The Ultimate Sandwich Guide

Who invented the sandwich?

We owe the origins of the modern sandwich to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. In 1762, for pure convenience, he asked for a slice of roast beef to be served between two pieces of bread. He wanted to eat with his hands, so he could have a bite to eat without leaving his game of cards.

Fast forward to spring 1980, when Marks and Spencer’s started selling packaged sandwiches. These triangles of white bread started at just 43p. Oh, how times have changed!

And sandwiches have even evolved to other mealtimes too. Breakfast butty anyone?

How to make a sandwich

The best part is, you can construct your sandwich however you like. Fresh bread, lightly grilled, toasted. All you need is the simple formula:

• Two slices of carb. Bread, focaccia, you name it.
• Filling of your choice. Now it gets interesting. Egg and cress. Ploughman’s. BLT. Meat-free ham or chicken slices. You can even try a spicy Nashville sandwich, with a Quorn Southern Fried Burgers, or add Quorn Fillets to make a New York Club. The more options are almost endless and the more creative, the better.

1. Choose your bread

Keep it simple with white, brown or wholegrain sliced from your local supermarket. Or take things up a notch at your nearest bakery with artisan sourdough or focaccia. French baguette? Chef’s kiss. You’re not limited to just bread either – why not experiment with wraps, pittas or even pretzel buns?

We try to choose a type of bread that complements the filling. Appetising ingredients work well with a crusty baguette, but a soft brioche bun can be a great choice for something lighter, or a wrap can also be a great choice.

2. Pick the sauces and spreads

The right spread or sauce adds moisture to the bread and tantalises your taste buds. Mayo and mustard are go-tos, but hummus, garlic aioli, pesto and a sprinkling of chili oil can go down a treat too. Spread a thin layer or opt for a generous dollop.

3. Add the vegetables

Don’t forget your five-a-day. Garlicy roasted vegetables make for a flavour sensation, or keep things fresh with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes and refreshing cucumber. Add an extra layer with peppery rocket or tart red onion to cut through the sarnie.

4. Select your cheese

The gouda news? There’s a cheese for every sandwich. Creamy brie, smoked Red Leicester and nutty Emmental all work well. You also can’t go wrong with classic cheddar. It goes with everything – pickle, apple, tomato, ham. You name it. Or if it’s a toasted sarnie, mozzarella or camembert make for an unbrie-lievably good bite.

But let’s not forget vegan cheese too. There’s plenty of plant-based alternatives to sink your teeth into.

5. Add your filling

Next up is the bulk of your sandwich. You could add more veggies, plant-based meats, or recreate classics like egg and cress, tuna melts, and so much more. Plus, we have delicious meat-free recipes and deli meats that make for great sandwich fillers. From Garlic and Herb or Tomato and Basil Slices to Vegetarian Chicken Fillets, we’ve got you covered.

6. Grill or toast it

Depending on the sarnie, you may decide to eat it cold, with fresh, fluffy bread or grill it for a warming bite. Fillings like chickpea salad lend themselves to a cold sarnie, but combos like mozzarella, basil and pesto are delicious as a melt. The best thing about a sandwich is that you can enjoy it hot or cold. Perfect for a summer picnic or a delicious lunch.

7. Start eating

Voila! You’re done. Cut into halves or triangles (depending on how fancy you feel) then tuck in and enjoy your sandwich.

Tasty vegetarian and vegan sandwich recipes

The good news is there are tons of tasty vegan and vegetarian sandwich recipes to try. Here are some suggestions.

Vegetarian Roast Beef Steak Sandwich

Don’t be fooled by the name. You can achieve a succulent steak sarnie with a vegetarian twist. Layer your sandwich with Quorn Roast Beef Style Slices, melted cheese (we use Gruyere) and caramelised onions for an indulgent and moreish mouthful. Add water cress and juicy tomatoes for a refreshing crunch. We use a simple mayo and mustard dressing, but this (and the cheese) can be easily swapped out for vegan alternatives.

Vegetarian Ham Sandwich

The ol’ classic. But with a vegetarian makeover. Quorn Yorkshire Ham, mustard crème fresh, roasted red peppers and piccalilli take a basic sarnie from simple to sensational. Don’t forget your greens and garnish with rocket leaves. We like to use a crusty white roll, but you can use any bread you like.

Vegan Caesar Salad Sandwich

Unbelievably simple, this sarnie can be plated up within 10 minutes. Using just (vegan) chicken slices, (vegan) Caesar dressing, little gem lettuce and sourdough slices, it may be speedy to prepare but the taste is something special. Craving something lighter? It’s easy to swap it for a Vegetarian Salad instead.

Vegetarian lunchbox sandwiches for kids

Easy and quick to make (and eat), sarnies are easy to store in a lunch box for your kids to enjoy at school, out and about, or on a picnic. Vegan Quorn pieces in particular make great lunchbox sandwich fillers:

• Chicken and sweetcorn mix: Add cooked Quorn Pieces to a bowl with sweetcorn, mayo and black pepper.
• BBQ chicken: Add cooked Quorn Pieces to a bowl with BBQ sauce, mayo and a dash of lime.

Once you’ve made your meat-free mix, slap it between two slices of bread and add some salad leaves for a satisfyingly healthy crunch.

Sandwich Guide FAQs

Is a hotdog a sandwich?

Technically, yes, a hot dog can be classed as a sandwich. Usually served in a long, soft bun, hotdogs are BBQ staples. Our meat-free sausages make for delicious hot dogs – from our Cumberland Sausages to our Vegan Brilliant Bangers. Layer with crispy onions and mustard, ketchup or BBQ sauce (or all three).

What is a club sandwich?

A club sandwich is the ultimate triple-decker. A myth exists that it stands for ‘Chicken and Lettuce Under Bacon’, combining salty flavours with a refreshing crunch. Our take on the classic New York Club Sandwich features Quorn vegetarian fillets, avocado, tomato, lettuce and a yoghurt dressing.

How long does a sandwich last in the fridge?

Typically, a sandwich may last three to five days in the fridge – as long as it’s been stored correctly. But this really depends on the specific ingredients you use, how long they can be refrigerated and how well they store. There’s nothing worse than a soggy sandwich after all.

What goes with Brie in a sandwich?

Brie is a delicious, creamy cheese with a recognisable white rind. Its smooth and creamy interior can elevate just about any sandwich. Famously paired with cranberry, it also complements fig jam and apples. It even works well with savoury meat-free substitutes like vegan bacon or ham.

Can you air fry a sandwich?

Why not! Air-frying a sandwich will transform your chosen bread into golden and crunchy on the outside and ensure your cheese is melted and gooey on the inside. This can be a great way to make a grilled cheese sandwich. We’d just advise adding any leafy salad or fresh veg at the end, to avoid them wilting and losing their characterful crunch.

From classic combos to bold new flavours, the ultimate sandwich is the one you love most. So go for simple and satisfying or more adventurous and artisan – either way, you’ll be enjoying mouth-watering, meat-free sandwiches in no time.