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How to make a first-class sandwich
Build a perfectly travel-ready deluxe in-flight snack like an expert
 | Go for crusty breads, like ciabattas or baguettes and instead of lettuce that wilts the minute it touches something oily, try fresh, thinly sliced fennel—its crunch doesn't sag with time. |
Jay Directo / AFP/Getty Images |
It's a given that most airlines don't serve meals, and airport to-go options are pathetic, so your best bet is to pack your own eats. But if you're bringing a sandwich on board (the best option because it doesn't need a container or utensils), you have to build it to last. After all, you probably won't be eating the darn thing for at least three hours.
Here, Sisha Ortuzar, executive chef of sandwich chain 'Wichcraft chain, offers tips on how to create a sandwich that'll still be appetizing once you're in the air.
Bread
For moist fillings — tuna salad, tomato — go for crusty breads, like ciabattas or baguettes. They'll soak up the flavors without getting soggy. Use sliced bread only if you're making a super simple sandwich, such as ham and cheese.
Mustard
Condiments should be on the opposite sides of a sandwich; you don't want the flavors to get homogenized. To add richness, try a dash of olive oil or vinaigrette instead of mayo. Mustard travels well too — it packs a lot of flavor, and it doesn't spoil.
Cheese
Don't be worried about letting cheese stay unrefrigerated for a few hours — most varieties are best at room temperature. Hard, aged cheeses are better than soft ones, which can melt or disintegrate. A slice of cheese also acts as an insulator between layers (to help control a tomato's moisture, for example).
Meat
Most meats can't be trusted after more than an hour out of the fridge. Choose well-cured ones, such as prosciutto, serrano ham, and salami. Bacon, which is naturally preserved by its salt content, is another good option. Cook it slowly and thoroughly, to the point where most of the fat is rendered, so it stays crispy.
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Fennel
The minute lettuce touches something oily, like mayonnaise, it wilts. Fresh, thinly sliced fennel makes for a terrific alternative—its crunch doesn't sag with time. Cucumbers work well too, but they can be watery, so make sure your bread is crusty.
Paper
Wrap the sandwich in light, thin paper — the kind used in delis — and slice it in half. Then wrap it in wax or butcher paper, which will keep moisture inside. The outer layer can be used as a makeshift plate.
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