11 Common Sandwich Making Mistakes

What food would you prepare when you need to get a really quick bite, or when you need something to pack with you on a trip? Most people’s answer would be “a sandwich”, and we couldn’t agree more, as a sandwich is probably the most convenient and simple type of food there is. But if it’s so simple, why is it, then, that the sandwich you order in a restaurant often tastes so much better than the one you make at home?

The difference is in a few small details that really determine how delicious your sandwich will be. In fact, the majority of people don’t know that packing a sandwich in plastic or adding condiments directly to a slice of bread can ruin your sandwich. Find why it’s important to avoid these and 9 other mistakes when preparing a sandwich, and how to make a sandwich like a chef. 

 

Mistake 1. Not drying out the greens after washing

Adding greens, like spinach, lettuce or arugula, to your sandwich can make it taste fresher and it’s a great way to sneak in greens into your diet. However, many people forget to dry out the freshly-washed greens, and this can turn even an otherwise perfect sandwich into a soggy and watery mess. Make sure dry your greens either by using a salad spinner or, if you don’t have one, you can use the plastic bag method in which you put the washed greens in a colander, shake them the leaves to drain out water and then put the leaves holding 1 plastic bag inside another. Hold the 4 handles together and keep rotating the bag for a minute or more, then when you take out the leaves, it will be almost dried, spread then on a big pan. Then you drain out the water from the plastic bag.

 

Mistake 2. Adding condiments directly on the bread

When you’re adding spreads and condiments straight on your bread, you’re risking to get a soggy sandwich that doesn’t keep its shape as well. This is especially true if you’re planning to eat it later. To prevent this from happening, simply add a slice of cheese on top of the bread first and add your condiments and spreads after. The cheese will prevent the liquid from seeping into the bread. 

 

Alternatively, you can toast the bread or roll before adding the condiments: this will also help the liquids absorb slower into the bread. 

 

 

Mistake 3. Not spreading out the fillings evenly

Ideally, you want to taste each filling every time you take a bite of your sandwich, and it can even be quite annoying to bite into just lettuce or cucumbers and not the meat or cheese. That’s why it’s key to distribute your fillings in an even layer, especially the vegetables. 

 

 

Mistakes 4. Disregarding texture

This is one of the most common mistakes out there. When preparing a sandwich, it’s very beneficial to think not only about the variation in taste but also in texture. And extra crunch or creaminess, or lack thereof can make or break an otherwise delicious sandwich. 

 

The simplest way to introduce texture is by simply toasting your bread, but we recommend going a bit further and adding a crispy fried egg or a couple of nuts to your sandwich as well, you will be surprised as to what a difference this small change makes. 

 

 

Mistake 5. Slicing the ingredients too thick 

 

 

It doesn’t matter if you’re making a traditional sandwich or an open one, slicing your ingredients too thick will ruin your sandwich. This goes back to the importance of even layering we talked about before: when you’re slicing your meat, cheese, or vegetables too thick, you won’t be able to take a bite of it and will end up with a whole piece in your mouth. 

 

Slice everything as thinly as you possibly can instead. This way you will be able to taste each ingredient with each bite and enjoy your sandwich so much more.

Mistake 6. You’re afraid to combine different ingredients or try new ones

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Using the usual ingredients in our sandwiches is a convenient habit, but thinking outside of the box can make the usual or even boring sandwich you take with you to work a pleasure. Try adding fresh herbs and nuts to enhance the flavor and texture of your sandwich. You can also try new spreads, such as hummus or tahini instead of the usual butter, mayo or avocados. 

 

Finally, try adding new cheese varieties, such as halloumi, brie or even grated parmesan, and different types of meat and fish to your sandwiches to increase their flavor profile and add variety to your sandwiches.

Mistake 7. You forget to season the vegetables

When you’re incorporating fresh vegetables to your sandwich, don’t forget to sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and pepper before adding them to the sandwich. This is especially true about avocados, lettuce, and cucumbers that need a bit of enhancement because they don’t have a pronounced taste of their own. 

 

 

Mistake 8. Making the sandwich too tall

This is a common mistake that even restaurants make. The sandwich (hamburger, hot dog, etc.) should be convenient to bite, especially if you’re on the go. Eating a sandwich shouldn’t require strategic planning, as it often happens with extra big hamburgers or large sandwiches packed excessively with filling. 

 

If you’re afraid that you won’t be full after eating only one sandwich, it’s better to pack 2 small ones than a monstrosity that will end up all over your shirt.

 

 

Mistake 9. Going overboard with the meat and cheese

Usually, the foods that have the strongest taste in a sandwich are the meat, fish or cheese that you use. Putting too much of these ingredients will cancel out the taste of the rest, and you can end up missing out on the more nuanced flavors if you just add a lot of meat or cheese. The recommended amount of cheese and meat per sandwich is below 5 ounces.

 

 

Mistake 10. Slicing bread unevenly

 Bread is the basis for a good sandwich. Not only does it have to be fresh, but it also should be cut evenly, otherwise your sandwich may taste too dry or might fall apart as you’re eating it. This happens especially often with rolls or baguettes, so be careful and cut those types of bread a bit closer to the top that you think you should to get a more even cut. 

 

 

Mistake 11. Not packaging correctly

Packing your beautiful sandwich in plastic wrap or into a plastic sandwich bag is a bad idea because your sandwich will get smashed and squished, plus it’s bad for your environment and possibly even to your health. Instead, pack it in parchment paper and then place it in a lunch box or any reusable container. This will preserve the integrity of the sandwich and it will taste just like a fresh one for hours.

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