sandwich, vegetables are an essential part of the puzzle. Whether it’s dill pickle slices or some caramelized onion, vegetable choices can help your sandwich taste fresher and lighter.
Beyond the pickles, lettuce, and tomato routine, you might consider: spinach, onions, avocado. Sprouts, olives, peppers. Mushrooms, and coleslaw.
PLAN FOR PROPER PAIRINGS. There’s a reason the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is such an iconic sandwich. The best sandwich toppings will complement each other in both flavor and texture. For example, a creamy brie cheese, spicy pepper jelly and cured salami sandwich tastes delicious thanks to the marriage of sweet, hot and spicy flavors. Slices of honey ham, sharp cheddar cheese and spicy whole-grain mustard on premium wheat bread make a great-tasting arrangement.
CONSIDER ALL CHEESE OPTIONS. Swapping out basic slices for a finely-aged cheese can make a significant taste difference. Give these options a try: gouda, goat cheese, Muenster, Swiss, pepper jack, provolone, and extra sharp cheddar.
EXPLORE BREAD CHOICES. Your bread choice can make a big difference. Choose your bread based on your sandwich’s depth. For example, two slices of premium Texas toast are thick enough to support the delicious weight of a barbecue brisket sandwich. Always start with fresh, quality bread. And if possible, buy it from a quality bread maker, so you know it’ll hold up and taste great.
INCLUDE A LITTLE SWEETNESS. The beauty of a sandwich is its versatility. If you’re a fan of super savory sandwiches, try switching things up by adding a touch of sweetness to your next meal. A sweet element makes a nice contrast for savory. Think about incorporating jams, honey and fruit slices. For instance, putting apple slices on a chicken sandwich can make your sandwich taste fresher.
THINLY SLICED MEAT IS MEANT TO BE PILED. A thick slab of ham or turkey is generally too heavy for what’s meant to be a handheld meal. By using thin slices instead, you can enjoy the meat without compromising your sandwich’s overall composition. Thin cuts also make it possible to use more than one kind of meat.
For example, turkey and ham are a classic combination. If you like a chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich on white bread, thinly-sliced chicken leaves you plenty of room for the rest of your delicious toppings.
PLACE LAYERS INTENTIONALLY. “Sandwich science” exists, and it’s all about layering them correctly. So put some thought into their assembly. The right sandwich arrangement will ensure you experience every ingredient’s flavor and texture.
One idea for layering your sandwich, from the bottom and going up, is:
Slather condiments on the bottom bread slice. Then add the densest vegetables, like pickles, followed by the lettuce and then the tomato. From here add the cheese. Then the meat. Finally, spread another layer of condiments on the top slice of bread.
This approach is popular for a few reasons. First, the condiments “hold” the subsequent vegetables, ensuring they don’t slide off. Second, the meat and cheese are usually meant to complement each other, so it makes sense to arrange them together. Finally, you’re sure to get the flavor of the condiments with the meat at the top of the sandwich.
FINISH WITH GRILLING. There’s something special about a toasted sandwich. So add some butter to a hot pan or spread a little mayonnaise on the bread and toast your sandwich on either side until golden brown. Just be sure to put your cold ingredients on afterward to retain their flavor and texture, and say “HELLO!” to the perfect sandwich!
Alice Osborne
Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2006
Email the author! alice@dvo.com
