sandwiches

celebrity chefs

Food Network's Jeff Mauro Talks Sandwich Trends and More

Jeff Mauro, better known as the Sandwich King on Food Network, spent a little time away from his set (and his hectic schedule as spokesperson for Cracker Barrel Cheese) to talk to us about the meats and breads that are currently trending in the sandwich world (surprise: they're actually domestic!) and one classic American dish he's proud to have sandwich-ized.

Jeff Mauro, better known as the Sandwich King on Food Network, spent a little time away from his set (and his hectic schedule as spokesperson for Cracker Barrel Cheese) to talk to us about the meats and breads that are currently trending in the sandwich world (surprise: they're actually domestic!) and one classic American dish he's proud to have sandwich-ized.

POPSUGAR: What sandwich trends are you seeing this year?
Jeff Mauro: I am seeing a lot of bologna out there, a lot of grilled bologna. I did a grilled bologna burger last episode on the show that kind of prompted that. I did a really thick cut — I think a half-inch-thick cut — of grilled bologna. A lot of places in Chicago are doing grilled bologna with a fried egg and onions. I guess people want the nostalgia. That is where a lot of great trends come from, harking back to being a kid and eating grilled bologna. I am going to say that is going to explode even further.

PS: Pretzel buns are all the rage. We can't wait to make your homemade version this Summer. What's the ultimate way to fill 'em?
JM: I’ll tell you three things: a robust cheddar, pickled jalapeños, and ham. That’s all you need; it is the best of everything. It is like a ballpark in your mouth. You get the soft pretzel with the cheddar, so it’s almost like a nacho. It's unbelievable.

Keep reading to learn more, including Jeff's favorite sandwich creation from this year.

recipes

Cucumber and No Crust Makes the Perfect Summer Sandwich

While I love an overstuffed sub, some occasions call for a daintier sandwich.

While I love an overstuffed sub, some occasions call for a daintier sandwich. One of my favorites is the traditional cucumber and cream cheese sandwich served at high tea. On this week's episode of Between the Bread, I show you how to make the American version with this recipe for a Benedictine cheese sandwich. Created in Louisville, KY, at the turn of the century, this crustless sandwich combines cucumber, cream cheese, and scallions and is perfect for serving at a bridal shower, a luncheon, or a sophisticated picnic. Watch the video to learn how to make this easy, chic sandwich this Summer.

sandwiches

7 Sandwiches That Travel Well

Whether you're on the road or packing something for a picnic or a hike, these seven sandwiches are ready to withstand the weather, challenges, and other wear and tear that may occur during travel.

Whether you're on the road or packing something for a picnic or a hike, these seven sandwiches are ready to withstand the weather, challenges, and other wear and tear that may occur during travel. Gone are the days of soggy sandwiches! Click through for seven sandwiches that travel well.

sandwiches

Upgrade to a Honey-Basil Grilled Cheese

The grilled cheese is one of America's great comfort foods, but rather than debate how to make the perfect classic version, we're mixing it up in honor of Grilled Cheese Month.

The grilled cheese is one of America's great comfort foods, but rather than debate how to make the perfect classic version, we're mixing it up in honor of Grilled Cheese Month. This sweet, savory, and unexpected honey-basil grilled cheese combines slightly sweet wheat bread, a drizzle of honey, fresh herbs, and sliced tomato with a one-two cheese punch of fontina and mozzarella. Watch and learn how to make this serious contender for your new favorite cheesy sandwich.

cooking tips

6 Grilled Cheese Stars That Aren't Cheddar

While we'll happily dig into an ooey-gooey grilled cheese starring sharp cheddar or American cheese — bonus points for homemade — there's something to be said for exploring the cheese counter's other enticing options.

While we'll happily dig into an ooey-gooey grilled cheese starring sharp cheddar or American cheese — bonus points for homemade — there's something to be said for exploring the cheese counter's other enticing options. Most aged cheeses are worth experimenting with — fresh or brined cheeses like chèvre or feta typically don't melt properly — here are some of our favorites; let us know in the comments if we left your favorite off!

  • Fontina: This mild, buttery Italian cheese is practically made to be melted; try it with pancetta, basil, and peaches (or strawberries, while we wait on stone-fruit season) for a salty-sweet treat.
  • Brie: Creamy, earthy brie; camembert; and other bloomy rind cheeses like Vermont Farmstead's Lillé lend richness, velvety texture, and a mild mushroom-like funk and are particularly perfect when paired with sweet-leaning elements like blackberry jam or fig preserves.
  • Raclette: If you love the classic Swiss communal dish based on (and named for) the funky alpine cheese, then consider nestling a hefty handful between bread. Score bonus points by adding chopped cornichon to the mix or using potato bread as a nod to raclette's classic accoutrement.

Keep reading for three other excellent options.

sandwiches

Sweeten Your Day With a Brie, Fig, and Walnut Grilled Cheese

New recipe fodder comes in many forms.

New recipe fodder comes in many forms. Sometimes it's as simple as scrolling through a blog, flipping through a cookbook or magazine, or dining on an exceptional dish at a restaurant or friend's home. In this case, I turned to an entertaining standard — the cheese plate — as inspiration for a sweet-leaning grilled cheese, taking components often paired together in this format (brie, figs, and walnuts) and transforming them into an ooey-gooey sandwich that's equally at home at lunch as it is for dessert. Not too surprisingly, this sandwich is a winner — one I imagine will enter my sandwich repertoire indefinitely. I suggest you take note and do the same.

sandwiches

10 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Inspired by Other Recipes

Pizza, buffalo chicken, jalapeño poppers, and caprese salad are not items you'd likely associate with grilled cheese sandwiches, but these recipes do the seemingly impossible.

Pizza, buffalo chicken, jalapeño poppers, and caprese salad are not items you'd likely associate with grilled cheese sandwiches, but these recipes do the seemingly impossible. If you're ready to rethink grilled cheese sandwiches, here are 10 grilled cheese renditions of classic recipes that will send you swooning.

sandwiches

No Forks Required For This Cobb Salad Wrap

When you're on the go yet looking for a filling, protein-packed lunch, the Cobb salad wrap has you covered.

When you're on the go yet looking for a filling, protein-packed lunch, the Cobb salad wrap has you covered.

In case you aren't familiar with a Cobb salad, it's a classic American salad that is typically loaded with bacon, chicken, blue cheese, egg, and avocado. This recipe isn't about reinventing the wheel — we're just trying to wrap it!

Once the salad is tossed in dressing, wrap it tightly inside a piece of flatbread for an easy way to eat on the go.

The beauty of this salad is that so many interesting and unusual ingredients come together. You may get a bite that's loaded with salty, smoky bacon, while the next will have a large hunk of funky blue cheese. I salivate just conjuring up memories of sinking my teeth into the flavor-filled wrap. To make lunch infinitely better, keep reading for the recipe

POPSUGAR Food

Get the Cheesy Mac and Rib Melt Recipe From LA's Grilled Cheese Truck

The food truck craze shows no signs of slowing, and we visited one of the country's most popular food trucks today, LA's Grilled Cheese Truck.

The food truck craze shows no signs of slowing, and we visited one of the country's most popular food trucks today, LA's Grilled Cheese Truck. There, owner Dave Danhi taught us how to make his bestseller, an amazing combination of cheddar cheese, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, and caramelized onions. Watch it now to learn how it's done, then print the recipe and make it at home.

POPSUGAR Food

Honey-Truffle Grilled Cheese: Yum!

When it comes to the amazing grilled cheese sandwich, one can never have too many inspiring recipes.

When it comes to the amazing grilled cheese sandwich, one can never have too many inspiring recipes. We've got another delicious idea for you: a gruyère grilled cheese with honey and truffle salt. It's incredibly easy to make; watch the video to see how it's done.