Some people love a big juicy steak. Others may think a yummy pasta dish will hit the spot. While I love both of those meals; the thing that really gets me going is a sandwich that is loaded with the best meats, cheeses, and dressings. If you’re like me and love a great sammie- following are some tips that will help in making the perfect sandwich.
The bread
As with anything, starting with a good foundation is key. For a sandwich, bread is that foundation. Now, don’t get me wrong, I was a kid raised on white bread. I still love a white bread sandwich, but, we’re talking about taking your sandwich game up a notch. There is nothing that smells and tastes better than freshly baked bread. Most of you probably steer clear of tasks like bread baking. But, if you want to dare to make a great baked bread for your sandwich; try this bolillo bread recipe. This bread is a Mexican version of a baguette.
If tackling baking your own bread seems too daunting, most grocery stores have artisan breads in their bakery departments. Grab a bag of bread that has just the right amount of crust. I always look for a soft crunch. This will take your sandwich to the next level.
The best meats
When you’re making a killer sandwich, you have to go with the best meats. Whether you love deli turkey, ham, or roast beef; grab the tastiest. Most of the time your local deli counter will have several brands of meat on sale. Ask for samples before you buy. I love peppered turkey and honey roasted turkey too. But more and more you can also find sliced roasted chicken as well. Many brands offer a nice variety of spices meats. Some of my favorites are sun dried chicken, maple turkey, and honey baked ham. Deli counters will generally have a guide to show the difference between slice sizes. Shaved meat is a favorite if you want to really pile on the meat. Slicing thin is my preferred size. It’s not as thin as shaved but you can still fold the meat so you can stack it up.
Great cheeses
There is so much more to life than sliced American cheese. You don’t even have to go to the deli counter to get it. Most cheese companies are now carrying pre-packaged sliced gourmet cheeses. Gouda is a great melting cheese with with rich nutty flavor. Provolone is a white cheese that also melts great. You may think of provolone being atop of a Philly cheesesteak; but it can top any kind of meat. Muenster cheese is my favorite. It’s a pale yellow cheese with an orange rind. This cheese is mild, creamy, and delicious. Cheddar; whether sharp or mild, is a perennial favorite; you can’t go wrong with this choice.
Toppings
The veggies you can top your sandwich with are endless. You generally probably only think of lettuce and tomato as sandwich toppings but wait; there’s more! Choose something other than iceberg lettuce; baby spinach is great on a sandwich. Any number of greens will work. Try romaine lettuce for a great crunch. Fresh basil elevates the overall flavor. Avocado shows up on all kinds of sandwiches to add a creamy element. Sprouts add a nice crunch. A variety of pickles and thinly sliced onions add both crunch and flavor.
When it comes to dressing your sandwich; think beyond traditional mayo and mustard. There’s a great variety of flavored mayos available; from olive oil to chipotle. Cream cheese and dill mixes for a great topping. A drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette makes all of the flavors come together.
Now clearly you’re not going to make an elevated sandwich every time you’re fixing lunch. A beautiful, buttery, grilled cheese sammie on toasted white bread is still a great meal. But, when you’re ready to make a sandwich that’s a cut above, try some of these ideas.