How to Keep Sandwiches From Getting Soggy

In the realm of sandwiches, there are seemingly endless interpretations: triple-decker, open- faced, hot, pressed—the list goes on. And while the great debate of whether or not a hot dog is a sandwich might never be settled, we can at least agree that sandwiches, like hot dogs, are perfect picnic fodder. In fact, sandwiches might just be the perfect on-the-go food for any occasion that calls for a packed meal.

But the risk in packing any sandwich is the potential for great tragedy in this particular culinary landscape: a soggy sandwich. What causes sandwiches to become soggy and how to keep sandwiches from getting soggy are important to know and act upon. Sandwiches can become soggy from too much moisture in the filling, thoughtless assembly, and improper packaging and storage. Soggy sandwiches make a mess on your hands and clothes, and are the furthest thing from delicious. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to avoid these pitfalls with a few helpful tips. 

The Bread

The foundation of any good sandwich, especially one that won’t sog over time, starts with the right bread—and one might argue that the quality of the bread is even more important than what’s between it. Choosing a good sandwich bread, however, is all about playing matchmaker and choosing the right one. You might not rush to make a PB&J on a jalapeño cheddar bagel, or a tuna melt with cinnamon raisin bread, for example. 

Toasting

Packaged bread from the supermarket often benefits from being toasted. To prevent your sandwich from getting soggy, try lightly toasting just one side of the bread in your toaster oven, and let that toasted side serve as the inside of your sandwich. This will keep your bread structurally sound, even up against moist ingredients, while still remaining soft on the outside for pleasant and tender bites that won’t cut the roof of your mouth. 

Slicing

If you’ve bought a loaf of bread fresh from the bakery, opt for it unsliced and slice it yourself at home. With a sharp serrated knife (aka a bread knife), you can produce thicker, sturdier slices for a hearty sandwich that will hold its own over time. Plus, thicker slices make for a more dramatic and artisanal-looking presentation. 

Temperature

Along with texture, considering the temperature of your ingredients is just as important for a sog-free sandwich. After toasting your bread, it’s crucial to let it fully cool before assembling your sandwich. Rather than leave the slices flat on a countertop or work space, though, consider propping the slices up at an angle to prevent the steam from softening your freshly toasted bread. Proper air circulation around the bread will allow it to stay crisp and dry.

The Fillings

Once you’ve taken care to prep your bread properly for this perfect sandwich, it’s time to consider the contents of your sandwich. 

• Fillings that include pickles, olives, artichokes, or peppers, all ingredients that come from jars of brine, need a thorough pat-down with paper towels to rid them of excess moisture before you add them. 
• The same goes for one of the most popular sandwich fillings of all: sliced tomatoes. If you have the time and forethought, seasoning sliced tomatoes with salt ahead of time helps them draw out moisture before patting them with paper towels. 
• Wash and dry all lettuces and greens in a salad spinner followed by a clean tea towel, and use those greens as a protective buffer layer between the bread and everything else. 

The Wrapping

Wrapping your sandwich to be transported means choosing the right material with which to execute the task. 

Avoid

Aluminum foil and plastic wrap are impermeable materials that not only prevent the sandwich from "breathing," but also fail at absorbing any potential moisture from the sandwich. Plastic and glass storage containers, while protective, do the same. 

Use

Parchment paper checks all the boxes: It’s slightly porous and absorbs some moisture that other materials don’t. Be sure to employ the double-wrap technique: Wrap your sandwich in one layer, cut the sandwich in half through the parchment paper, and then wrap it again for extra security. Bonus: Eating half of a sandwich encased in paper helps catch any errant fillings or drips.  

Transporting

If you’re preparing and transporting multiple sandwiches, arrange them in your cooler or picnic basket vertically, like books on a shelf, rather than stacking them on top of each other in columns. The weight of the sandwiches will put pressure on those at the bottom and squish your sandwiches in unwanted ways.