Today, a Royal recipe with you that has long been a regal favorite. I really use the word recipe loosely. It’s honestly just a sandwich – nothing magical – but it is delicious, simple, and quick. It’s my “go to” dish when taking a meal to a friend who has just had a baby or is in need of some encouragement. Or it’s a great dish for family get togethers, showers, and brunches {we even had it the day of our wedding for the wedding party}. PLUS it’s great this time of the year when you’re on the go because it can be made ahead of time and sit in your fridge all weekend {if it’s not eaten first!}.
Royal Ingredients:
- One loaf of King’s Hawaiian Bread {the ginormous one, usually found in or near the deli}
- Two of your favorite deli lunch meats {about a 1/2 lb of each}, we usually use ham and turkey. But I also fancy the BBQ Basted Chicken upon occasion.
- A favorite cheese or two {~8 slices total or more if you’re cheesier}, I usually like a yellow cheese and a white cheese. I’m guessing a Pepperjack would be smashing.
- Lettuce {optional – both with and without the lettuce it’s delish!}
- Other Veggies {I’d love to do an entire veggie version of this, yum.}
- Mayo and/or Honey Mustard
First, take the Hawaiian Loaf out of the bag and place it on a plate. Slice the Bread along the bottom edge {you’ll be cutting it into thirds so the line that the pan naturally makes when it bakes is the perfect first incision, 🙂 }. Keep the pan and the bag because you’re going to need both of them for storage purposes.
Next, place your small third back into the pan. Top with a layer of meat, followed by another layer of meat, and then a layer of cheese. It should look a little bit like this:
Now, add the lettuce {and other veggies}. It gives the sandwich a little pretty green but is optional if you have picky eaters in your household. Sometimes I pack it separately when taking the meal to friends if I don’t know if they eat lettuce or not. The slightly wondermous element about storing it is that the lettuce doesn’t get soggy even though it’s made ahead of time and refrigerated. I tend to buy a green leafy large leaf sort of lettuce that has plenty of crunch.
After you’ve added your veggies, slic
e the remaining portion of the Hawaiian loaf into two pieces. If you’re using mustard or mayo, apply it to the bottom side of the 2nd layer lightly. Repeat the layering of meats, cheeses, and veggies. Apply a light layer of mustard or mayo to the top piece of bread and place it firmly on top of your ginormous sandwich.
Unless you’re a glutton or a giant, you need to slice the sandwich to share it with your family. Cut it like a pie into triangular pieces. For best practice, use a serrated knife and be sure to cut all the way to the bottom of the pan firmly and all the way through. When you’re done, it should look a little like this:
If you’re serving it immediately, simply set it on the table and pull out a slice {they are huge and one slice should be more than enough per person especially if you pair it with chips or fresh fruit and veggies}. If you plan on eating it later or taking it to a party or a friend, simply put the entire thing back in the bag, affix the tie, and place in the refrigerator.
It’s also a great way to store the leftovers {if you have any}.
While I’ve never tried it before, I’ve always thought this would be a GREAT dish to make with leftover turkey on the day after Thanksgiving {especially topped with some sort of cranberry mayo or spread. Nom, nom, nom . . .
I’ll be the first to disclaim that unfortunately, this is not a $5 Dinner; however, you can occasionally score a good coupon on Hawaiian Bread {Join the King’s Hawaiian Club on their site or check their Facebook fan Page for occasional coupons}. And the price of the meat/cheese/veggies will be up to your bargaining powers.
Bottom line, it’s still a delicious dish that appeals to just about anyone with whom I’ve ever shared it. And you can customize it to your tastes with more exotic flavors, depending on your family’s pallet.
Hope it becomes a Royal Favorite for your family, too!
[…] Hawaiian Bread Sandwich is often a meal that we prepare to bless friends in […]