Make ahead sandwiches

[Yokatsu]

So i often make sandwiches the night before a day trip out so i just grab them them in the morning. If it was something simple like ham that stores in the fridge anyway is there any reason why i couldnt make it 2 days in advance?

[Ricekrispie22]

The bread is likely to become stale and the ham turns a bit manky is left against butter too long.

[ClandestineAdulation]

Why don’t you give it a go and see how it is after 2 days in the fridge?

I guess you could do it, but for the two minutes that it takes to make a sandwich, is it worth it?

[WooYa]

I've seen people online FREEZE their sandwiches! Bread, butter and ham then wrap up and freezer. Just take it out the night before to defrost

[Yokatsu]

@WooYa ok im going to trial run it! One ham sandwich in the freezer....

@ClandestineAdulation... i appreciate to most people it might just be a couple of minutes making a sandwich but for me its a pressure i dont need when im on my own trying to get out the house by 7am with a disabled child after a long day out the day before. (Long distance gruelling hospital appointment the day after a mega treat day neither of which date i could influence) The more i can get ahead the more chance i have of pulling it off!

@Ricekrispie22 What about something like tuna mayo with no butter. Might that work better

[keyboardkate]

When I was working and on a tiny budget I used to make up my weeks lunch sandwiches and freeze them in a ziplock bag. Take them out in the morning and they were absolutely fine, no sogginess or anything like that. Brilliant, do give it a try.

If you don't mind I'll tell you the few things that worked really well for me...

No mayonnaise, no salads on the bread EVER.

Just butter or spread, bring the accompaniments if you wish, but I rarely bothered.

Ham
Cheese
Cheese and ham
Turkey or chicken slices.
Peanut butter and creamed cheese like Philly.

Give it a try, it might turn out to be a godsend for you!

My sister worked as a food buyer for a high end supermarket, and a lot of their sandwiches were frozen, even said so on the pack!) But obv had defrosted before being placed on the shelves!

[Yokatsu]

@keyboardkate thank you good info and interesting about the shop sandwiches!! Ham or peanut butter will be perfect for both me and the kids.it would certainly help solve the problem of 6 meals out the house over two days!

[keyboardkate]

Best of luck Yokatsu.

Maybe you might update the thread with either good or bad reviews on frozen (and defrosted!) sandwiches.

Some people can be very fussy, but I never had a problem myself, I was always hungry by lunchtime and scoffed the lot!

[Yokatsu]

I will definitely update the thread! The sandwich is staying in until Monday to replicate my timings so will update upon sandwich eating then!

[Yokatsu]

And thank you

[madvixen]

I make my sandwiches on a Sunday and freeze them. I've found that ham works best but please don't try egg mayo, that's not good 😮
It's also been really nice in the hot weather as my lunchbox hasn't needed an ice pack 😂

[WooYa]

I can't wait for this update! Going back to work soon and I need time-saving ideas for lunches for me and DH. It would be amazing to just grab a butty out of the freezer.

[Yokatsu]

@madvixen Egg mayonnaise is one on my DD's favourite so thats good to know!
@WooYa its coming out tomorrow.. but its looks good so far.

[kateandme]

used to do five day week in freezer then take out the night before wha we needed for next days lunch.
butter fine.
mayo fine.
if weve done salad only do the night or two before in fridge.
cucumber fine and tomato.
heres what weve done
chicken salad with and without butter and mayo
tuna may
tuna cucmber
coronation chicken
beef and horseradish
pork and stuffing.
cheese and ham with and without butter.
jam(surprisingly nice when sometimes still ever so cold from the freezers!
golden syrup.
bolognase and chilli wraps
chicken wraps
cheese wrap
fajita wraps.
mince pitta pockets.
but once out the freezer eat the same day or as in us from freezer to fridge overnight to lunch.
for the saladie bit we used to have little tupperares of tomato cucumber and salad to pick from daily if this helps :)
also buying those teeni tiny tupperwares to take mayo or salad dressing etc in Is really helpful.

[LockedOutOfMN]

Hummus works well in a frozen sandwich. The flavoured hummus such as red pepper, lemon, chilli, or beetroot has a bit more flavour than the plain (imo). You could take a small bag of salad leaves or grated carrot from the fridge to add to the defrosted sandwich too.

[Yokatsu]

Freezer Sandwich Update!

So the plain ham sandwich has come out the freezer.... like a plain ham sandwich! Absolutely fine!

Thank you all for the encouraging comments and suggested sandwhich fillings! It certainly has made the logistics of two quite complicated days that little bit easier! Very much appreciated xx

[Occamsrazorblade]

My sister (student) buys 10p sandwiches from the supermarket (Tesco I think) when reduced, takes out any greenery (lettuce, cucumber) and freezes. Lunches all week for 50p!

[keyboardkate]

Glad you were pleased with the result Yokatsu!

[WooYa]

That's great @Yokatsu ! Just told DH - he thinks I'm crazy

[CherryPavlova]

Freezing is definitely the way to go. They defrost over the morning so remain fresh and reduces risk of toxic pathogens colonising them in the heat - so are safer.