
Pressing On
Make sandwiches stand out with textural techniques
Pressing On
Make sandwiches stand out with textural techniques
By Rob Corliss
January 12, 2025
By Rob Corliss
January 12, 2025
Don’t be afraid to explore pressing certain breads (like croissants) or sandwich styles (banh mi or po’ boys) that might have been considered taboo in culinary past, as the future realm of sandwich possibilities is less constrained.
Smashed Grilled Cheese
Take a page from the success of smash burgers, applying this cooking style to a grilled cheese sandwich. Pressing a grilled cheese to extra-thin flatness creates an entirely new and craveable texture of crisply toasted bread and melding of cheeses. Imagine applying a schmear of a global-inspired spread or a “swicy” glaze on the bread, and how it will meld with the melted cheese and pressed bread.
Pressed Breakfast Sandwiches, 6 Ways
- Croissant + scrambled eggs + chopped gochujang-glazed bacon + cheddar
- English muffin + sweet longaniza sausage patty + roasted red pepper + American cheese
- Bagel + pastrami-spiced salmon gravlax + roasted fennel cream cheese
- Hawaiian slider bun + shaved lamb gyro + whipped feta + hot honey
- Texas toast + chorizo crumbles + fried egg + pepper Jack cheese
- Concha slider + carnitas + Oaxaca cheese + pickled jalapeño relish
About the Author
Rob Corliss is a three-time James Beard House guest chef with more than 30 years of experience that includes running world-class hotels, launching new concepts, working in top marketing agencies and owning the culinary consultancy ATE (All Things Epicurean) since 2009. Based in Nixa, Mo., ATE has an energizing passion focused on flavor innovation and is dedicated to connecting people to their food, environment and wellness. Rob is also a regular contributor to Flavor & The Menu.