Fantastic Deli Sandwich Ideas at Home
You don't have to go to your local sandwich shop for delicious deli sandwiches: with easily-obtainable, quality ingredients, you can create fantastic deli-style sandwiches at home.
Gourmet Ingredients
It's easy to increase flavor in your sandwiches is by using more savory ingredients. Consider substituting less-common breads such as rye, French or Cuban--even a croissant, a wrap or a dinner roll in place of plain sliced bread can make a world of difference in taste. For cheese, instead of (or in addition to!) Swiss or cheddar, try gouda, brie or even crumbled bleu. Less-commonly used vegetables such as arugula, asparagus, and sweet peppers can replace or enhance the old standbys of lettuce and tomatoes.
Spreads are another way to pump up the flavor of your homemade deli sandwiches. An herbed mayo can easily be made with fresh or dried herbs--chives or dill are particularly suitable for this purpose, but you can productively experiment with basil, rosemary, and thyme, among other herbs. Aioli (made with garlic, olive oil, and egg) is also a flavorful addition, or you can use an infused olive oil for a light, flavorful spread. Plain yellow mustard can be replaced with stone-ground, Dijon, or honey mustard--you can even easily blend your own honey mustard to get the sweetness just right.
Gourmet Combinations
Try these combinations for healthy, delicious sandwiches that can be eaten at home or on-the-go:
- Goat Cheese and Roasted Vegetable: Sauté sliced eggplant, asparagus, and red, yellow, green or orange peppers in oil; serve on ciabatta with warmed chèvre.
- Pain Bagnat: Drizzle lightly-toasted French bread with garlic olive oil and add desired meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Wrap sandwich in waxed paper and press sandwich in a sandwich press for ten minutes. In this traditional favorite from southern France, the oil infuses the bread for a heavenly lunchtime treat.
- Brie and Green Apple on French Bread: This delicious vegetarian sandwich can also be made with turkey.
