What to Stack & What to Skip
You might think it's easy to whip up a good sandwich, but it might actually be more complicated than you think. For one, if you don't pick out the best ingredients, you're in for a not-so-great experience. From raisins to caramelized onions, here are the 10 worst ingredients to place between your buns—and the 10 best.
1. Raisins
Unless you're a raisin lover, no one wants these dried, wrinkly grapes in their sandwich. Sure, they might add flavor to your bread and filling, but it's probably not the kind of taste you'd enjoy. You're better off plucking these from between your buns before digging in.
2. Wet Lettuce
What's worse than having raisins in your sandwich? Wet, soggy lettuce. While you should always wash your veggies before stacking them between your buns, you should make sure to shake off any excess water before doing so.
3. Too Much Mayo
Mayo adds a creamy touch to your sandwich and can meld together your ingredients and flavors, but when you add too much mayo, everything becomes a gooey, gross mess. Even if you're a fan of the condiment, practice some restraint.
4. Raw Onions
Cooked or caramelized onions are one thing, but putting raw onions in your sandwich is... definitely a choice. For one, without heat to bring out its natural flavors, all you're really going to get when you bite into them is, well, bad breath.
5. Spray Cheese
Spray cheese is the kind of thing that, if you've never heard of it, you'll probably be immediately grossed out by it. Trust us, it's better that you never try it—and that you never put it in your sandwich. It'll likely ruin it more than anything.
6. American Cheese
Then is American cheese safe, you ask? Well, unless you're okay with having processed, plasticky sliced "cheese" in your sandwich (which probably contains more preservatives than actual dairy), go ahead and stick it in there. Otherwise, do yourself a favor and go for the real stuff.
7. Cooked Tomatoes
Raw tomatoes in a sandwich add a nice acidic crunch, but cooked tomatoes? All you'll end up tasting is a hot, soggy vegetable, which, unless your sandwich is stuffed with other cooked fillings, will probably not taste too great.
8. Cooked Cucumber
Worse than adding cooked tomatoes to your sandwich is cooked cucumbers. So, if you already aren't a fan of cucumbers, then having them hot probably wouldn't make it any better. (Pickles, however, are another thing—depending on whether or not you fancy those.)
9. Celery
Unless you love celery, don't put it in your sandwich. Sure, it might give a refreshing crunch to each bite and is another type of veggie to add other than lettuce, but it has a flavor that probably isn't going to complement your other ingredients well.
10. Vegemite
If you're Australian, you're probably offended that this is even included on this side of the list. But if you're not Australian, you've probably never tried Vegemite and probably never will. This extremely salty paste only suits... sophisticated palates, and if you're not daring enough, don't do it.
Ready for better ingredients to put in your sandwich? Read on for our top picks.
1. Avocado
Avocado pairs well with just about everything, and its creamy texture and delicious taste will suit any sandwich. Whether you'd prefer whipping it up into guacamole or leaving it plain and sliced, this beloved ingredient is not only tasty, but also healthy.
2. Egg
Mash up hard-boiled eggs or fix it sunny side up—no matter how you choose to prepare it, eggs are guaranteed to elevate any sandwich. Plus, it's packed with protein, making it great for breakfast sandwiches that help kickstart the day.
3. Bacon
You can't go wrong with crispy bacon. There's a reason it's a must on every breakfast plate or sandwich, and it's all because of its distinct flavor and crunch. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can sear up Canadian bacon instead, which doesn't contain as much saturated fat or sodium.
4. Caramelized Onions
Instead of adding raw onions to your sandwich, throw them on the pan and sauté slowly until softened and oh-so-deliciously sweet. Caramelizing them is sure to elevate your dish in every way, and pairs well with almost any ingredient.
5. Crispy Chicken
Want to add more crunch to your dish? Crispy chicken is the way to go. Whether you choose to fry it up or place it in an air fryer, this will add a tasty kick to your sandwich. If you prefer, you can also grill it up for a healthier alternative.
6. Real Cheese
Do yourself a favor and ditch the American cheese slices. Instead, use Gouda or sharp cheddar for a better cheesy experience. Make sure to place it over your choice of protein on the grill to give it a gooey melt before placing it into your sandwich.
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7. Pork Katsu
Not a fan of chicken? Pork katsu (Japanese pork cutlet) is a great alternative that still serves up the same delicious crunch; there's a reason katsu sando (katsu sandwich) is such a hit in Japan after all! Serve it up with tonkatsu sauce and sliced cabbage, and you'll have the perfect snack to munch on.
8. Turkey Breast
If you're looking for something lean, turkey breast is a great option. For one, it's relatively low in calories and fat without the skin, so you can pack in more slices between your buns guilt-free. Pair it up with various veggies and you're good to go!
9. Tuna
Tuna melt sandwich, anyone? If all you've got in your cupboards is cans of tuna, don't worry—you can whip up a delicious sandwich with just two ingredients: tuna and mayo. Looking for some spice? Feel free to mix in some sriracha, too.
10. Butter
Butter is a must when you're fixing up a sandwich that hits all the right spots. It gives your buns and ingredients that distinct, rich, creamy taste you don't get with anything else, ensuring every single bite is worth savoring.
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