A roast beef sandwich is a true American classic. The combination of tender, juicy roast beef layered between two slices of bread is simple perfection. However, the right toppings can take your roast beef sandwich from basic to spectacular.
There are so many ways to customize your roast beef sandwich to match your preferences. From spicy to savory creamy to crunchy the topping possibilities are endless! In this article, I’ll share my 15 favorite toppings to elevate your roast beef sandwich.
Traditional Roast Beef Sandwich Toppings
Let’s start with some traditional roast beef sandwich essentials. These classic toppings pair perfectly with the flavor of roast beef:
Horseradish Sauce
The bold, sinus-clearing flavor of horseradish is a perfect match for tasty roast beef. Horseradish sauce adds a spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the meat. I like to mix prepared horseradish with mayonnaise or sour cream for a creamy condiment. Spread it generously on your bread or roast beef slices.
Cheese
Cheese and roast beef are natural partners. The most popular cheese choice is cheddar, either yellow or white. The sharp flavor balances the beef beautifully. For an extra kick, try pepper jack cheese. Other great options include Swiss, provolone, and blue cheese.
Lettuce
Lettuce adds a refreshing crunch to your sandwich. Crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves are classic choices. For extra flavor, try arugula or even spinach leaves. Just be sure to pat the leaves dry before adding them to prevent a soggy sandwich.
Tomato
A slice of ripe, juicy tomato is a must for many roast beef sandwich lovers. The sweet acidity of tomato perfectly cuts through the rich meatiness of the roast beef Beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes are best when in season.
Onion
Onions are a popular roast beef sandwich topping. Their sharp bite complements the beef Use thinly sliced red or white onions, either grilled or raw Caramelized onions are also delicious for extra depth of flavor.
Creative Roast Beef Sandwich Toppings
Now let’s look at some more unique, outside-the-box topping ideas to take your roast beef sandwich up a notch:
BBQ Sauce
For a tangy twist, slather your roast beef sandwich with bold BBQ sauce. The sweet, smoky sauce pairs so well with sliced roast beef. Try brisket-style BBQ sauces for maximum flavor.
Jalapeños
If you like heat, diced or sliced jalapeño peppers are a fantastic spicy addition. The roasted veggie flavor also pairs nicely with the beef. For mild spice, use pickled jalapeños instead.
Pepperoncini
Similarly, tart and tangy pepperoncini or banana peppers bring a nice peppery kick. Their bright flavor cuts through the rich meat beautifully. Pickled pepper rings or peppers are easy sandwich toppers.
Giardiniera
This Italian pickled veggie mix, featuring cauliflower, carrots, peppers and more, makes a delicious sandwich topping. The vinegary crunch adds great texture and zip to balance the beef.
Coleslaw
Creamy, tangy coleslaw is an unexpected but amazing roast beef sandwich topper. The cool crunch of the cabbage pairs perfectly with the warm juicy meat. Try different homemade or store-bought slaws.
Sauerkraut
For a similar effect, top your sandwich with crisp, tart sauerkraut. The fermented cabbage brings great acidity to cut through the beefy richness.
Avocado
Creamy, buttery avocado slices or mashed avocado spread bring a luxurious mouthfeel and flavor contrast. Ripe avocados pair surprisingly well with roast beef.
Pesto
Herby basil or arugula pesto makes a bold sandwich topping. The savory garlic and olive oil flavors marry nicely with sliced roast beef.
Chimichurri
Similarly, this bright Argentinian herb sauce adds a flavor punch. Chimichurri’s blend of parsley, oregano, garlic, vinegar and olive oil complements beef beautifully.
Bacon
Everything’s better with bacon! Crispy cooked bacon crumbles or strips add fantastic smoky flavor and hearty crunch to your roast beef sandwich.
Fried Onions
For next-level flavor and texture, top your sandwich with crunchy fried onions. French’s and Funyuns are tasty store-bought options.
Potato Chips
A handful of your favorite potato chips – plain, barbecue, salt and vinegar, etc. – brings great crunch and salty flavor contrast to your roast beef sandwich.
Pickles
Lastly, vividly tangy pickles, like dill chips, bread and butter chips, or garlic dills, make a bright, acidic topping to help cut through the richness.
How to Build the Perfect Roast Beef Sandwich
With so many excellent topping options, how do you choose? I recommend picking 3-4 toppings max so the flavors don’t compete.
Start with the foundation of juicy roast beef slices on your bread. Spread one side with mayo, mustard or horseradish sauce. Add crispy lettuce leaves and juicy tomato slices next for freshness.
Then, choose one or two more creative toppings like cheese, bacon, avocado, chimichurri or coleslaw to customize the flavors. Don’t overstuff your sandwich – you want to be able to taste all the components in each bite!
Take your roast beef sandwich to a whole new level with these flavor-packed topping ideas. The possibilities are endless for making this American classic your own. What will you put on your next roast beef sandwich? Your tastebuds can’t wait to find out!
Cooking Tips & Substitutions
If you’re wondering what to put on a roast beef sandwich that takes it up a notch, here are some ideas to bring it to gourmet sandwich levels!
- Add relish, horseradish, or hot sauce to the mayo for an extra bit of spice and flavor.
- Swap the Pepper Jack cheese for your favorite kind. Sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Provolone, Swiss, Gouda, etc.
- You can even omit the cheese if you don’t want any cheese in your sandwich.
- Add sliced red onions to your filling or crispy radishes for some crunch.
- If you prefer to keep it as a traditional sandwich without the third piece of bread, go right ahead. You can also swap the sliced bread for brioche or Kaiser buns!
How to Make a Roast Beef Sandwich
Step 1: Toast all 3 slices of bread. Lightly toasted or dark, it’s up to you. Then, place them on a clean work surface.
Step 2: Scoop out the mayo onto the bread and spread it evenly across the surface of each slice of toast.
Step 3: Take 2 lettuce leaves and place them on top of the first bread slice. Then, add the tomato slices on top of the lettuce.
Step 4: Place the second slice of mayo-slathered toast over the tomatoes. Add 2 slices of cheese, 6 slices of roast beef, and the remaining 2 slices of cheese on top of that.
Step 5: Take the last piece of bread and turn it over on top of the sandwich, with the mayo side facing down.
Step 6: Stick the assembled roast beef sandwich with sandwich sticks or toothpicks to hold it together. Slice it in half or 4 triangle pieces. Enjoy with Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup!
Yes! It’s a great sandwich for preparing the night before. If you are one to make your kids’ lunches before going to bed at night, this roast beef sandwich recipe is going to become one of your favorites. Wrap it tightly in food-safe plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge overnight. The toast won’t be as crisp or as freshly toasted, but it’ll still taste great!
The sandwich in this recipe is about 665 calories. Of course, depending on the bread you use, the number of slices you use, and whatever toppings you add to this, it will alter that number.
Simple Sandwich Series #54: Roast beef breakfast sando #shorts
FAQ
What condiments are good on a roast beef sandwich?
- Mayonnaise.
- Freshly grated horseradish (yes, you can use it prepared in a jar)
- Sea salt and pepper.
- Worcestershire sauce.
- Aioli.
- Mustard.
- Chimichurri.
What comes on a classic roast beef sandwich?
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Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.orgRoast beef sandwich – WikipediaThe roast beef sandwich also commonly comprises bread, cold roast beef (either the leftovers from a homemade dinner or deli meat), lettuce, tomatoes, and mustar…
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Quorahttps://www.quora.comWhat are some good roast beef sandwich toppings? – QuoraMar 2, 2017 — What is a good sauce for a roast beef sandwich? The classic New York deli roast beef sandwich is a vast amount of very thin sliced rare beef (red, no…
What cheese goes best on a roast beef sandwich?
Provolone cheese — this is a great melting cheese with a sharp taste that melts perfectly over the roast beef on this sandwich. For another classic roast beef pairing, try a sharp cheddar cheese, or swiss cheese on this sandwich. All of these are semi-hard cheeses that melt well and pair great with roast beef.
What pairs well with roast beef?