Sandwiches are a staple in most lunches. They are easy to pack and provide a filling meal. They are also a great way to use up leftovers!
One of the biggest gripes about them, though, is they can also end up soggy once lunch rolls around. How do you prevent this sloppy issue and still make lunch a hit with lots of flavour?
Here are some tips on how to prevent soggy bread when packing sandwiches.
Use the right type of bread
Most of us use white or brown bread slices to make sandwiches. While they are certainly a convenient option, they are not great for preventing your sandwich from becoming soggy.
For best results, it's best to opt for bread with a thicker texture like sourdough. This will ensure that your bread doesn't become moist too quickly.
Avoid making a sandwich with warm ingredients
If your sandwich includes cooked ingredients, let them cool completely before assembling your sandwich.
Warm ingredients tend to cause condensation, which can make bread soggy, so cold or room-temperature ingredients are your best bet for sandwiches that will keep.
Spread the condiment
Although it might seem contradictory, spreading mayo, mustard, pesto or hummus over sandwich bread is essential for preventing sogginess and preserving the bread from becoming soggy.
Between the bread and the meat, cheese, or vegetables that make up the sandwich, condiments and spreads serve as a barrier to prevent moisture from leaking into the bread.
Thoroughly dry your greens and veggies
When in a hurry, it might be tempting to wash greens and put them on the sandwich right away. However, take the time to pat them dry with a paper towel. This will prevent unnecessary moisture from being placed on your sandwich.
Also, when making a sandwich be careful not to add too many items that have a lot of water content such as tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. If you do add moist vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers, place them in the centre of the sandwich.
Toast the bread
If you are a toasted bread fan, toast it as long as you like. But if toasted bread isn’t your thing, you can still lightly toast it for a quick minute to keep sogginess away without the toasted flavour.