Sandwiches are a versatile and convenient meal or snack enjoyed by many. While sandwiches often contain simple ingredients like bread, meat, cheese, vegetables, and condiments, spices can add an extra punch of flavor. Choosing the right spices can enhance the flavors of the sandwich ingredients, bringing the flavors together into a cohesive and tasty bite. So what spices work best for giving your sandwiches an extra kick?
Spices That Enhance Meat Sandwiches
For sandwiches with meat fillings like chicken, turkey, roast beef, ham, or sausage, certain spices can accentuate the flavor of the meat. Here are some great spice choices for meat-based sandwiches:
- Black pepper – A simple sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and enhances the natural flavors of meat.
- Garlic powder – The sweet pungency of garlic perfectly complements meats like chicken, turkey, and roast beef.
- Onion powder – Like garlic, onion powder provides layers of flavor and aroma.
- Paprika – A dash of paprika packs sandwiches with smoky, savory sweetness.
- Chili powder – For a touch of heat, a small amount of chili powder can spice up meat nicely.
- Cumin – Earthy cumin offers a distinct flavor that goes well with chicken and beef especially.
- Curry powder – A blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander and chili, curry powder infuses sandwiches with complex flavors.
- Cajun or Creole seasoning – These robust blends pair perfectly with meats for a tasty Southern flair.
Using just one or a combination of these spices can make meat-filled sandwiches much more vibrant and exciting. Start with small amounts and add more if needed. Their flavors will penetrate the meat and mix with the other ingredients for delicious bites full of spice and savoriness.
Herbs and Spices for Vegetarian Sandwiches
Building a tasty vegetarian sandwich? You’ll still want to think about spices and herbs that can elevate the ingredients’ flavors. Here are some particularly good options for veggie sandwiches:
- Basil – The sweet, yet slightly peppery taste of basil complements veggies and cheeses.
- Oregano – Earthy with some subtle citrus and pepper notes, oregano perks up vegetables and eggs.
- Thyme – Lemony thyme has a light flavor that partners well with lots of sandwich veggies.
- Rosemary – The pine-like aroma of rosemary enhances roasted veggies and potatoes.
- Dill – Perfect for sandwiches with cucumbers, dill has fresh, grassy flavor.
- Cilantro – The bright, herbal taste of cilantro pairs perfectly with flavors like avocado, beans, and curry.
- Cumin – Roasted veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and eggplant all benefit from warm cumin flavor.
- Smoked paprika – A dash of smoky paprika gives a tasty boost to vegetables like tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and roasted peppers.
Using these fresh herbs and earthy spices in vegetarian sandwiches packs extra vibrance. Try combining a few different ones to create layers of flavor. Just a small sprinkling before assembly can make a big difference in your sandwich’s taste.
Spice and Herb Combos by Sandwich Type
Certain spice and herb combinations work especially well for specific types of sandwiches. Here are some tasty combos to try:
Italian Sandwiches
- Basil, oregano, garlic powder, fennel, red pepper flakes
Mediterranean Sandwiches
- Oregano, mint, coriander, cumin, sumac
Mexican/Southwestern Sandwiches
- Cumin, chili powder, cilantro, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder
Indian Sandwiches
- Curry powder, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garam masala
Greek Sandwiches
- Oregano, mint, dill, parsley, garlic powder
Middle Eastern Sandwiches
- Cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper
Tailoring the spices to the sandwich type enhances the cuisine’s signature flavors. So put together spices that complement the ingredients and ethnic tastes of the sandwich.
Top Spice Picks by Ingredient
If building a sandwich around specific main ingredients, here are some of the best spices to use:
| Ingredient | Best Spices |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sage, parsley |
| Turkey | Rosemary, sage, thyme, marjoram |
| Roast Beef | Horseradish, mustard powder, black pepper, garlic |
| Ham | Brown sugar, mustard, cloves, ginger |
| Bacon | Cayenne, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, nutmeg |
| Salami | Fennel, garlic powder, anise, red pepper flakes |
| Avocado | Cumin, chili powder, cilantro, lime, onion powder |
| Cucumber | Dill, mint, lemon, vinegar |
| Tomato | Basil, oregano, parsley, garlic |
| Mushrooms | Thyme, sage, rosemary, parsley |
| Onion | Thyme, parsley, garlic powder |
| Bell Pepper | Basil, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika |
| Hummus | Cumin, paprika, lemon juice |
| Beans | Cumin, chili powder, oregano, garlic |
| Cheese | Paprika, dry mustard, cayenne |
| Egg | Turmeric, paprika, dill |
| Tuna Salad | Dill, lemon zest, paprika |
| Egg Salad | Paprika, celery seed, dry mustard |
Tailoring the spices to complement the main ingredient is key. Refer to this chart for ideas on mixing and matching spices with your sandwich fillings.
Spice Mixes for Sandwiches
For an easy way to spike up your sandwiches with flavor, make your own signature spice mixes! Here are a few tasty blends to try:
Italian Sandwich Spice Mix
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Taco Sandwich Spice Mix
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Greek Sandwich Spice Mix
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Store these homemade spice blends in jars or shaker bottles. Then you can just shake them on or mix small amounts into spreads or dressings to infuse your sandwiches with flavor.
How to Use Spice Mixes in Sandwiches
There are many ways to creatively use spices and spice mixes in sandwiches:
- Sprinkle them between layers of sandwich ingredients
- Mix them into mayonnaise, mustard or other condiments
- Blend them into cream cheese or hummus spreads
- Add them to vinaigrettes and salad dressings used on sandwiches
- Mix them with olive oil for an infused drizzle or dip for bread
- Rub them directly onto meat, poultry, tofu or tempeh before cooking
- Coat vegetables with them before roasting
- Shake them over french fries, tater tots or hash browns used as sandwich toppings
With just a little creativity, you can easily use spices and blends to add excitement to all the components of your sandwich. The possibilities are endless for infusing your sandwiches with extra spice and flavor!
Spice Pairings to Avoid on Sandwiches
While spices can enhance sandwiches, certain combinations may not work well together. Here are some spice pairings you may want to avoid:
- Rosemary and sage – Their similar herbal flavors tend to clash rather than complement each other.
- Cumin and caraway – Both have dominant, earthy flavors that can overpower other spices when combined.
- Cilantro and parsley – These green, herbal flavors compete instead of blending nicely.
- Cinnamon and cumin – The sweet and savory tastes do not align in most sandwiches.
- Mint and thyme – Cool mint and woodsy thyme conflict rather than compliment.
- Sumac and za’atar – The sourness of sumac battles the blend of herbs and sesame in za’atar.
- Cloves and allspice – Used together, these sweet spices may become overbearing.
When mixing and matching spices, opt for combinations that complement each other. Be particularly careful about pairing spices with similar dominant flavors, as they tend to clash. Less is often more when it comes to blending sandwich spices.
Conclusion
Adding the right spices can hugely elevate your sandwiches, bringing layers of flavor to the ingredients. Meat and vegetable sandwiches benefit from savory spices like garlic, onion and paprika as well as herbaceous flavors from basil, oregano and cilantro. Tailoring spice blends to cuisine styles or specific fillings ensures sandwiches taste vibrant and delicious. With the right use of spices and creative combinations, your sandwiches will be anything but boring!