Sandwiches need something extra to take them from dull to delectable. So whether you're having a basic burger or a cold cut sandwich, make it tastier with the perfect sandwich spread.
Umami Burger Spread
Scientists have identified umami as a fifth taste (along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty), and it is defined as a deep savoriness. Adding umami to sandwiches and burgers can help create a more complex flavor. This spread is excellent on hamburgers. It makes roughly 1/2 cup of spread, enough for four two-tablespoon servings.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients. This will keep in the fridge for up to five days.
Caramelized Onion Spread
Caramelized onions have sweetness and a deep, savory flavor, while cream cheese adds a balanced acidity. This spread is delicious on turkey sandwiches, French dip sandwiches, and burgers. It also makes a great schmear for an everything bagel. It yields approximately 1 cup of eight two-tablespoon servings and will keep in the fridge for about five days.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (avocado oil works well here and holds up to the heat)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh thyme
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Dash Tabasco
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, heat the oil on medium high until it shimmers.
- Add the onions, salt, and thyme. Cook, stirring, for three minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized, 20 to 30 minutes. Cool.
- In a food processor, combine the onions, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco. Pulse for 10 to 20 one-second pulses, until well combined.
Olive Spread
Olive spreads are good on sandwiches with cold cuts. They're also tasty on fish or chicken sandwiches or even a burger. This recipe makes 1 cup, or about eight two-tablespoon servings. It will keep in the fridge for up to five days.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup minced black olives
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stir in the olives.
Other Sandwich Spreads
Many dressings, dips, and jams also make excellent sandwich spreads.
- Bacon makes everything better, and this bacon jam is proof. Try it on a burger, a fried egg sandwich, or a chicken sandwich. If you're feeling super brave, spread it on a peanut butter sandwich for sweet, nutty, and salty in a single sandwich.
- Sour cream salad dressing is delicious on veggie or cold cut sandwiches.
- Try Greek yogurt ranch dressing on your next turkey burger for a low fat but tasty main dish.
- Whether you make hot artichoke and spinach dip the entire sandwich filling or use it to enhance a chicken breast sandwich, don't rule this one out as a flavorful spread.
- Ranch dressing is always an acceptable (and delicious) choice for burgers, fish sandwiches, or chicken sandwiches.
- Mix up a batch of tartar sauce and serve it on a fish burger or spread it on a shrimp sandwich. It's delicious!
- Spread jalapeno jelly on a turkey or chicken sandwich to add some sweet and heat.
It's All About the Spread
If you're tired of the same old boring sandwich, then spread something on your bread before you add other sandwich ingredients. Whether you choose hummus on a veggie sandwich, guacamole on a burger, pesto on a roast beef sandwich, or something else, using a spread will take your sandwich to the next level.
