What To Put On A Cold Roast Beef Sandwich? The Ultimate Guide

A cold roast beef sandwich is a classic lunchtime favorite for good reason – it’s simple yet satisfying. The tender, juicy roast beef paired with crunchy veggies and spread between two slices of bread makes for a tasty sandwich But the toppings and condiments you choose can take your cold roast beef sandwich from basic to brilliant.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the delicious ways to customize your cold roast beef sandwich and truly make it your own From must-have classics like horseradish sauce to innovative additions like bacon jam, we’ve got you covered on how to build the perfect cold roast beef sandwich.

The Best Breads for Cold Roast Beef Sandwiches

The foundation of any great sandwich is the bread, so choosing a bread that pairs well with roast beef is key. Here are some of our top picks:

• Kaiser Rolls These soft yet sturdy rolls are ideal for holding the hefty ingredients of a roast beef sandwich, The top cut also allows you to pile on extras

• Baguettes: A French-style baguette has a crisp crust and airy interior perfect for soaking up juices while still providing crunch.

• Dutch Crunch Bread: This bread has a crispy, crunchy top that adds fantastic texture contrast to sliced roast beef.

• Ciabatta: The porous holes of ciabatta allow for perfect absorption of au jus from the roast beef. It has a rustic heartiness that pairs nicely.

• Rye Bread: The tang of rye complements roast beef beautifully. Seeded or marbled rye both work well.

Must-Have Basic Toppings

While you can get creative with advanced toppings, there are a few basics we recommend always including on a cold roast beef sandwich:

• Lettuce: Crisp lettuce like iceberg or romaine provides freshness and crunch.

• Tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes add a juicy sweetness and texture contrast.

• Onions: Thinly sliced red or white onions give a pungent kick.

• Horseradish Sauce: The zing of horseradish perfectly cuts through the richness of roast beef.

• Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, provolone – melted cheese takes it up a notch.

Once you have the bread and these fundamental toppings down, feel free to start layering on the extras!

Advanced Toppings To Take It To The Next Level

Ready to really make your cold roast beef sandwich shine? Mix up your usual toppings and try out these creative options:

For Flavor:

• Bacon jam: Adds a smoky, sweet twist

• Blue cheese: Strong, salty creaminess

• Caramelized onions: Sweet with a little crunch

• Giardiniera: Spicy pickled veggies

• Pesto: Fresh herby flavor

• Sautéed mushrooms: Earthy, meaty notes

For Texture:

• Potato chips: Salty crunch

• French fried onions: Crispy bursts

• Radishes: Peppery with a bite

• Sprouts: Crunchy and refreshing

• Roasted red peppers: Meaty and soft

• Avocado: Cool, creamy richness

For Moisture:

• Cucumbers: Cool and crisp

• Spinach: Fresh and tender

• Arugula: Peppery with a bite

• Shredded cabbage: Crisp and refreshing

• Watercress: Tangy and juicy

Sauces & Spreads That Make It Next Level

In addition to creative toppings, don’t overlook the power of sauces and spreads for seriously enhancing your cold roast beef sandwich. Beyond plain mayo or mustard, get creative with options like:

• Horseradish cream – Cooling cream balances the bite of horseradish

• Chimichurri – Fresh herby Argentinean sauce

• Harissa mayo – Smoky, spicy North African flavor

• Tzatziki – Cool, creamy cucumber yogurt sauce

• Pesto mayo – Herby basil and garlic flavor

• Hummus – Nutty, chickpea creaminess

• Olive tapenade – Briny, savory olives

• Romesco – Tangy Catalan roasted pepper sauce

• Muhammara – Toasty walnuts and red pepper spread

Don’t be shy about layering on multiple sauces and spreads – the more, the better on a cold roast beef sandwich!

Elevated Combinations For Next-Level Sandwiches

Once you have some advanced toppings and sauces in your arsenal, get creative with stacking combinations to make your cold roast beef sandwich really stand out. Some ideas:

• Roast beef, blue cheese, caramelized onions, chimichurri

• Roast beef, bacon jam, cheddar, potato chips

• Roast beef, pesto mayo, tomatoes, arugula

• Roast beef, muhammara, pickled red onions, sprouts

• Roast beef, horseradish cream, spinach, crispy onions

• Roast beef, hummus, cucumbers, feta cheese

The possibilities are endless for customizing when you use both basic and outside-the-box ingredients. Feel empowered to try novel combinations until you create your perfect signature cold roast beef sandwich!

Handy Tips for Building the Best Sandwich:

Follow these helpful tips when constructing your cold roast beef sandwich for maximum enjoyment:

• Lightly toast the bread for crunch and to prevent sogginess

• Spread sauces on both top and bottom pieces of bread

• Layer lettuce or spinach below meat and other veggies to protect bread

• Add cheese above roast beef to melt from sandwich heat

• Slice onions thinly to maximize flavor without harsh bite

• Mix up textures with both soft and crunchy ingredients

• Don’t skimp on the roast beef – pile it high!

• Cut sandwich diagonally for better bite-to-filling ratio

• Invest in high-quality ingredients, especially the beef

Roasting Your Own Roast Beef

Pre-packaged deli roast beef is convenient, but for the absolute best cold sandwich, we recommend roasting your own roast beef from scratch. It’s simpler than you think!

For easy roast beef that’s juicy and flavorful, go for a chuck roast or top round. Season generously with salt, pepper and herbs like rosemary, thyme and garlic.

Sear all sides on the stovetop to get an initial char. Then, roast in the oven at 325°F until it reaches your desired doneness, about 1 hour for medium rare.

Let rest before slicing thinly across the grain. Use right away for sandwiches or store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

The homemade touch makes all the difference in taste! Any leftover roast beef also makes excellent sandwiches later in the week.

To Sum It Up:

When crafting your perfect cold roast beef sandwich, remember to:

• Choose a hearty, juice-absorbing bread

• Include fresh lettuce, tomato, onion + horseradish sauce

• Get creative with advanced toppings for flavor, texture, moisture

• Amp up flavor with gourmet sauces and spreads

• Layer complementary ingredients for sandwich harmony

• Follow pro tips for ideal construction

• Roast your own roast beef for the best home flavor

With the endless possibilities for customization, you can create a different and delicious cold roast beef sandwich every time. Brush up on your sandwich artistry skills with these tips and recommendations. Just be warned – once you start layering on the good stuff, it might be hard to go back to basic!