How to Keep Sandwiches Fresh

Co-authored by Randall Chambers

Last Updated: June 26, 2024 Fact Checked

Sandwiches are among the most popular meal choices for people pressed for time. Combining versatility and convenience, they are a terrific option for workplace lunches, picnics, or any other meal away from home. However, no matter where you eat it, it’s important to keep your sandwich fresh between preparation and consumption. Fortunately, there are several easy and convenient ways to make sure your sandwich stays fresh and tasty until you’re ready to eat.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Making the Sandwich

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1
Use crusty bread or rolls to avoid sogginess. Crusty bread like baguettes are particularly dry as a result of the baking process, and thus do a better job of preventing sogginess in your sandwich. If you decide to use sliced sandwich bread instead, toasting the bread before making the sandwich will also help to keep moisture out and keep the sandwich fresh. ^{[1]
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- If you’re using standard sliced sandwich bread, buy a square loaf from a baker or supermarket that bakes their own bread in order to get the freshest bread possible.
- Certain types of bread also work best with particular fillings. If your sandwich will have heavy solid ingredients like meat and cheese, use a more robust crusty bread. If your sandwich will have a soft and more viscous filling like egg mayo, use a fluffier white bread that the ingredients will cling to.
2
Use dry fillings. While almost any ingredients can be used in making sandwiches, wet fillings are much more likely to leave a sandwich soggy. Lightly butter the inside of the bread before adding your ingredients to create a moisture barrier between the fillings and the bread. Wash and thoroughly dry lettuce before adding it to the sandwich, and place tomatoes at the center of the sandwich between the meat and cheese. ^{[2]
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- You might also consider packing wet ingredients like tomatoes separately in their own container, and adding them to the sandwich immediately before eating.
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3
Put condiments at the center of the sandwich and separate from the bread. If you’re using condiments, place the condiments in the middle of the sandwich between the main ingredients to prevent them from dampening the bread. You can also place an individual slice of meat or cheese on a slice of bread and spread your condiment on that. ^{[3]
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- For best results, never put the condiment directly on the bread.
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Make your sandwich at the last possible minute to cut down on storage time. The longer you have to wait to eat your sandwich, the less fresh it will be. Consider packing your bread and fillings separately and assembling the sandwich immediately before you eat it. ^{[4]
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Expert Source

Randall Chambers
Personal Chef

Expert Interview. 1 March 2022.} This is especially convenient when making chicken, tuna, or egg salad sandwiches. ^{[5]
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- If you make your sandwich a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator overnight wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container. ^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Packing the Sandwich

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1
Wrap the sandwich in parchment paper. Although packing your sandwich in a Ziploc bag will prevent your sandwich from being exposed to the air, it will also lock in condensation. To store your sandwich without leaving it soggy, wrap it in parchment paper or waxed paper. You can also tightly wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap to keep loose ingredients together. ^{[7]
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- If you’re packing a hot sandwich, use tin foil instead of parchment paper to keep it warm or to heat it up in the oven later. ^{[8]
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Many sandwiches will be structurally delicate, depending on the type of bread used. If your sandwich is small enough, consider storing it in Tupperware to keep it fresh and secure. ^{[9]
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When packing the sandwich among other items, make sure you don’t place any heavy items on top of the sandwich, especially if it isn’t stored in Tupperware. Heavier items will crush the sandwich and displace the ingredients, potentially making the sandwich soggy and unpalatable. ^{[10]
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4
Keep the sandwich cold if any ingredients require refrigeration. If your sandwich contains any perishable ingredients, it must be kept cold as much as possible. Keep your sandwich at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler if you have to take it out of the refrigerator while traveling. If there is a refrigerator at your destination, place your sandwich in the refrigerator as soon as you arrive. ^{[11]
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- If you’re transporting your sandwich in a lunch bag, place frozen gel packs under and on top of the sandwich to keep it cold. ^{[12]
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- If you’ll be driving with your sandwich in the car for more than half an hour, store the sandwich in an insulated cooler. ^{[13]
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  Trustworthy Source
  FoodSafety.gov
  Online portal combining food safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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How do you keep sandwiches from drying out?

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One way to do it is to dampen a paper towel, thoroughly wring it out to remove excess moisture, and lay it over the top of the sandwiches. Close them up in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. It’s also a good idea to keep sandwiches wrapped up until the moment you intend to eat them.

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How can you make sandwiches last longer?

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Keeping your sandwiches refrigerated or putting them in an insulated cooler or lunchbox will help the ingredients stay fresh. Although it seems counterintuitive, spreading on a layer of mayo, butter, or another condiment of your choice can help create a barrier and keep the bread from getting soggy as fast. You can also preserve your bread longer by packing the bread and sandwich ingredients separately, then assembling the whole sandwich right before you eat it. Toasted breads, crusty breads, and tortillas also tend to hold up better than regular sliced sandwich bread.

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Does tinfoil keep sandwiches fresh?

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Tinfoil is great for keeping your sandwich from drying out, and it’s also good for keeping warm sandwiches warm. One drawback to using tinfoil is that it can react with acidic foods (such as tomatoes) to create an unappetizing—but harmless—blue residue.

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Warnings

Sandwiches made with any kind of meat need to be kept cold at all times, and should not be left at room temperature for more than four hours.

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Wash all utensils, cutting boards, and countertops before and after preparation.

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Before you begin, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. ^{[14]
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Randall Chambers
Personal Chef

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How to Keep Sandwiches Fresh

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Making the Sandwich

Packing the Sandwich

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