The Storied and Surprising History of the Sandwich

They can be enjoyed piping hot, at room temperature, or nice and cold. They can be a dainty appetizer or an entire meal. Visit any restaurant, grocery store, or food truck in the world, and you’re sure to see one. What are we referring to? Sandwiches, of course! 

Countless types of sandwiches are enjoyed all around the world by people from almost every culture. In fact, sandwiches are so popular that you might have had one for lunch today! But even though you may be grateful for the invention of your club, hoagie, panini, open-faced, or po’ boy, have you ever actually thought about how the sandwich got started? Read on to learn more about the history of the sandwich, then pick up some Dave’s Killer Bread in Telford, PA, to make your own scrumptious sandwiches. Get (your stomach) ready to rumble!

The Man Behind the Word

The origin of the word “sandwich” dates back to 1762 in England, when John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, asked for something he could eat without having to get up from his card game. A servant brought him a bit of cold meat between two pieces of bread, and voila — the word “sandwich” was born!

But was the dish actually created by Montagu? Much like the ongoing debate about if a hot dog qualifies as a sandwich, the true origins of the sandwich are a contentious topic…

The Crust of the Matter

Historians have found evidence that similar recipes all over Europe and Asia existed long before Montagu gave sandwiches their now-famous moniker. For example, ancient Romans ate something called “panis quadratus,” which translates to “squared bread” (what we might call toast today). This recipe involved stuffing pieces of sliced cheese, bitter herbs, and butter between two slices of toasted bread. That certainly sounds like a type of sandwich to us!

Sandwiches have also been popular within Jewish cultures for many centuries. Hillel the Elder is an important figure in Jewish history who lived during the 1st century BCE. He is often credited as being the first to make the popular “Hillel Sandwich,” which consists of two pieces of flatbread filled with a mixture of nuts and fruit, such as dates and figs.  

The ancient Jewish text Pirkei Avot (or Ethics of Our Fathers) provides further evidence that sandwiches were common food items in the region during this era. The text describes how some rabbis would “bring two pieces of bread and eat between them,” which is believed to be an early description of a sandwich. That’s a lot of history for one dish!

The Spread of the Sandwich

After John Montagu gave sandwiches their name, they became a hit throughout Europe. As the popularity of sandwiches continued to grow over the years, the dish eventually made its way into our very own United States of America. In 1909, American restaurateur Louis Lassen created what is now considered one of the first fast-food restaurants by selling chicken sandwiches out of his store in New Haven, Connecticut. 

By the 1940s and 50s, sandwiches became mass-produced convenience foods thanks to advances in technology, such as pre-sliced bread and meats. Furthermore, diners started serving their own versions of sandwiches, such as subs, clubs, and hoagies, which further cemented the sandwich’s place in American culture.

Simple, But Scrumptious!

Today, sandwiches are still enjoyed all over the world and come in countless varieties, from simple ham sandwiches to more complex combinations with unique flavors like bagels with lox and Asian bánh mìs. Whether you prefer a sandwich filled with meat or a sandwich spread with PB&J, there’s no denying that the humble sandwich remains one of our favorite go-to meals thousands of years after its invention.

Want to take your sandwich-making game to the next level? Stop by The Old Dutch Cupboard today to grab some Dave’s Killer Bread in Telford, PA. There are many awesome options available, including thin-sliced bagels, English muffins, burger buns, and standard sandwich bread with a variety of flavors and seasonings. We’ll see you in the store soon — and we wish you luck with your sandwich sojourn!