National Sandwich Day is celebrated every year on November 3rd, honoring one of the most versatile and beloved foods around: two slices of bread (or a roll, wrap, or bun) holding together endless possible fillings.
History of National Sandwich Day
The sandwich is named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, an 18th-century English aristocrat. According to popular legend, Montagu was an avid gambler who didn’t want to leave the card table to eat a proper meal, so he asked for meat to be served between two slices of bread so he could eat with one hand while continuing to play. Other card players began ordering “the same as Sandwich,” and the name stuck.
While handheld combinations of bread and filling existed in various forms long before the 18th century, the Earl of Sandwich is widely credited with popularizing the format in Western culture and giving it the name still used today. November 3rd was chosen for National Sandwich Day specifically because it falls on the Earl of Sandwich’s birthday.
How to Celebrate National Sandwich Day
- Make your favorite sandwich at home, or try a new combination you’ve never made before
- Visit a local deli or sandwich shop instead of a chain restaurant
- Host a sandwich bar with friends or family, letting everyone build their own
- Try a regional sandwich specialty from a different part of the country
- Share your favorite sandwich combo on social media using #NationalSandwichDay
Classic Turkey Club Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients (makes 1 sandwich):
- 3 slices sandwich bread, toasted
- 3-4 slices deli turkey
- 2 slices bacon, cooked crisp
- 2-3 slices tomato
- 2-3 leaves lettuce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Toast all three slices of bread until golden.
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
- On the first slice, layer turkey, then a few lettuce leaves. Top with the second slice of bread, mayonnaise side up.
- On top of the second slice, layer tomato slices (season with a pinch of salt and pepper), bacon, and the remaining lettuce.
- Top with the third slice of bread, mayonnaise side down.
- Secure with toothpicks and slice diagonally into halves or quarters before serving.
Fun Facts About Sandwiches
- The sandwich is named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, whose birthday falls on November 3rd.
- The club sandwich, BLT, and grilled cheese are among the most popular sandwich styles in the United States.
- Some countries have their own iconic sandwich styles, like the Vietnamese banh mi, the Italian panini, and the British tea sandwich.
- The Dagwood sandwich, an enormous multi-layered creation, is named after the comic strip character Dagwood Bumstead, known for building towering sandwiches.
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches became widely popular in the United States largely due to their inclusion in soldiers’ rations during World War II.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Sandwich Day?
National Sandwich Day is celebrated annually on November 3rd.
Why is November 3rd the date for National Sandwich Day?
November 3rd is the birthday of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who the sandwich is named after and credited with popularizing.
What’s considered the most popular sandwich in America?
Surveys and polls vary, but the club sandwich, BLT, and grilled cheese consistently rank among the most popular sandwich choices in the United States.ica?
Surveys and polls vary, but the club sandwich, BLT, and grilled cheese consistently rank among the most popular sandwich choices in the United States.