For those of you who have limited free time, you can be sure that sandwiches are one of the most consumed dishes. Because sandwiches are so easy to make and mix and match with a variety of fillings, many people like to take them with them to work or even picnics. Whatever the activity, make sure the condition of the sandwich is still fresh and delicious when consumed by applying the various tips summarized in this article!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Making Stuffed Bread
Step 1. Use crusts or bread rolls to prevent the texture from softening when processed into sandwiches
In particular, crusty breads such as baguettes have a dry texture so they are unlikely to soften when processed into sandwiches. If you prefer plain white bread, try baking it briefly before turning it into sandwiches so that the texture is not too moist and remains fresh when eaten.
- If you want to use plain white bread that is commonly made into sandwiches, try buying whole loaves of bread at a store or supermarket that bakes the whole product themselves to ensure freshness is guaranteed.
- Some types of bread are more suitable to be combined with certain fillings. In particular, if your bread contains dense, heavy ingredients like meat and cheese, try using a firmer textured bread. On the other hand, if the filling has a softer texture, such as a mixture of mayonnaise and eggs, feel free to use a softer textured bread to make it easier for the ingredients to stick to the surface of the bread.
Step 2. Use dry ingredients as filling for bread
Although all food ingredients can be used as filling for bread, as much as possible avoid wet textured ingredients which are prone to softening the texture of the bread. Also, try applying a thin layer of butter to the surface of the bread to act as a "guard fence" between the bread and the filling. If you want to add lettuce, don't forget to wash and dry it first before placing it on the surface of the bread. If you want to add tomatoes, try placing them between the meat and cheese instead of directly on the bread.
If necessary, pack wet ingredients such as tomatoes in a separate container and add them to the surface of the bread just before eating
Step 3. Place the condiments on top of the bread filling
If you want to add different kinds of condiments, try placing them on top of the filling so that the texture of the bread doesn't soften. For example, you can put a piece of meat or cheese on top of the bread first, then pour the condiments on top.
For best results, never put condiments on bread
Step 4. Bake bread just before traveling to cut storage time
The longer the bread is eaten after it is made, the less fresh it will be. Therefore, try to package the bread and its contents separately, then put the two together just before eating. This method works best if your variant is a chicken sandwich, tuna sandwich, or egg lettuce sandwich.
If the sandwich was made the day before, don't forget to store it overnight in the refrigerator wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and put it in an airtight container
Part 2 of 2: Packing Stuffed Bread
Step 1. Wrap the bread with parchment paper
Although effective enough to prevent bread from being exposed to air, plastic clip bags will actually trap moisture in the container and make the bread texture soft when eaten. To fix this, try wrapping the bread in parchment paper or wax paper instead of a plastic bag clip. Alternatively, you can also wrap the bread tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the contents from spilling out.
If the bread is still hot and you want it served at that temperature, try wrapping it in aluminum foil instead of parchment paper to keep the temperature under control. In addition, you can easily heat bread in the oven when it arrives at its destination
Step 2. Put the bread in a lunch box like Tupperware to ensure its safety
Most sandwiches have a crumbly structure and texture, although this depends a lot on the type of bread used. If the loaf is small enough, try putting it in a lunchbox like Tupperware to keep it fresh and safe.
Step 3. Do not place heavy objects on the bread
When bread must be packed with other items, do not place heavy objects on it, especially if the bread is not packaged in a sturdy container such as Tupperware. Remember, heavy objects can put pressure on the bread and make the filling fall apart. As a result, the bread will be too soft textured and less tasty to eat.
Step 4. Keep the bread cool in case it contains ingredients that actually need to be refrigerated
If your bread is made from perishable ingredients but has to be taken on the go, try to keep it cool at all times, around 4 degrees Celsius. If there is a refrigerator at your destination, put bread in it as soon as you get there.
- If the sandwich will be packed in a lunch box, don't forget to put cooling gel on the bottom and top of the bread to maintain a stable temperature.
- If the sandwich will be traveling for more than half an hour, don't forget to store it in a special food cooler.
Tips
For best results, always use the freshest ingredients you can find
Warning
- Meat sandwiches should always be stored in a cool room and should not be left at room temperature for more than four hours.
- Before making bread, don't forget to wash your hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean all used cooking utensils, cutting boards, and kitchen counters before and after use.