Hot Sandwiches Continue to Rise

Glamorous grilled cheese, reconstructed Reubens, masterfully created burgers – the reinvention and the continued rise of the hot sandwich is a trend in foodservice that shows no sign of slowing down. Chefs and home cooks alike are rekindling their love for childhood staples by reinventing them using artisan cheeses, unique proteins and gourmet condiments to take these humble sandwiches to the next level in foodservice.

The Panini sandwich trend shows no sign of slowing down, in fact, quite the opposite. Paninis started out as peasant food in Italy during the 16th century but it wasn’t until the 1970’s and 1980’s the Panini as we know today came out of Italy. The fashion for Panini in foodservice came out of Milanese bars, called paninoteche, and quickly spread to trendy U.S. restaurants. Traditionally in Italy they are filled with cured meats and cheeses, but in America there are no limits as to what they are filled with. The Panini is taking off as the healthy alternative to fast food. The key to the most flavorful Panini is the best bread, and the freshest ingredients.

Healthy and Wholesome

Sandwiches are perceived by diners as a healthy fast food alternative. There is now a vast selection of healthier bread carriers in foodservice, including: flatbreads, wraps, whole grain artisan breads, pitas and Paninis. Pair that with wholesome fillings that can go between the slices, such as roasted vegetables, lean meats, fresh herbs and light spreads. It’s easier than ever to create sandwiches that have a healthy halo.

World Flavors; The New Classics

American diners have recently opened their taste buds to some of the great ethnic sandwich variations of the world. For example, the Vietnamese Bahn Mi, a French baguette, commonly filled with a spread of pork pate, roast pork and two Vietnamese pork lunch meats and garnished with cilantro, sliced cucumber, pickled carrots, daikon and a garlicky mayo. Or the Torta, originated from Mexico, made on an oblong bolillo roll – similar to French bread - to a telera roll, a softer, round roll. It is filled with meats like a carne asada or chorizo, and then topped with avocado, cheese, sour cream and tomato. International flavors and forms are popping up on foodservice menus across the United States in record numbers.