Strangest Sandwiches for National Sandwich Day
Probably the most popular lunch item is the sandwich. On November 3, people everywhere will be honoring this humble fare believed to be named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich. Legend has it that the Earl would order his servants to bring him meat between two slices of bread while he was gambling and did not want to take the time for a meal.
Whether or not the legend is true, there’s no denying that the sandwich is one of the most versatile vehicles for bringing almost an entire meal to work or school for an easy lunch. At its essence, the sandwich is simply meat or cheese and bread. You’re probably familiar with the popular favorites, such as BLT, a grilled cheese, a French dip or a club sandwich. Here are some untraditional sandwiches with weird food combinations that you might enjoy on National Sandwich Day.
1. Chow mein sandwich
This sandwich is more common in New England. It’s made with fried noodle, traditional Chinese vegetables and a gravy. Serve it in a hamburger bun, much like a sloppy joe.
2. Peanut butter, bacon and bananas
Elvis might have popularized the PB and banana combination, but he’d certainly approve of adding Bar-S bacon to the mix. It’s a sweet and savory mix of flavors that are complementary. Add some jelly or jam for an extra pop of zest.
3. Sausage and marmalade
Pork and oranges go together well as an entrée, which makes for a good sandwich base. Slice Bar-S Smoked Sausages in half lengthwise and grill. Place in a bun and top with orange marmalade. Yum.
4. Donut Monte Cristo
A Monte Cristo sandwich is a ham and swiss fried in a French toast batter. Use a donut sliced in half as the bread, and you have a sweet and savory delight.
5. Baked bean French toast sandwiches
Baked beans, bacon and cheese between two slices of bread, then fried like French toast. Give it a try because it’s a delightful combination.
6. Apple pie sandwich
Start with cinnamon raisin bread. Make a spread using ½ cup mascarpone cheese and 2 teaspoons honey. Spread this on each slice of bread. Top with thinly sliced Granny Smith apples. Grill your sandwich in a panini press.
7. Chicken and waffles sandwich
Instead of using bread as the outside of your sandwich, try waffles. Top with sliced chicken, bacon and your favorite vegetables. Mix cream cheese and maple syrup for a creamy, sweet spread for this play on the Southern classic.
8. Pear-walnut sandwiches
Spread cream cheese on bread. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of chopped walnuts over the cheese. Top with sprouts and slices of pears. Although cinnamon-raisin bread is recommended, a date nut quick bread would also be quite yummy.
Tips for Creating Your Own Sandwich Wonder
As you can see, practically any combination of flavors you love works in a sandwich. This year, experiment with different textures, flavors and ideas for a non-boring lunch. There’s no one way to make the perfect sandwich because sandwiches are personal. Weird sandwiches are only weird until other people try the combination for themselves.
For a great sandwich, choose quality ingredients. Start with high-quality artisan bread or rolls. A good rule of thumb to follow is to use soft bread for soft fillings, such as tuna or chicken salad. Use heartier bread for sturdier fillings, such as Bar-S Salami or any of our deli-style luncheon meats. It sounds counterintuitive, but softer fillings explode out of the sandwich when you use tougher bread.
Brighten up your sandwich with vegetables, pickles and slaws. Heating the protein can add a depth of flavor you won’t get with a cold sandwich. At the very least, let your meat and cheese come to room temperature before serving. Use salt, pepper, and other spices and herbs to boost the flavor profile of your sandwich.
Browse through our recipe pages for even more ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make some crazy sandwiches for National Sandwich Day using our products, and let us see your creations on our social media pages.