Sandwiches are one of the easiest and most versatile snacks you can make. All you have to do is take two (or more) slices of bread and add some fillings. However, there’s a big difference between a regular sandwich and the perfect sandwich creation that satisfies your hunger.
There isn’t just one secret to making great sandwiches. Some people may improvise the basic recipe to enhance their food’s taste, texture, and appearance. Wondering what these steps and tweaks can be? Read on for some easy tips on how to make the perfect sandwich every time:
1. Use the right bread
Soft white bread is a staple in most homes, but why limit your sandwich experience? The type of filling you’re using might go best with a few kinds of bread. Keep the following in mind the next time you pick the bread for your sandwiches:
- If the filling is moist or wet (such as egg salad), the bread should be dense with a thick crust. Try pumpernickel, wholegrain, sourdough, and rye bread.
- Always try to use the freshest bread possible for your sandwiches. It will give the best texture and taste possible. Homemade bread is best if you know how to bake it.
- Lightly toast the bread so that it maintains crispiness for some time.
- Keep the bread bag sealed, or put it in an airtight bread box. It should stay out of the refrigerator to preserve taste.
2. Experiment with the spread
Instead of limiting yourself to the classic mayo and mustard combo, why not try a crock pot French dip? Changing the usual spreads can help you experience new combinations and enjoy your sandwiches more. Here are some more spreadable ingredients to experiment with:
- Chutneys, such as mint chutney with a potato filling
- Pesto with tuna, chicken, and veggies
- Vinaigrettes with grilled chicken, veggies, or cheese
- Salsa with eggs, black beans, grilled fish, or turkey
- Sambal, which goes well with eggs
- Mascarpone or ricotta cheese, which are great on their own or with some black pepper
- Oils like chili oil, garlic-infused oil, oil with herbs, or just quality olive oil
- Jalapeno pepper jelly, which is a cool and spicy addition to a brisket filling
3. Be careful with the fillings
There are several easy recipes for making a great sandwich; however, choosing the right ingredients and using them correctly counts when you want an above-average result. For instance, you may love having vegetables like lettuce in your sandwiches. While this addition provides lightness to heavy and rich ingredients, lettuce has a high water content. If you’re eating the sandwich right away, that’s fine. However, you’ll likely have wilting lettuce that can make the bread soggy if you’re saving it for lunch.
Instead of using high water content options like tomato or lettuce, here are some alternatives that won’t ruin your sandwich after some time:
- Sliced fennel leaves
- Shredded cabbage
- Roasted peppers
Lay the vegetable slices on a paper towel for some time to prevent sogginess. The paper will absorb the excess water. Don’t put salt directly on the veggies either; this will cause more water to come out. A little preparation can help retain the crunch, nutrients, and bright colors of vegetables.
4. Avoid Sogginess
Sogginess is the downfall of any sandwich. In addition to the vegetables, other ingredients can also make the bread slices wet and unpalatable after some time.
Here are some tips for preventing eventual sogginess in your sandwich:
- Distribute the mayonnaise, cream cheese, or any other spread right to the edges of the bread. This will make a seal that contains the wet or most fillings.
- Pack high-moisture additions separately if you’re assembling the sandwich to eat later. Tomatoes, pickles, cucumbers, and lettuce should go in separate bags. Add them when it’s time to eat.
- Toasting the bread can also prevent it from getting soggy too quickly
- Wrap your sandwiches individually and store them in an airtight box
- If you like a lot of sauces in your sandwich, pack the sauces separately too
- Use the fillings when they’re cold; if they’re currently at room temperature, put them in the fridge for a while
5. Try adding contrasts
It might sound weird, but consider some acidic ingredients for your next sandwich. That slight acidity elevates the heaviness of the meat and also pairs well with cheese.
Acidic ingredients can lift any sandwich with fatty and meaty fillings. Options may include:
- Pickled vegetables
- Heirloom cauliflower
- Red onions
- Vinegar
- Lemon or lime juice
- Dijon mustard
The ingredients might mesh well together, so maybe we need some contrast in texture. Onion rings give a nice crunch to any sandwich or burger. You can try the following ways to build different textures here:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fried egg
- Snappy vegetables such as carrots or green beans
- Kimchi
Conclusion
The next time you have a potluck or just need a quick bite, try some of the tips above. With a few tweaks, you can take a simple sandwich to another level. Impress your friends or treat yourself to a simple yet satisfying snack.