Secret Steps to Making the Perfect Sandwich

Kelsey KlossUpdated: Apr. 02, 2021

These are the seven layers every perfect, mouthwatering sammie needs.

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Layer 1: Bread

Toast bread for a sturdier base. To cut in half, aim the knife straight across rather than diagonally. A straight cut provides thicker, stronger corners that make it difficult for fillings to slip out.

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Layer 2: Lettuce and avocado

Dry lettuce with a paper towel to protect the bread from getting soggy. Place at the top for crispiness. Put avocado here so it’s not squished in the middle.

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Layer 3: Cheese

Layer cheese near the top: It protects the bread from the moist middle layer of vegetables and reinforces the sandwich’s structure.

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Layer 4: Crunchy layer

Place crispy ingredients such as bacon, walnuts, or celery in the center. This layer offers mouthwatering texture and stays in place surrounded by pillowy layers.

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Layer 5: Vegetables

Salt tomato and cucumber slices and place on a paper towel for 10 minutes. This drains excess moisture, increasing flavor.

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Layer 6: Meat

Deli meat is round, and sandwich bread is usually square. To avoid bare sandwich corners, cut each circle in half. Align the four straight edges with the bread edges.

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Layer 7: Condiments

Add spreads (e.g., mayonnaise, mustard, or pesto) to both pieces of bread for flavor and just the right amount of moisture.

Originally Published: March 03, 2016

Originally Published in Reader's Digest