The Sandwich Hack That Keeps Toasted Bread From Cutting Your Mouth

From the flavorful delights of BLTs and melty Cuban sandwiches to the timeless classics like cold-cut subs and grilled cheese, the possibilities for homemade sandwiches are virtually endless. But for those who have a particular affinity for toasted sandwiches, making a truly legendary sammich just got even easier. There's one particular step that can really elevate your meal, taking it from the mundane to the extraordinary: toasting the insides of the bread slices instead of the outside.

We get it; a sandwich with the toasted side facing inward might sound wrong, but it tastes so right. Because the outermost side of the bread remains soft and fluffy, you avoid cutting or scratching up the roof of your mouth, allowing you to savor your favorite sandwich pain-free. Additionally, for sandwiches that normally aren't toasted, this clever trick can add a nice crunchy texture and help keep your bread from becoming mushy. 

Ready to start toasting? Gather your favorite sandwich toppings and slices of bread. If your toaster doesn't have a bagel setting that only crisps one side, place the two bread slices together, side-by-side, in a toaster slot. This ensures that the insides stay soft and crunch-free. (Alternatively, you can broil the slices in the oven until the top sides are toasted.) Once ready, lay the toasted sides face up on your plate and build your sandwich as you normally would, slathering all your fixings onto the browned, crispy sides. 

In addition to saving the roof of your mouth from scratches, this genius trick can elevate even typically un-toasted hot or cold sandwiches, like veggie and hummus, tuna, or chicken salad, by adding a satisfyingly warm crunch to each and every bite. Even better, the toasted layer acts as a barrier, keeping all of the saucy, wet ingredients like mustard, mayo, and sauerkraut from seeping into the bread and making it soggy. It's a simple yet effective sandwich win-win, no matter how you cut it.

Adding a little crunch to your bread isn't the only sandwich secret to consider. There are a few other dos and don'ts for making a sandwich. The most important tip is to ensure your bread is nice and fresh to avoid stale sandwiches. Then, pay attention to the layering. The order in which you stack ingredients can make a difference in taste and texture. For instance, placing lettuce or another type of leafy green between the bread and juicy ingredients like tomatoes can act as a barrier to prevent sogginess. And, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread, either; from sourdough and rye to country white, pumpernickel, multigrain, and brioche, the tasty options are virtually endless.

Moreover, you can get creative with different seasonings to enhance flavor. Move beyond the basics of salt and pepper to include enticing herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. For an added kick, consider sprinkling on some garlic powder, onion powder, and even smoked paprika. With these tips, lunchtime might just become your favorite part of the day.