British Sandwich Week 2022

What is British Sandwich Week?

Each year, British Sandwich Week is celebrated across the UK. This year, the humble sandwich in all its glory will be celebrated between 22nd May to 28th May. British Sandwich Week is organised by the British Sandwich & Food to Go Association, a trade body set up in 1990 to represent the interests of all those businesses involved with the food on the move industry, including supermarkets, sandwich cafes and suppliers.

A brief history of British Sandwich Week

The sandwich originated in Britain in the mid 18th century when the 4th Earl of Sandwich asked for meat to be served between two slices of bread so that he didn’t have to leave the gambling table. Although he didn’t invent the sandwich, he certainly made it popular. In fact, the Guiness World Record for the largest sandwich was awarded to Wild Woody’s Chill and Grill in Michigan, USA, with their sandwich weighing 2,467.5 kg (5,440 lb).

Today, the sandwich is one of the most common household dishes in the UK. That’s because they’re easy to make, healthy, affordable and there are plenty of ways you can make yours more interesting. So in celebration of British Sandwich Week, we’re sharing some exciting ways you can spice up your sandwich recipes at home.

Tips for spicing up your sandwiches

• Try different breads

One way to keep things exciting is to vary the bread you use. There are so many types of bread out there, for example sourdough, pita, bagels, flatbread, ciabatta, tortillas etc. You could even have a different bread each day. Alternatively, you could even bake your own bread if you have the time. Experiment with different ingredients like sundried tomatoes, herbs and seeds.

• Use up leftovers

Next time you have leftovers in the fridge, get imaginative and think of where you could put them into a sandwich. Leftovers make great sandwich fillings, in particular things like vegetarian burgers, falafels or even leftover chicken fajitas.

• Add spices

Spices can really elevate your sandwich. Achiote Paste Spices work really well in this roast tomato and egg sandwich, and Caribbean Jerk Seasoning pairs brilliantly in a beef, cheese and onion toastie. If you’re into Vietnamese food, why not try this fresh, crunchy and spicy chicken banh mi recipe. For an extra flavourful crunch in your sandwiches, add a helping of dukkah, an Egyptian blend of roasted seeds, nuts and spices. Sprinkle on top of french toast or mix into an avocado bruschetta.

• Add veggies

Not only do vegetables add nutrition, but they also add a lovely, crunchy texture to sandwiches. If you’re bored of the same old lettuce and cucumber, why not try roasted peppers, courgettes or aubergine? You can also try pickled veggies for an extra tang. Pickling vegetables at home is really easy and you can get as creative as you like.

• Add pate, dips and spreads

Another way to amp up the flavour is to add pate, dips and spreads to your sandwich. You can even make your own to tweak the recipe to your exact taste. Take a look at our guide to making smoked trout pate here. Similarly, dips and spreads such as hummus, baba ganoush or a spicy chilli salsa can also add some mouthwatering flavour. Have a read of our blog post for more party dip ideas.

Learn more about worldwide sandwich making by reading our blog 8 Popular Sandwiches Around The World.