A sandwich, in its simplest form, is a combination of bread and filling, but what really elevates a sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary is the sauce. The right sauce adds moisture, enhances flavors, and brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re enjoying a classic BLT, a hearty turkey club, or a gourmet grilled cheese, the right sauce can make all the difference.
But with so many options available, you might wonder, which is the best sauce for sandwiches? This guide dives deep into the world of sandwich sauces, exploring classic favorites, creative new options, and how to pair sauces with different types of sandwiches. By the end, you’ll know exactly which sauce to choose to elevate your sandwich to new heights.
Why Sauce Is Essential for Sandwiches
Before diving into the specific types of sauces, it’s essential to understand why sauce is such an integral part of a sandwich. Whether you’re making a cold-cut deli sandwich, a hot panini, or a veggie wrap, the sauce you choose can completely transform the flavor profile.
Here’s why sauce is a key component:
- Moisture: Bread, especially toasted or grilled, can sometimes be dry. A good sauce ensures that every bite is moist and flavorful, preventing the sandwich from feeling too dry.
- Flavor Enhancement: The right sauce complements the flavors of the sandwich filling, whether it’s turkey, bacon, veggies, or cheese. A tangy mustard can cut through the richness of meats, while a creamy aioli can smooth out spicy or salty components.
- Binding Ingredient: In sandwiches loaded with fillings, sauces help to bind everything together, keeping ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and meats in place.
- Balance: A sandwich that features rich, fatty ingredients like bacon or cheese can benefit from a zesty sauce that balances out the flavors. On the other hand, lighter ingredients like vegetables may benefit from a creamy sauce that adds depth.
Now, let’s explore the best sauces for sandwiches and how they can be used to create the perfect bite.
1. Mayonnaise: The Classic Base
Mayonnaise is one of the most popular and versatile sandwich sauces. Made from eggs, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice, mayo has a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs well with almost any type of sandwich. Its neutral flavor makes it the perfect base for customizing your own sandwich sauce by adding spices, herbs, or other ingredients.
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet
- Best Paired With: Turkey, bacon, BLT sandwiches, roast beef, chicken salad
- How to Customize: Mayonnaise can be combined with mustard, garlic, sriracha, or even herbs like dill to create a personalized sauce.
Popular Variations:
- Garlic Aioli: By mixing garlic with mayo, you create a rich, garlicky spread that works well with grilled sandwiches and burgers.
- Sriracha Mayo: A spicy twist on mayo, perfect for adding heat to turkey or chicken sandwiches.
Why It’s Great: Mayonnaise provides a creamy texture that enhances the flavor of the sandwich without overpowering the other ingredients. It’s the go-to sauce for traditional sandwiches, from simple ham and cheese to gourmet deli subs.
2. Mustard: Tangy and Versatile
Mustard is a tangy condiment made from ground mustard seeds, vinegar, and various spices. It’s one of the oldest condiments in the world and comes in several varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile.
- Flavor Profile: Tangy, sharp, slightly spicy
- Best Paired With: Ham, turkey, roast beef, corned beef, salami
- Popular Varieties:
- Yellow Mustard: The classic choice for hot dogs and deli sandwiches, with a bright, tangy flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: A more refined mustard, often used in gourmet sandwiches. It’s creamier and has a slight heat, thanks to the use of brown or black mustard seeds.
- Whole Grain Mustard: Contains whole mustard seeds, adding texture and a more robust, spicy flavor.
Why It’s Great: Mustard cuts through rich ingredients like cheese and meats, adding a tangy brightness that complements heavier fillings. It’s perfect for deli sandwiches or meat-centric sandwiches like a Reuben or pastrami on rye.
3. Pesto: Fresh and Herby
Pesto is an Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. While traditionally used for pasta, pesto is also an excellent sauce for sandwiches, adding a fresh, herbaceous flavor that pairs well with both meats and vegetables.
- Flavor Profile: Herbaceous, garlicky, nutty
- Best Paired With: Mozzarella, tomatoes, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, turkey
- How to Use It: Spread pesto on sandwiches with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and spinach for an Italian-inspired flavor. It’s also great in wraps or paninis with grilled meats and roasted veggies.
Why It’s Great: Pesto adds brightness and a depth of flavor that works beautifully with simple sandwiches like caprese or veggie sandwiches. Its garlicky, nutty flavor is perfect for elevating lighter ingredients like cheese or grilled vegetables.
4. Chipotle Mayo: Smoky and Spicy
If you like a bit of heat and smokiness in your sandwiches, chipotle mayo is an excellent choice. Made from a blend of mayonnaise and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, it brings a smoky, spicy flavor that complements hearty sandwiches with meats like roast beef or turkey.
- Flavor Profile: Smoky, spicy, creamy
- Best Paired With: Turkey, roast beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, chicken
- How to Use It: Spread chipotle mayo on sandwiches with meats like turkey or chicken, or use it as a dip for crispy bacon sandwiches or BLTs.
Why It’s Great: Chipotle mayo adds a depth of flavor with its smokiness and slight heat. It’s perfect for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors and pairs particularly well with grilled or roasted meats.
For more inspiration, check out this guide to breakfast sandwich sauces for ideas on how to use chipotle mayo and other sauces in creative ways.
5. Hummus: Healthy and Flavorful
For a healthier, plant-based option, hummus is an excellent sandwich spread. Made from blended chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, hummus offers a creamy, garlicky flavor that’s rich in protein and perfect for adding moisture to sandwiches without the heaviness of mayonnaise.
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, garlicky, slightly tangy
- Best Paired With: Grilled vegetables, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, falafel
- How to Use It: Spread hummus on sandwiches with roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or falafel. It’s also perfect in wraps and pitas.
Why It’s Great: Hummus is not only flavorful but also offers a healthy alternative to mayo or other creamy sauces. Its rich texture and garlicky flavor work well with lighter, vegetable-based sandwiches, making it a favorite for those looking for a plant-based option.
6. Ranch Dressing: Creamy and Tangy
Though typically associated with salads, ranch dressing can also be used as a sandwich sauce. Made from a combination of buttermilk, mayonnaise, fresh herbs, and garlic, ranch is creamy and tangy, offering a cooling contrast to spicy or savory fillings.
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, tangy, herby
- Best Paired With: Chicken, bacon, avocado, lettuce, turkey
- How to Use It: Spread ranch dressing on sandwiches with chicken or turkey, or use it as a dressing for a chicken bacon avocado wrap. It’s also great for dipping when served alongside grilled sandwiches or wraps.
Why It’s Great: Ranch dressing adds a herby, tangy flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken, bacon, or veggies. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for sandwiches that need a bit of moisture or cooling contrast to spicy fillings.
7. Honey Mustard: Sweet and Tangy
Honey mustard combines the sharpness of mustard with the sweetness of honey, creating a balanced sauce that’s perfect for sandwiches featuring savory meats like ham or turkey. The sweetness of the honey balances out the saltiness of the meats, while the mustard adds a tangy bite.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, sharp
- Best Paired With: Ham, turkey, roast chicken, Swiss cheese
- How to Use It: Spread honey mustard on sandwiches with ham and Swiss, or use it as a dip for turkey and cheddar sliders.
Why It’s Great: Honey mustard is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making it a versatile sauce for both meats and cheeses. It’s particularly great with deli-style sandwiches, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out the saltiness of meats.
8. Sriracha Mayo: Spicy and Creamy
Sriracha mayo is a spicy, tangy sauce that blends the creaminess of mayonnaise with the heat of sriracha sauce. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who loves a bit of heat in their sandwich but doesn’t want the overpowering spice of straight hot sauce.
- Flavor Profile: Spicy, tangy, creamy
- Best Paired With: Chicken, bacon, turkey, avocado, cheddar cheese
- How to Use It: Spread sriracha mayo on sandwiches with grilled chicken or turkey, or use it as a dip for crispy bacon sandwiches. It’s also great for adding heat to veggie wraps.
Why It’s Great: Sriracha mayo adds a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors in the sandwich. Its creamy texture ensures that every bite is smooth and flavorful, making it perfect for spicy sandwich lovers.
9. Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and Smoky
For sandwiches featuring grilled meats or pulled pork, barbecue sauce is a must. Its sweet, smoky flavor pairs well with meats like chicken, pork, and beef, adding depth and richness to the sandwich.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, smoky, tangy
- Best Paired With: Pulled pork, roast beef, grilled chicken, bacon
- How to Use It: Spread barbecue sauce on sandwiches with pulled pork, roast beef, or grilled chicken. It’s also great for dipping when served with crispy bacon or grilled sandwiches.
Why It’s Great: Barbecue sauce adds a bold, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. Its sweetness balances out the saltiness of meats like pork and beef, making it a popular choice for barbecue sandwiches.
10. Buffalo Sauce: Bold and Spicy
Buffalo sauce is a spicy, tangy sauce typically made from hot sauce and butter. It’s most commonly used with chicken, particularly buffalo chicken sandwiches or wraps, where the bold, spicy flavor adds heat and richness to the sandwich.
- Flavor Profile: Spicy, tangy, buttery
- Best Paired With: Chicken, bacon, blue cheese, lettuce
- How to Use It: Spread buffalo sauce on sandwiches with grilled chicken, or use it as a dip for crispy bacon sandwiches. It’s also great in wraps with lettuce and blue cheese.
Why It’s Great: Buffalo sauce adds bold heat and tang, making it perfect for chicken sandwiches. Its spicy flavor pairs well with the creaminess of blue cheese or ranch dressing, creating a balanced, flavorful sandwich.
Customizing Your Own Sandwich Sauce
While these classic sauces are fantastic on their own, sometimes you might want to customize a sauce to suit your specific taste or sandwich. Here are a few tips for creating your own custom sandwich sauce:
1. Add Heat
If you like spicy food, consider adding heat to your favorite sauce. You can:
- Mix sriracha or hot sauce into mayonnaise or ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
- Add chipotle peppers to barbecue sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.
2. Make It Creamy
For a creamier texture, try mixing mayonnaise into your favorite sauce. For example:
- Combine mustard with mayonnaise to create a creamy, tangy mustard sauce.
- Stir in Greek yogurt to lighten up a rich sauce like pesto.
3. Add Sweetness
If you prefer a touch of sweetness, you can:
- Mix honey with Dijon mustard or barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup to a savory sauce for a unique flavor twist.
FAQs
Which is the best sauce for sandwiches?
The best sauce depends on the type of sandwich and your personal taste. Popular options include mayonnaise, mustard, pesto, and chipotle mayo. Each sauce brings its own unique flavor and texture to the sandwich.
What is the best sauce for a turkey sandwich?
For turkey sandwiches, mayonnaise, honey mustard, or chipotle mayo are great options. Each sauce adds a different layer of flavor, from creamy to sweet or smoky.
Can you mix sauces for sandwiches?
Yes! Mixing sauces can create unique and flavorful combinations. For example, mixing mustard with mayo creates a tangy, creamy sauce, while combining barbecue sauce with sriracha adds both sweetness and heat.
What is the best sauce for a grilled cheese sandwich?
For a grilled cheese sandwich, try pesto, sriracha mayo, or even barbecue sauce. These sauces add bold flavors to the creamy, melted cheese, making each bite more interesting.
Conclusion
The right sauce can take any sandwich from good to great. Whether you prefer the creamy richness of mayonnaise, the tangy sharpness of mustard, or the smoky heat of chipotle mayo, there’s a sauce for every sandwich. By experimenting with different sauces and combinations, you can create a sandwich that’s perfectly tailored to your taste.
So, the next time you’re making a sandwich, don’t just stop at the fillings. Add a delicious sauce to elevate your sandwich game and make every bite a flavorful experience!