The modest sandwich is one culinary invention that the United States of America may be proud of. Even though the sandwich was created elsewhere, many would contend that the United States has become its adopted country. Just observe how many of us become agitated when debating whether or not a hot dog qualifies as a sandwich. (As an aside, it is, if you eat it sideways.) So here are some of our favourite sandwiches from around the country to honour that most adaptable and wonderful cuisine.
The Pimento Sandwich
The Pimento Sandwich is the first item on our list, an unfathomably popular southern dish that hasn’t gained much traction in the north. Every other grilled cheese is put to shame by the Pimento sandwich, a straightforward hot sandwich with delectable pimento cheese between two slices of buttered Texas toast.
Beef on Weck
The Beef on Weck is a delectable roast beef sandwich on a kummelweck bread, topped with a hearty spread of horseradish and some jus for dipping. It is Western New York’s take on the French dip.
Torta
Torta de adobada (spicy meat), milanesa (cutlet) or huevo (eggs) smothered in avocado, tomatoes, peppers on a soft roll – any Los Angeles taco-stand fan knows if you’re really hungry, this is what you order to keep you going all day long.
Muffaletta
According to several sources, Central Grocery in New Orleans is where the Muffaletta (or Muffuletta, depending on who you ask) sandwich first appeared. For their contribution, we all owe them a Wookiee life debt. There is nothing that compares to the pleasure of a variety of Italian sliced meats and cheeses, topped with a salty olive salad, and sandwiched between two enormous rounds of Sicilian sesame bread.
Hot Brown
Okay, maybe this is a bit of a stretch. In comparison to the other sandwiches on this list, Kentucky’s Hot Brown has more in common with a plate of eggs Benedict, but it would be sacrilege to omit this decadent concoction of turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce.
Po’Boy
The Po’ boy, a dish from Louisiana that ranks second on this list, gives Americans the perfect way to consume fried catfish or shrimp: on a crusty French baguette with mayo, tomatoes, lettuce, butter, pickles, and Louisiana hot sauce.
The Cuban
Let us start by stating that the Cuban sandwich is truly a Florida invention—via Ybor City, Tampa, or Key West depending on who you ask. This will prevent you from going all “well actually” on us. This means that the perfect combination of pulled pork, ham, cheese, mustard, and handmade pickles on top of a toasted Cuban baguette belongs to the USA. Mmmmmm.
Sloppy Joe
Nothing more needs to be said about this sandwich, really. A Sloppy Joe isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience that lasts long after you eat it. This is mostly because a glob of ground beef fell on your favourite shirt, and you’ll have to spend some time trying to get the stain out. This is one of the few school lunch classics that still holds up today.