The Fresh Ingredient Addition That Can Transform Your Sandwiches

If you've ever taken a bite into a sandwich and felt like something indefinable was missing, wonder no more. This odd lack of something probably has more to do with the seasonings and finishing touches than the core ingredients between those slices of bread. Just like seasoning proteins and vegetables require different methods, the best way to enhance a sandwich's taste depends entirely on the fillings. The foolproof method? Add fresh herbs to your sub.

From classics like rosemary and parsley to underrated flavor combinations like mint and tarragon, many of the world's most iconic sandwiches are loaded with herbs. Think zingy bánh mì packed with cilantro, juicy meatball parmigiana subs served up with a sprinkle of parsley, and simple yet delicious caprese sandwiches that feature basil as a fundamental ingredient. Although you could follow a recipe book (and avoid some key recipe mistakes) for an herbaceous recipe, transforming everyday sandwiches is a breeze once you know which flavors best complement one another. And if you've got plenty of herbs left over, no worries; keep them fresh until your next sandwich with this bouquet hack.

For creamier sandwiches like chicken salad, egg salad, or tuna salad, a hint of freshness and crunch goes a long way. Chives and parsley achieve this well, but pickles and dill will also take the tang and texture up a notch. For richer sandwiches like grilled cheese or ham and Swiss, rosemary will add a hearty, earthy aroma. Meatier sandwiches with proteins like roast beef, grilled chicken, and steak also pair beautifully with rosemary's distinct and robust flavor.

Sage and thyme give a similar fragrant touch to meats and fish, while also adding a special quality to cooked vegetable sandwiches like eggplant parmigiana or mushroom melts. Fresh vegetables can also be enhanced with basil so be sure to toss a few leaves into a tomato sandwich for an easy upgrade. Meanwhile a spicier sandwich benefits from a hint of cilantro. You can also make an already herbal sandwich more green by incorporating compatible herbs. Fresh basil, oregano, and parsley mesh well in an Italian-inspired sub.

Herbs aren't the only way to revamp a classic recipe, a hint of sweetness or spice does wonders in making an everyday sandwich much more interesting. A dash of sriracha mayo lends a subtle spice, which can be replicated in a pinch with mayo and whatever spicy ingredient you have on hand. For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey gives personality to a sandwich, whether it's a turkey roast or a PB&J. To embrace both sweet and spicy, hot honey does the trick.