Unwrapping Five Must-Try Sandwich Types Celebrated in British Sandwich Week
Love sandwiches? You’re in good company.
The nation’s love of sarnies is one of the reasons why British Sandwich Week takes place. The British Sandwich & Food to Go Association organised a seven-day celebration to rejoice in British devotion to clubs, subs, wraps, rolls, baguettes, baps, bagels, toasties, pittas and paninis.
And in 2023, the humble sandwich is not always two slices of white or brown bread – its grown legs. It can now be anything as far as a wrap – yes, a wrap is a sandwich.
The variety of what we class as a sandwich was displayed in this year’s British Sandwich & Food to Go Designer of the Year competition. There was everything from popcorn subs to creamy cheese all-butter croissant French toast. Whatever your choice of carrier, the term the sandwich industry uses for the bread element, we know it is making us want it to be lunchtime already!
So, here are five different types of sandwiches:
1. Bagel – The All-Rounder.
Whether you want to travel to New York and back in a bite or prefer the simple fillings, a bagel is a diverse and tasty carrier to choose to make up a sarnie! Enjoyed worldwide, it typically consists of the bagel being sliced and filled with various tasty ingredients such as meat, cheese, vegetables, and sauces.
One popular type of bagel sandwich is the classic New York-style bagel sandwich, which features a toasted bagel filled with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and red onions. Another popular option is the breakfast bagel sandwich, which usually includes eggs, bacon, and cheese on a toasted bagel.
Bagel sandwiches are a great option for people looking for a quick and easy meal that anyone can eat on the go. They are also a great option for people looking for a filling and satisfying meal they can enjoy any time of the day. Still, if it’s a sunny day, we recommend checking out Chrissie Attewell’s – ‘Don’t Worry Pea Happy’ for a summery Bagel recipe – With so many different options, it’s easy to see why bagel sandwiches are such a popular choice!
2. Croissants – let’s go, French!
As showcased in this year’s competition, croissants are now becoming popular as the go-to to make a delicious buttery sandwich treat!
Whether it is like sandwich expert Eleny Minto’s creation ‘Just Peachy’, which she filled with creamy whipped feta with honey and thyme baked peaches, crystallised pistachios and rocket with a drizzle of honey in between two slabs of all-butter croissant French toast, or something less extravagant – why not give it a gander?
Croissant sandwiches are a delicious and popular option for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick snack. They usually consist of a flaky, buttery croissant sliced in half and filled with various ingredients. Some more traditional popular fillings include ham and cheese, turkey and avocado, bacon and egg, and tuna salad.
To make a croissant sandwich, start by horizontally slicing the croissant in half. Then, spread some mayonnaise or other condiment on each half. Add your desired fillings, such as sliced deli meat, cheese, vegetables, or eggs. You can also add some herbs or spices for extra flavour. Finally, combine the two halves and enjoy your delicious croissant sandwich!
One of the great things about croissant sandwiches is their versatility. They can be made with various ingredients and served warm, toasted or cold, making them perfect for any time of day.
So, consider upgrading your sarnie with a croissant today to enjoy this tasty treat.
3. Wraps – Flat Out Underrated
Wraps are officially a sandwich! We think they know, as over the last few years, their popularity has been never-ending, and the creativity behind what’s inside is developing too. No more boring dry wraps in existence!
Wrap sandwiches are a great option for those who want a quick, easy, satisfying meal. You can make these ‘sandwiches’ by wrapping different fillings in a tortilla or a flatbread. The fillings can be anything from meat and veggies to eggs and cheese, making them a versatile option for any meal anytime!
One of the benefits of wrap sandwiches is that they are easy to customise. You can add any desired ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can also experiment with different types of tortillas or flatbreads to add variety to your lunchtime treat.
Another advantage of wrap sandwiches is that they are portable and convenient. You can easily pack them for lunch or take them on the go, making them a great option for busy days. They are also a good option for those trying to eat healthily, as you can control the amount of filling and choose low-calorie options.
Overall, wraps are a delicious and convenient option and can break up the monotonous pack lunch rota. Also, why not give them a little toast – it changes the texture and can make them even more delicious.
Or if you’re as daring as Gary McDowell’s “Making a Pig of Yourself”, you could even go so far as deep frying it for an immense crunch.
4. Sandwich Loaf – The Best Thing Since…
Is the traditional, humble sandwich now a basic option? We don’t think so, and we don’t think you should underestimate the power of two slices of bread! Made with just a few ingredients, a humble sarnie can still be a satisfying meal anytime! Theo Randall, one of the association’s annual competition judges to discover Britain’s best sandwich, always reminds us of his favourite sandwich. Two slices of homemade, thick bread with ham and mustard, nothing too fancy!
A sandwich should be your go-to if you need more time and running on a budget.
To make a humble sandwich, all you need is two slices of bread, some butter, spread or mayonnaise, and your choice of filling. Some popular fillings include cheese, ham, turkey, lettuce, and tomato. Spread the butter or mayonnaise onto the bread, add your filling, and you’re ready!
Despite its simplicity, the humble sandwich can be surprisingly versatile. You can experiment with different breads, sauces, and fillings to create various delicious sandwiches. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic ham and cheese sandwich or something a little more adventurous, like grilled cheese with bacon and avocado, the humble sandwich is a great option to satisfy.
Don’t let its simplicity fool you; with a few small additions like coating the side in sesame seeds, as showcased in Susannah Montgomery’s “The Oishii Sando”, you can elevate that humble sarnie to a delicate deli masterpiece.
5. Bready, Set, Roll!
Whether you call it a bap, barm, roll, sub, barmcake, batch, cob or stotty – a bread roll is, and forever will be, a favourite with British sandwich eaters.
Whether you fill it with fresh summery ingredients for a light picnic lunch or use it as the carrier for breakfast made for a king, rolls are just so versatile and make an easy option for packed lunches.
With various bread rolls to choose from, including white, wheat, and sourdough (and don’t forget the endless subs you can choose from at Subway!), the roll type is the first choice. Then, the possibilities for fillings are endless. Some popular options include deli meats, cheese, vegetables, and spreads such as mayo or mustard.
Select your preferred bread roll and cut it in half to make a bread roll sandwich. Then, layer your desired fillings on one half of the roll. Be sure not to overstuff the roll, as this can make it difficult to eat. Once your fillings are in place, place the other half of the roll on top and enjoy!
Bread roll sandwiches are perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or a quick and easy meal at home. They are customisable to your taste preferences and are a great way to use up any leftovers in the fridge.
Or if you want to kick your roll up a notch, why not consider tackling Britain 2023 sandwich winner Katarina Broadribb’s “Smokey Roll”, impressing judges with her punchy flavour combinations.
Our closing thoughts
From the traditional simplicity of the humble sarnie to the international flair of the croissant and bagel, sandwiches are a testament to culinary creativity and versatility. As we’ve journeyed through these five distinct types, it’s evident that the world of sandwiches offers endless possibilities, each bite a story of history, culture, and personal preference.
But your journey doesn’t end here…
As we celebrate British Sandwich Week, we challenge you:
Step out of your comfort zone – Try a new sandwich variety, experiment with unconventional fillings, or even share your unique creations on social media using the hashtag #britishsandwichweek.
Dive into the world of sandwiches, not just as a consumer but as a creator. Here’s to many more delicious discoveries and to you being a part of this flavorful adventure!