Sandwich lovers are always looking for the best tips and tricks to up their sandwich game, and if you count yourself as part of this handheld food-loving community, then you will want to try this instant upgrade: Bake it. This one extra step will take a great sandwich and make it legendary. The process will add 10 minutes to your preparation time, so if you need immediate gratification, eat your sandwich cold and enjoy it in ignorant bliss; however, if you can be patient, heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
The goal is to have an exterior that’s toasty with a little crunch and an interior that’s warm where the cheese melts over the meaty fillings. The result is a more intense bite that’s rich, savory, tangy, creamy, and sweet as the flavors meld together in the most mouthwatering way possible. To get the ball rolling, evenly spread your condiments onto your bread, add meats and cheese, and let it bake. Open-faced will allow the fillings to warm quicker; however, if don’t plan on slapping on any additional toppings to it, feel free to place a slice of bread on top and bake.
And speaking of those extra fillings, save the lettuce, tomato, black olives, relish, and oil and vinegar from the heat and add them to your sandwiches after they come out of the oven. This way, you keep your greens crunchy, and you avoid the dreaded soggy bread that can happen with water-rich ingredients.
Sandwich baking tips
On the go? Wrap your meat-and-cheese sandwich in parchment paper, and then bake it and drop it in a lunchbox. Avoid packing your sandwich in foil, which doesn’t breathe and thus won’t help avoid sogginess. Though your sandwich is less likely to be overly wet this way, be aware that it probably won’t stay warm the way a freshly baked version does.
Baking your sandwich works especially well for traditional hoagies and stuffed pitas. The layers of filling fuse together when the cheese melts, and as a side benefit, it helps to keep those sandwich fillings from falling out. However, if you are feeling adventurous, try baking your favorite PB&J. The peanut butter will become warm and a little drippy, but its deep, nutty flavor will be beautifully enhanced by the heat, providing excellent contrast with the sweetness of the jelly.
There are a couple of things to consider before you toast up your sandwich. When choosing a cheese, mozzarella, Havarti, Gruyère, and cheddar are just a few great options. The best cheddar cheese for melting is mild. With its higher moisture content, it’s perfect if you like your cheese to become bubbly, gooey, and stringy before sinking your teeth into the bread for that first bite. If you want to add another layer of flavor, experiment with compound butter, and spread a thin layer on top of your bread of choice. This will allow it to become golden and delicious on the outside while imparting notes of garlic, basil, thyme, or whatever herbs are mixed in with the butter. Or, melt some cheese on the exterior of your sandwich for a savory, salty texture. The options are endless.
