It’s no secret that I love a good sandwich! In fact, back in the day, when I stayed out late with friends and had a cocktail – or two (I recommend my husband, Roger’s, Filthy Martinis), I was known for my late-night sandwich creations. There’s just something about the fresh ingredients that make a sandwich such a satisfying meal any time of day. In fact, in a pinch, you can easily whip up these darlings for dinner and expect to be rewarded with satisfied, tummy-rubbing responses.
One of my favorite things about sandwiches is how versatile they can be! Whether you’re making breakfast, lunch, dinner, a midnight snack, or anything in between, there’s definitely a sandwich option for you. However, I’m not going to pull any punches here, the secret to delicious, addictive sandwiches is to use only the freshest ingredients! There is no sautéing or baking here, so you want to ensure that all the flavors are at their peak.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a good old turkey and cheese sandwich or even a grilled cheese for that matter. Actually, if you’re going that route check out this Whole30 Winter Minestrone Soup. A little healthier than traditional tomato soup, it’s a crazy good accompaniment to a warm grilled cheese sandwich on a cold day.
Okay, anyway, back to the sandwiches. While I love a simple, classic like ham and cheese or a BLT, I decided to get a little bit extra with these sandwich concoctions. Incorporating unique ingredients like green apples, goat cheese, fig, and more, I’ve made 3 different sandwich recipes that I know you’re going to love! Whip these up for impressive brunches, fancy lunches, or late-night snacks!
The first recipe is for a Fig, Rosemary, and Goat Cheese Tartine! For this meal, you’ll need crusty French bread (the best for all your sandwich needs, in my opinion), goat cheese, figs, rosemary, and honey. You’ll want to toast the bread, spread the cheese, add the figs (super thinly sliced), and drizzle a bit of honey on top. Is your mouthwatering, too?
Next on the menu, I’ve got an Avocado, Tomato, and Ricotta Sandwich. It’s a fun take on a classic avocado sandwich that encompasses some of your favorite Italian flavors and a bunch of healthy veggies! Requiring a few more ingredients than the first, this recipe calls for ricotta, lemons, olive oil, seasonings, bread, avocados, grape tomatoes, red pearl onions, and toasted poppy seeds. To make this sandwich, you’ll first mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon, and ricotta in a small bowl. Then, spread the mixture evenly over your bread slices, top with avocado, and arrange the tomatoes and onions. Finally, garnish the sandwiches with poppy seeds and lemon skins. Drizzle with olive oil, and enjoy!
Last but certainly not least, I give you Green Apple and Cranberry Sandwiches! Simple and delicious, this meal comes together with rotisserie chicken, granny smith apples, avocado mayo, dried cranberries, and bread. Toast your bread, spread your mayo of choice, layer the apple (thinly sliced), and top the sandwich with shredded chicken. Use your dried cranberries to top the meal, and you’re ready to eat!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does it matter what type of bread I use to make sandwiches?
Technically, it does not matter what type of bread you use to make these sandwiches. This being said, if you want to guarantee the absolute best meals, I highly recommend sticking with thick, crusty french bread to create the Fig, Rosemary, and Goat Cheese Tartines. Then, opt for long bread for the Avocado, Tomatoes, and Ricotta Sandwich as well as the Green Apple and Cranberry Sandwich. Think sliced baguettes or hoagie rolls. Or, if you want to get really ambitious, you can even try to make your own bread! u003ca href=u0022https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/sandwich-bread/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eThis u003c/au003erecipe is a great, easy option.
u003cbru003eCan I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
These sandwich recipes make the perfect packed lunch ideas. However, I do not recommend making them more than a few hours ahead of time as the bread may become soggy, and the fruit may brown. However, if you want to prep your meals in advance, I recommend having all the ingredients cooked, chopped, and ready to go. Then, when mealtime comes around, all you have to do is assemble your ingredients and enjoy!
u003cbru003eWhat should I serve with sandwiches?
Personally, I like to go simple when it comes to creating meals with these fancy sandwiches. My boys prefer ready-to-eat vegetables and fruits like celery, carrots, grapes, and apples. Or, I love to serve these with my u003ca href=u0022https://joyinthemeantime.com/easy-peasy-house-salad/u0022u003eEasy-Peasy House Saladu003c/au003e. Soup is also a great, hearty option for a warm, comforting meal! u003ca href=u0022https://joyinthemeantime.com/whole30-zuppa-toscana/u0022u003eWhole30 Zuppa Toscana Soupu003c/au003e is one of my all-time favorites!
u003cbru003eCan I substitute the ingredients in these sandwich recipes?
Of course! The great thing about sandwiches is how versatile they can be. Feel free to swap out, omit, or add to the ingredients in any of these three sandwich recipes. In order to create similar flavor profiles, I would recommend swapping out foods with similar tastes and textures.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Sandwiches:
- Use only the freshest ingredients.
- Play with flavor combinations! Mix sweet and salty, add unusual savory ingredients, and use up any leftovers you may have.
- Add in a variety of ingredients including vitamins, nutrients, fiber, and protein to help keep you full for hours.
- Add in different textures such as smooth condiments, crunchy produce, and more.
- Take the time to spread ingredients evenly so that every bite delivers all the flavors included in the sandwich.
Do you have any favorite sandwich recipes? I’d love to see them! Feel free to share any ideas or suggestions in the comments below, and tag me on Instagram in any of your own creations!
In the meantime, enjoy!
Karin
Ingredients
- 4 Slices crusty French bread
- 4 oz Goat cheese at room temperature
- 4-5 Large figs, sliced
- 1-2 tsp Fresh rosemary finely chopped
- Honey to taste
- 1 lb Fresh ricotta
- Zest of two lemons
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pinches of Kosher salt
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 4 Long slices of fresh bread
- 2 Large perfectly ripe avocados
- 1 pint Mixed color grape tomatoes
- 8 Red pearl onions (thinly sliced into rounds)
- Skin of 1 preserved lemon, flesh removed and finely diced
- 1/2 tsp Toasted poppy seeds
- About 2 C. cold rotisserie chicken
- 1 Granny smith apple
- Avocado mayo (or feel free to use what you have on hand)
- Dried cranberries
- 4 Long slices of fresh bread
Instructions
- Slice bread and lightly toast
- Spread each slice of bread with goat cheese
- Thinly slice washed figs and spread across bread
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary
- Devour … err … enjoy!
- Mix ricotta, lemon zest, ¼ cup of oil and salt and pepper- set aside
- Arrange slices of bread and divined ricotta evenly among slices
- Split avocados and cut into slices and place on the bread slices
- Arrange tomatoes by nesting them into the avocados and then arrange onions slices over the tomatoes.
- Garnish each sandwich with sesame seeds and lemon skin and finally, sprinkle with poppy seeds and drizzle with olive oil.
- Enjoy!
- Toast the bread (you can do this with the oven on broil for about 2 minutes each side- be sure to keep an eye so it doesn’t burn)
- Allow bread to cool slightly, spread mayo on each slice
- Thinly slice apple and spread evenly among slice bread
- Shred chicken (not too finely) and spread on each slice of bread, top with dried cranberries and ta-da, amazingness!
- Enjoy!
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