Whether it’s a wrap, sub, baguette, barm, roll, toastie, or panini, we Brits are undoubtedly a nation of sandwich lovers.
From extravagant fillings and flavour combinations to unique cooking techniques and styling options, the sandwich market is ever-evolving to offer myriad lunchtime taste sensations. Let’s take a closer look at some of this year’s biggest sandwich trends.
The Chopped Sandwich
The chopped sandwich has gone viral on social media over the last 12 months, with endless videos of people recreating it.
A chopped sandwich is the perfect way to ensure you get all the flavours of your sandwich in every mouthful!
This technique sees sandwich makers pile ingredients, from deli meats to cheese, veggies, salad, and dressings, high on their chopping boards, before using a knife to finely chop and combine them, melding textures and flavours into one cohesive pile.
Once chopped, the mixture is added to the carrier of choice, whether that be bread, roll, or wrap, and that’s it. The chopped-up sandwich can be created with literally any filling you desire, so get creative and let the flavours run wild!
The Breakfast Sandwich
Breakfast sandwiches are no longer just a morning staple; they’re increasingly enjoyed throughout the day. Whether on the go, from a café, or rustled up at home, this much-loved delicacy has become an enduring trend.
The latest twist on a breakfast sandwich is to make the egg the main focus. Similarly to how you would prep an omelette, put the egg mixture in a to a frying pan and then dip one side of the bread in the mix before placing the other side on top of the egg while it cooks. Once the egg mixture has cooked, flip the eggs and bread over and fry on the other side until your bread is crispy on the outside. Meanwhile, add the other filings to your delicious breakfast sandwich.
Once the bread is golden and the egg is cooked, fold in the edges and close the sandwich up to make the ultimate breakfast butty!
The Premium Sandwich
With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact people and their disposable income, more and more people are choosing to swap their lunchtime meals out for lunch on the go. With this in mind, people are willing to pay a little extra for a sandwich that is more premium than a standard sarnie as, ultimately, the cost is still lower than their usual lunch!
Premium sandwiches tend to steer away from the standard bread loaf-style creation. Instead, they are often made with more exciting carriers such as ciabatta, sourdough, focaccia, and panini. What’s more, the sandwich fillings also tend to be more extravagant, including the latest trending ingredients and sauces, which give customers the ultimate lunchtime experience.
The Open Sandwich
Originating in Scandinavia, the open sandwich is a simple yet delicious creation that delivers everything you know and love about the traditional sandwich but with less bread! Typically made using just one slice instead of the usual two, the open sandwich can be toasted or plain, uncomplicated or piled high, an elegant afternoon tea finger food or a more hearty meal. It’s a great way to shine a spotlight on the ingredients – the fact that there’s no ‘lid’ means you can really go to town on your presentation.
Air Fryer Sandwiches
Air fryers have recently become a favourite gadget in UK homes. In fact, it’s estimated that 12 million households now own one, so it’s no surprise that air fryer sandwiches are the next big thing!
Whether it’s a ham and cheese toastie or a halloumi and red pepper toasted wrap, popping your sandwich in the air fryer is guaranteed to add an extra layer of tastiness, thanks to the added crunch!
Ultimately, sandwiches are one of the most versatile UK staples, and it’s not hard to see why. However you like to eat yours, now is the perfect time to go out and grab one!