Everyone loves a classic sandwich. They are easy, comforting, and simple. The most interesting sandwiches today are not abandoning tradition, they are building on it. Enter the growing trend of flavormaxxing, where bold or unusual flavors are added to a traditional dish to dramatically enhance the original flavor, without overpowering it.
How can you “flavormaxx” your sandwich? Keep reading for some simple ways to turn a classic sandwich into a gourmet experience!
Grilled Cheese Twist:
Grilled cheese is an American household staple. How can you resist melted cheese on golden toasted bread? While the flavors are simple, they are delicious.
Flavor-maxx it: Caramelized onions bring a mix of gentle sweetness and deep umami flavor - a perfect addition to a buttery grilled cheese!
A great example of this concept is a new twist our culinary team has recently cooked up: a mushroom and taleggio grilled cheese. This sandwich layers rich taleggio and Oaxacan cheeses with sous vide mushrooms, caramelized onions, and fire roasted poblanos. This dish is deeply flavorful, yet still grounded in the comfort of a classic grilled cheese.
Condiment Impacts
On most sandwiches, you simply can't overlook the classic condiments - mayo and mustard.
Flavor-maxx it:
Instead of a simple yellow mustard, spread a creamy authentic French dijon mustard over a juicy burger. Or add a small dollop of whole-grain mustard to add lots of texture and a bright finish to a crusty sandwich or panini. The key here is to watch for condiments with simple, natural ingredients - avoid junky fillers. The best spreads should have just a few ingredients listed.
Reinventing the Classic BLT
A BLT is one of the most classic of all sandwiches. The combination of smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, and sweet, juicy tomato is truly magical.
Flavor-maxx it:
Try swapping traditional mayo with garlic aioli or a chipotle-infused spread. Or add an Asian sauce with a hint of spice, like Savor’s crunchy garlic chili oil to add a boldness that pairs well with the light crispness of lettuce and tomato.
Innovation Over Reinvention
The important thing to remember is that while some trending menu items push boundaries, most still rely on a familiar base. These flavormaxxed creations work because they layer bold ingredients thoughtfully, not randomly.
Sandwiches, with their simple structure, make an ideal canvas to test out your flavorful ideas. The next time you build a sandwich, don’t start from scratch. Start with a classic and build from there.
Savor Imports specializes in trends you can source.
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