Sandwiches are Boring

[Modeps]

Every week, my wife likes to get cold cuts (Boars Head typically) from the deli counter so we have sandwiches for the week. In theory, its a good idea. Its inexpensive and its easy. However, I dread my sandwiches. We get whole wheat bread (Usually Freihofers) and never throw much variety into them. Chicken with mayo... Ham and Cheese with mustard... Bologna and Cheese with mustard... I really dont enjoy these sandwiches.

I prefer getting a store bought sandwich (Subway, Quiznos, etc) to the crap we put together every day. I've tried using similar ingredients to what they use, but it never turns out as yummy. I'm wondering if the bread alone is killing me.

Help me enjoy the sandwiches while still eating somewhat healthy pweese. Instead of eating out all the time and blowing a buncha cash every week, what do you do?

 

[bobert]

go meat go meat!

I put cheetos in my sandwiches.

 

[PepePeru]

the secret to making a home made sandwich is to smash it together. i dont know why it works, but it does.

try some different mixes of meat. salami & ham or something. spicy mustard or a variety of sauces?

 

[NuAlphaMan]

I try to get different things. I to am not happy with eating sandwiches every week, but like you stated it's cheaper than eating out everyday. Try taking leftovers or getting some frozen entrees. And it sounds like you are already dressing the sandwiches up. Outside of that, you can't do much more.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

SPICE. You need to add spice to your meal, it'll make it exciting every time. Honestly, no matter what you're eating for the most part, if it's spicy, it makes it exciting. You don't just take 10 bites and get done with eating, that's a chore and sucks to be eating that way. If there's spice, each bite you take will wake you up and while it's spicy, you'll be wanting to take the next bite. Meats themself won't change, but if you start getting accustomed to spicier and spicier foods, then just put more spice on it, it's pretty simple.

I keep a bottle of crushed red peppers with me and if I can't add spice through other things, I will just drench my food in it.

Also, have you tried toasting your sandwiches like they do at Quiznos/Subway? Maybe put a cheese slice in it before toasting it so it can melt?

 

[bobert]

are you eating the sandwiches by itself? Try with different kinds of chips or sides. A nice cold soda always makes it taste better for me.

 

[Tiamat]

I usually add some garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and cucumbers

lettuce, tomato, bacon...

Mix meats...

Put chips inside the sammich...

 

[JulesMaximus]

There is no helping your meat I'm afraid.

 

[raildogg]

I am about to go to the store to buy some groceries, what things should I get for the sandwich?

Bread, bologna? Or turkey? I have some lettuce lol

The problem is choosing the right type of meat I suppose

 

[blurredvision]

Mix up the cheese a bit. American one day, but pepper jack another, and then try some povolone (sp?) or mozerella.

 

[moonbit]

Originally posted by: bobert
I put cheetos in my sandwiches.

Any kind of cheese flavored chip is awesome in a sandwich. My current favorite is Harvest Cheddar Sunchips.

Other ideas:

different types of cheeses
honey mustard
ranch dressing
fresh green onions/scallions
avocado (though that can be pricey for a sandwich)
Let a non-mayo sandwich sit somewhere warm where the cheese can get kinda melty. That's good stuff.

 

[Lola]

I use different cheeses. Sometimes i will use a soft cheese like camembere and mix in a bit of dill.
I will bring in a seperate baggie lettuce, cukes, tomatoes to put on the sandwich before i eat it.
I will combine different kinds of meats too. Try putting unusual things on it like avacado.
A turkey sandwich with avacado and tomato is wonderful.

 

[49erinnc]

Get creative.

I like putting homemade guacamole on my turkey sandwiches, some red onion and maybe a little precooked bacon (not super healthy but just don't overdo it). I also use red pepper flakes on sandwiches and lately I've been using this really good chipotle mustard instead of yellow/deli mustard. Douse a little red wine vinegar on your turkey/chicken sandwich. Use some bean sprouts. Put a tapinade spread on your bread (love doing that with a good crusty bread). Get some fresh peppers that you may like. Try different types of bread as opposed to the standard loaf bread you may use. Try different cheeses and be daring with them.

Sandwiches don't have to be boring or require a lot of time/effort to make. Just mix it up a bit.

 

[Kelvrick]

My sandwiches are also boring since I live alone and lettuce/tomatoes always go to waste. Thats why I always combine a sandwich with a bowl of soup.

 

[djheater]

Good bread makes a sandwich.. Find a multigrain you like.
Use spring mix, red leaf lettuce, or romaine, instead of tasteless iceberg.
Use fresh quality tomatoes
(I often bring the tomatoes and lettuce ina seperate baggie and add them just before eating, so it doesn't get soggy.)
Use good mustard, not yellow... dijon, horesradish, brown spicy... all good
Add a little spice... hot sauce that you like maybe, or I like hot giardinera spread...
Use good cheese, not American, Colby, Munster, or monterey jack, those are all bland.

 

[rezinn]

Find a good bakery near you and buy fresh baguettes, ciabattas, or other bread. And find a meat that you really like, it could be some deli sliced or some chicken you grill yourself. The grocer near my house makes some great roast beef and rotisserie chicken that I get sliced. Then just keep condiments and vegetables stocked and give yourself some variety, and make some toasted sandwiches too.

You can put just about anything on a sandwich and it might be good. My favorite lately is seared cajun shrimp on a baguette with provolone, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, toasted. I steal all of my sandwich ideas from a bakery I go to for lunch a few times a week. I had a sandwich at a coffee shop last week that was salami, provolone cheese, asparagus, tomato, with balsamic vinegarette on a baguette and it wasn't bad.

 

[Modeps]

All are wonderful suggestions. I particularly like the soup + samich combo... it works well at places like Panera, maybe it will work for Modeps as well.

 

[meltdown75]

I usually get a few fresh buns and 9 slices of whatever meat per week. As long as I have lettuce, mustard and the good bread & meat I'm good to go. On the 4th day I will mix it up with a microwave dinner. Fridays I usually eat out with some of the other staff... gotta treat myself sometime

edit: oh yeah, cheese

 

[BeeVo]

Try getting your work to let you bring in a small gas grill. We convinced our law firm to let us and we have been grilling hot dogs, turkey burgers, and corn for the last couple of weeks. I spend about $2 a day on lunch and it was the best idea we ever had here.

 

[50cent1228]

i want some ribs

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: Modeps
Every week, my wife likes to get cold cuts (Boars Head typically) from the deli counter so we have sandwiches for the week. In theory, its a good idea. Its inexpensive and its easy. However, I dread my sandwiches. We get whole wheat bread (Usually Freihofers) and never throw much variety into them. Chicken with mayo... Ham and Cheese with mustard... Bologna and Cheese with mustard... I really dont enjoy these sandwiches.

I prefer getting a store bought sandwich (Subway, Quiznos, etc) to the crap we put together every day. I've tried using similar ingredients to what they use, but it never turns out as yummy. I'm wondering if the bread alone is killing me.

Help me enjoy the sandwiches while still eating somewhat healthy pweese. Instead of eating out all the time and blowing a buncha cash every week, what do you do?

Most boring sandwiches ever. At least add a slice of swiss or provolone and some thin sliced dill pickle. Also, try different breads, like multi-grain or sour dough italian. They won't kill you.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

The secret to great sandwiches is the addition of veggies. Thats right, veggies! Even the best meats and cheeses get boring after a while because of uniform texture. You vary texture with veggies. Raw, grilled, pickled and, steamed veggies are the answer to boring sandwiches.

Da Chef has spoken. So, let it be written. So, let it be done.

 

[Fritzo]

Here's a topic I'm in the know about

For a perfect sandwich:

-Drop the white bread, get some bread with character. Multigrain, honeywheat, rye...spice it up!
-Put condiments on both slices or bread. Don't leave a dry side, or you'll cut the taste in half.
-Mustard, mayo....zzzzzzzzz. There are hundreds of condiments. How about horseradish, guacamole, malt vinegar, seasoned olive oil...the list is endless.
-Lettuce makes a sandwich stand out. Add a slice of tomato with poultry based lunch meats for an extra flavor boost.
-Fold lunchmeat slices in half and place them on the bread. This fills the sandwich out more, makes it more appealing, and the air in-between the meat brings out the flavor.
-Besides lettuce and tomato, how about a slice of avocado, purple onion, green pepper, cucumber...even prepackaged mixed salad works well.
-A sandwich NEEDS a pickled item on it or with it to be complete. A dill pickle on the side, pickle slices on the sandwich, olives, and pepperoncini are good choices.
-Buy deli meats. Sure, they're $7/lb in some cases, but compare that to getting a single sub at Subway. You'll get 3-4 good size sandwiches for under $12 with ingredients, or $5+ for a single sub at the popular chains. Deli meats tend to be unprocessed, so they're better for you and taste much better.
-CHEESE!!! Any good sandwich needs cheese! American is fine, but deli white American, cheddar, colby, *PROVOLONE* (yum), Swiss, muenster, and pepper jack are all good sandwiches. Blue cheese or gorgonzola crumbles on roast beef is said to be orgasmic, but careful if you're eating it as work (one little crumble on the floor will stink up the whole room).

That oughta get you going. Enjoy.

 

[ElFenix]

boar's head has so many different kinds of cold cuts that if you're getting boring old roast turkey then you've only yourself to blame. get some salsalito, cajun, or maple turkey.

and boar's head's black wax cheddar > all

 

[alien42]

you should try mojo sauce. it is a great addition to a cuban or sub.