September 6, 2023
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The “back-to-school” time of year also means sandwich season. But there wouldn’t be any more groaning and sighing opening lunch bags at the sight of a sand sandwich any longer—with these sandwich tips and tricks, you’ll create mouthwatering and exciting sandwiches that will have the whole family looking forward to lunchtime everyday.
1. Get That (Sandwich) Bread
Get it switched up, that is. It might often be overlooked, but the bread holds your sandwich together… quite literally. A simple switch of bread can really change an entire sandwich. With so many types of bread available, it’s easy to elevate your sandwich by simply switching up your bread of choice. Each type of bread has its own unique characteristics that can complement different combinations of fillings. Consider the bread texture and flavor when making a sandwich.
Generally, you want to balance out the texture of your sandwich. If your filling is hearty and saucy, you would want to opt for a thicker, drier bread to prevent it from falling apart or getting soggy too quickly. Think of a saucy Rueben sandwich on a thick slices of pumpernickel. Alternatively, softer breads work better with thinner, drier fillings. A classic PB&J works well on soft and squishy sandwich bread.
If your preference is a sandwich with a crunchy exterior and a softer interior, try broiling both slices of bread in the oven. This will cause only one side of each slice to be exposed to the heat, hardening it, while the other side remains softer because it has been protected from the heat.
If you prefer a soft-exterior sandwich, you can also do the same technique. As an added benefit of this method, if you assemble your sandwich with the toasted sides inside, it can make your sandwich more structurally sound while helping prevent sogginess.
And when it comes to flavor, well… It’s all a matter of personal preference. As much as we would love to recommend you the best bread flavor for the most perfect sandwich, there is no such universal choice. Ultimately, the key to finding the perfect bread for your sandwich is to experiment different types of bread to your favorite fillings and have fun with it! Try out different combinations and see what works best for you.
2. The Secret is in the Sauce
Many people loathe a soggy sandwich, but a dry sandwich is just as unsatisfying. The key to making any sandwich stand out and taste extra special is the sauce. Adding spreads and condiments to your sandwich makes a significant difference in its texture, not only by preventing it from being uncomfortably dry but also by elevating the overall taste.
Some popular condiments to try are Dijon mustard, hummus, cranberry sauce, guacamole, barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, and pesto. It doesn’t have to be just one—sometimes the perfect taste can be discovered through a combination of various condiments.
And don’t worry much about making a really soggy sandwich because of all the wet condiments. In fact, some condiments spread on bread such as Wesson Plant Butter can help insulate water coming from moist ingredients within the sandwich. The oils in Wesson Plant Butter repel the water from escaping through the bread, which helps to prevent a soggy sandwich.
3. Try it- Fry it!
There’s just something so satisfying about fried food, and it’s no different when it comes to your sandwich. Frying or grilling your sandwich, or its fillings is a surefire way to add extra crunch, aroma, and warmth to your meal.
All Wesson Oils are perfect for frying either your sandwich or just the fillings, but our top pick is Wesson Canola Oil for its neutral flavor and high smoke point. Being preservative free, cholesterol free, and with 0 trans fat per serving, its a great option to create the perfect fried sandwich whether you want to enjoy a quick grilled cheese or a hearty chicken panini.
4. Build a Strong Structure
Who says you can’t engineer your sandwich? By carefully constructing your sandwich, you can ensure that it’s easy to eat and maintains its appetizing appearance.
The key to building a sturdy sandwich is to layer the ingredients from heaviest at the bottom to lighter and less dense at the top. This creates a sturdy foundation for your sandwich so that when you are holding it, it is less likely to fall apart or make a mess when you lift and hold it.
When it comes to slicing your sandwich, use a serrated knife and gently saw through it instead of pressing down. This will prevent the sandwich from getting squished or flattened, and will help keep it from getting unnecessarily soggy. By using the right slicing technique, you can create a sandwich that’s easy to eat and looks as good as it tastes.
5. Say NO to Sogginess
Soggy bread can make your sandwiches a lot less appetizing. Thankfully, by just using some simple techniques, you can avoid lunchtime disappointment.
One common culprit for soggy sandwiches are tomatoes, due to their high moisture content. However, before you completely ditch tomatoes from your sandwich, there are a couple of simple tricks to help prevent soggy bread while still enjoying tomatoes. First, simply reduce their moisture by resting or patting tomato slices with a paper towel before sprinkling them with a pinch of salt. Next, add the tomato slices last when constructing your sandwich. This trick can also be applied to other wet ingredients, such as pickles. Or, keep sliced tomatoes in a separate container and add them to your sandwich right before eating.
Warm ingredients can also cause your bread to become soggy. The steam from heated ingredients creates condensation, making the bread moist and limp. To prevent this, cool freshly cooked ingredients to room temperature prior to adding them to your sandwich.
Another possibly sogginess culprit is condensation. Try wrapping your sandwich in parchment paper or a paper towel before placing it in a reusable lunch container. The paper will absorb moisture while the container helps maintain the sandwich’s shape and prevents it from getting squished. Properly storing your sandwich in an insulated container can also help preserve its freshness.
Now that you’re privy to our secrets for crafting the most tantalizing and delectable sandwiches, why not put our tips and tricks to the test? For a lunchtime adventure, try our Shawarma Chicken Salad Sandwich and experience the excitement for yourself.
