Ah, the Original Joe Sandwich! A delightful concoction that always takes me back to my endless summers spent at family picnics and barbecues. There was a little deli by the beach that served the most scrumptious sandwiches, and this one was my favorite. You know what’s incredible about the Original Joe Sandwich? It’s like a party of flavors all stacked up in a deliciously compact form! Every bite combines the creamy richness of the olive mayo spread with layers of savory meats and melty cheeses. What more could you want from a sandwich?
What I love most is the versatility of this sandwich—perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply a hurried lunch! It’s the kind of dish that can make you feel like a culinary genius without any complex techniques involved. Plus, it looks fantastic when you serve it, making you the star of the show. So, let’s dive into the details of what makes this sandwich so special!
What’s in The Original Joe Sandwich?
- White bread: Soft and pillowy, it’s the perfect base for our layers. I usually prefer a classic white bread for that nostalgic touch!
- Mayonnaise: The creamy factor! Feel free to use your favorite brand—Hellmann’s is my go-to for that rich flavor.
- Dijon mustard: A splash of tang to wake up those taste buds! Just a teaspoon makes a significant difference.
- Chopped green olives: They add a nice briny crunch. Calamata olives or any other preferred variety can totally work here!
- Chopped pimentos: These not only add color but also a little sweetness to balance the saltiness of the olives.
- Sliced ham: The first of our trio of meats—who doesn’t love ham? I like to go for a honey-glazed version for added sweetness.
- Sliced turkey: Lean and delicious, turkey provides the perfect filler between all those flavors.
- Sliced roast beef: This gives the sandwich its hearty touch; I prefer deli-style roast beef for a tender bite.
- Sliced Swiss cheese: Melty and nutty, it layers incredibly well with the meats.
- Sliced provolone cheese: Adds a little tanginess that takes the flavor up a notch!
- Lettuce leaves: Totally optional, but I love a bit of crunch and freshness in every bite.
Is The Original Joe Sandwich Good for You?
Now, let’s talk a little about health. The Original Joe Sandwich packs a punch with its multitude of ingredients. With proteins from the ham, turkey, and roast beef, it certainly fills you up! The Swiss and provolone cheese bring in some calcium, too.
However, be mindful of the calories and sodium content. There’s a decent amount of mayonnaise involved, so if you’re watching your intake, consider substituting with Greek yogurt or a light mayo. The olives and pimentos can be high in sodium, so rinse them well if you prefer a lighter touch. Pair it with a crisp side salad to balance it out, and you’ve got yourself a meal!
Ingredients List
- 8 slices of white bread
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup chopped green olives
- 1/2 cup chopped pimentos
- 1/2 pound sliced ham
- 1/2 pound sliced turkey
- 1/2 pound sliced roast beef
- 1/4 pound sliced Swiss cheese
- 1/4 pound sliced provolone cheese
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
How to Make The Original Joe Sandwich?
- First, let’s whip up our spread! In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped green olives, and chopped pimentos until well combined and creamy.
- Take one slice of white bread and spread a thin layer of your olive mixture across the top.
- Now, stack up the layers: add 2-3 slices of ham followed by a slice of Swiss cheese on top. Yum!
- Layer another slice of bread on top and repeat the process with turkey and provolone cheese this time.
- For your final slice of bread, spread on that delicious olive mixture again.
- Then, top it off with your roast beef and cover with another slice of bread. You got this!
- Now, wrap the whole thing tightly in plastic wrap. Place a heavy object (like a frying pan) on top to compress it for at least an hour. If you’re aiming for perfection, leave it overnight in the fridge.
- Once it’s marinated nicely, unwrap the sandwich, cut off the crusts if you fancy, and slice it into smaller squares or rectangles for serving. Voilà!
Delicious Tips for Serving The Original Joe Sandwich
- Serving cold is key here; it brings out all the flavors beautifully!
- Feel free to customize your layers with your favorite meats or even some veggies like sliced tomatoes or cucumbers for added crunch.
- This sandwich makes for excellent finger food at parties. You can even skewer them with toothpicks for a cute presentation.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, why not toast the bread lightly before assembling? It adds a lovely crunch!
If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or simply satisfy your sandwich cravings, the Original Joe Sandwich is calling your name! It’s a breeze to make and always gets rave reviews. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with—feel free to share your versions with me, and let’s spread the sandwich love! Enjoy!
