The sandwich can be a power player on your menu. Versatile, customizable, and requiring less labor, sandwiches have proven their staying power as an important menu category, especially as we head toward summer — where portability really plays.

Using offerings you trust, including breakfast meats like bacon, ham, and sausage; Smithfield Smoke’n fast pulled meats, barbacoa, and brisket; Italian specialties like Margherita salami and prosciutto; and quality deli meats and cheeses from Kretschmar, allows operators to build a sandwich menu based on premium ingredients, while minimizing waste and maximizing margins.

A Foolproof Sandwich Formula

A sandwich is only as good as its ingredients, so it’s important to build each sandwich with flavor and enjoyability in mind. Similarly, a truly great sandwich feels deliciously packed and full without being difficult to eat, so choosing the right bread and the proper bread-to-filling ratio is key.

• Start with excellent bread. A seeded hoagie roll, crusty ciabatta, or a chewy baguette sets the stage. The bread is your sandwich’s first impression, and it has to hold up until the very last bite, so there’s no room to cut corners.

• Layer on the meats and cheeses. Premium deli meats and cheeses provide the heft of the sandwich and help command premium pricing.

• Add in vegetables. Fresh tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and thinly sliced onions are classic add-ons, and there’s room to have some fun. Think pickled veggies (like banh mi pickles), marinated eggplant or peppers, or roasted broccoli rabe for something more unique.

• Drizzle on the sauce. Often a condiment or two makes the difference between a sandwich that’s just so-so and one that’s unforgettable. Using mayo as a base for garlic, hot sauce, fresh herbs, and other creative ingredients is a smart, easy way to deliver big flavor. Think of the sauce as the glue that ties the whole sandwich together.

• Keep it crispy. Adding one crispy bite, like fried onions, jalapenos, crunchy chili crisp, or even potato chips keeps the sandwich texturally interesting.

Destination: Sandwich

Summer is all about travel, so tap into the globetrotter vibes with an internationally inspired sandwich menu. After all, the sandwich can be a great vehicle for trying out food from all over the world. Guests love seeing nods to their global travels on the menu — a meaty sandwich served on crispy fried tostones that reminds them of a trip to Puerto Rico or an Italian specialty with fresh mozzarella, peppery arugula, and paper-thin Margherita Prosciutto that conjures the hillsides of Parma, Italy.

Summer on the Go

So much of the fun of summer is about enjoying life by the water, whether it’s the pool, the beach, or on a boat. Configure your menu to offer travel-friendly sandwiches that are made for waterside enjoyment, like a classic Muffuletta with hot giardiniera mayo or a chopped Jersey grinder loaded with Margherita salami, capicola, prosciutto, mortadella, and Kretschmar Provolone, plus zippy sandwich pepper spread. It’s like a trip to the shore on a hoagie roll.

Highlight sandwiches that improve over time, and bundle them up with chips, a drink, and plenty of napkins to make everything easy for your guests.

Beyond Bacon, Egg, and Cheese

Breakfast sandwiches are a smart option for extending your existing menu and capturing a hungry crowd, many of whom are looking to take their sando’s to go. While there’s always a place for the classics, you can stand out from the pack with a more creative take on the category. Start with a croissant, biscuit, or another fun breakfast bread, and add a combination of sausage, bacon, egg, cheese, and a special sauce to add depth and craveability.

Fried Kretschmar Bologna is another good choice for a breakfast sandwich that blends nostalgia with big flavor. To make it feel unique, consider adding one unexpected element — something crunchy like fried shallots or a housemade hot sauce to give it some kick.

No Bread, No Problem

Focusing on sandwiches doesn’t mean forgetting the low carb crowd. A fresh, crispy protein-packed lettuce wrap delivers that satisfying crunch without skewing those macros. Build the lettuce up using Kretschmar deli meats and cheeses and Smithfield Bacon, then tie it all together with an herby mayo for a sandwich experience that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

*Content provided in collaboration with Smithfield®.