The sandwich is a magical food that has multiple layers contributing to a life-changing flavor and texture combo—except when it doesn’t and it sucks.
I have a love-hate relationship with sandwiches. If the ingredients aren’t good quality or there isn’t enough variety, the entire thing can have you dreaming of all the other foods you could be eating instead. When they’re made right, though, I have a Joey Tribbiani level of appreciation for sandwiches. They just have this way of satisfying every craving I have.
But if you’re eating a sad sandwich—which often happens when I rush to make them or don’t stock up on good ingredients—it can straight-up take your appetite away.
Well in honor of National Sandwich Day tomorrow (another food holiday obviously worth celebrating), I think it’s time to take our sandwich-making game up a notch so we truly enjoy the easy food and look forward to lunch again.
Whether you’re into sweet (e.g., peanut butter and jelly) or savory (e.g., lunchmeat and cheese), I want to share variety of tactics that I’ve found to make sandwiches significantly more exciting.
1. Think Outside the Box
If you’re not feeling very creative, you can get stuck in a boring sandwich rut that can make life sad. Try branching out a bit with ingredients you don’t usually use. Some of my favorite ways to change it up is to use ingredients like alfalfa sprouts, sweet potato ribbons, thinly sliced carrots, a fancy cheese, shredded chicken, a salad dressing as the condiment, etc. I also like to try new combos I don’t normally think of, like with my Turkey Cranberry Panini with Bacon and Brie. Combining sweet and salty ingredients for a change of pace can sometimes do the trick!
2. Incorporate Different Textures
To really make an interesting sandwich, mix up the textures of the ingredients. There’s a reason why potato chips on sandwiches are a thing people rave about—it’s an unexpected change that adds a whole new texture to your sandwich. For a creamy addition, try hummus, avocado, roasted garlic, cream cheese, banana slices, banana over-easy egg, or a condiment. For a crunchy or crispy element, try lettuce, shredded cabbage, apple slices, sliced radishes, crunchy peanut butter, or bacon. As a juicy or wet addition, add a layer of tomato slices, pickles, marinara, cucumber, strawberries, peaches, etc.
3. Season It
People don’t always think to season their sandwich, seeing as how the ingredients are often so full of flavor, but let me tell you…there are certain additions that can take your sandwich to the next level. Some of my favorite ways to season a sandwich are to sprinkle some dried oregano or garlic over the top, add some fresh herbs, or maybe drizzle a bit of of vinegar or olive oil.
4. Heat It Up
Whether it’s peanut butter and jelly or a lunchmeat situation, trying adding some heat. Microwave the meat and cheese; toast the bread; or stick the whole thing in the oven. The flavor of certain ingredients can be transformed when heated up. (You can also opt for ingredients that are meant to be warm, like meatballs, Italian beef, or meatloaf.) At the very least, making your sandwich on toast instead of regular bread can make a big difference.
5. Try a Different Version of an Ingredient
Usually get wheat bread? Try sourdough! Loyal to getting turkey lunchmeat? Make some Italian shredded chicken. Sick of tuna salad? Make a Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad instead! If you’re out of ideas of how to revive an otherwise boring sandwich you’ve been making for years, branch out with a different version version of common ingredients you use. From the type or form of veggie to the cheese or lunchmeat variety—small changes can add some new flavors you’re not used to (and are, therefore, not tired of eating).
6. Add a Flavorful Side
Just as burgers taste better with fries, other types of sandwiches can just seem more complete with the right side dishes. Chips and a pickle are usually the go-to (and are amazeballs), but some other good options might be: carrots with ranch or hummus, a cup of soup (no reason you can’t treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy combo!), pasta salad, or a small baked potato.
Where to Find Sandwich Inspiration
Yes, I really have this much to say about sandwiches haha. If you ever need some inspiration, I highly recommend looking up vegan or vegetarian sandwiches. People following these types of diets automatically tend to think outside the box. Whether you add meat to it or not, these are a great start for finding new combos (especially heavy on the veggies)! You could also just try to recreate a memorable sandwich you’ve had in the past.
And to bring this full circle with my Friends reference: seeing as how it’s officially November, and Thanksgiving is coming up, it’s about that time to make the mother of all sandwiches…”The Moist Maker”! (Which Matt and I totally made last year, and it was definitely an experience.)
What’s the best sandwich you’ve ever eaten?
Do you prefer savory or sweet sandwiches?
