Why Classic French Sandwiches Are Ina Garten's Gold Standard - Tasting Table

"For a satisfying sandwich, Garten prefers recipes that offer just the right amount of ingredients and leave guests full but not stuffed. She first encountered these kinds of handhelds while traveling in Italy and France. As she shared on Facebook, "Unlike American deli sandwiches, which tend to be so overstuffed you can barely take a bite, these are perfectly crisp baguettes or slices of ciabatta bread, spread with creamy butter and the thinnest layer of salty prosciutto or ham.""

"Garten may enjoy French sandwiches like jambon-beurre, which is literally just ham and butter, or saucisson sec made with French salami. As Garten pointed out in her post, these are perfect for taking on a Parisian picnic along with a cluster of cherry tomatoes and easy-to-pack sides like carrot salad or herby tabouli (check out our recipe here). For those who don't see a European vacation on their calendars, Garten assures fans that this kind of sandwich is easy to make at home - no flight required."

"With your freshly toasted baguette or sliced boule at the ready, next consider which ingredients will offer the most flavor when building your sandwiches. Ina Garten is known to make pan bagnat sandwiches on ciabatta, layering cheese and vegetables in between slices before dressing the arrangement with vinaigrette. Similarly, a sandwich stacked with slices of pâté topped with sliced cornichons and served with a glass of wine is all you need for a delicious meal that will make you feel like you're on holiday."

Simple, restrained sandwiches built on crisp baguette or ciabatta prioritize balance over excessive fillings. A thin layer of creamy butter with delicate prosciutto or ham creates a satisfying handheld that avoids overstuffing. Classic examples include jambon-beurre and saucisson sec, both suited for picnics alongside cherry tomatoes, carrot salad, or herby tabouli. Pan bagnat on ciabatta combines cheese, vegetables, and vinaigrette for a hearty option. Pâté with sliced cornichons and a glass of wine makes an elegant meal. These sandwiches are easy to assemble at home and travel well for al fresco dining.

Read at Tasting Table