Part history lesson, part cookbook, part cultural exploration, “Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook: All the Best (and Most Surprising) Things People Have Put Between Slices of Bread” by Barry W. Enderwick looks something we all take for granted everyday and gives us some surprising stories, surprising recipes. Although the history of the sandwich is (somewhat) documented, the amazing variety based on people’s changing tastes leads us down some remarkable culinary paths.

The book is divided into different categories and includes the original recipe, some additional ideas, and even some complete remakes, all graced with delicious pictures, with some interesting sandwiches in each section:

Tea and Snack Sandwiches: In addition to the classic watercress and salmon, there are some surprises such as Salad Sandwich and Pineapple Cucumber Sandwich.

Club Sandwiches: classy, with interesting variations, including the Milwaukee Sandwich.

Surprising Sandwiches: things you would not expect, such as the Toast Sandwich (bread between bread?), Hot Dog Sloppy Joe (nope, not for me), and the Hot Chicken Tuna Sandwich.

Vegetarian Sandwiches: self-explanatory, the Gruyere Sandwich and Waffled Cheesewich both sound interesting.

International Sandwiches: includes classics such as the Pan Bagnat, Banh Mi, and Croque Monsieur et Madame.

Open Faced and Sauced Sandwiches: These seem to be mostly American, with a heavy dose of nostalgia, the Kentucky Hot Brown, Sloppy Joe, and even something called The ‘70s Special.

Sweet Sandwiches: Time for dessert, Date and Orange Sandwich, Ginger Sandwich, Strawberry Sandwich and Peanut Butter and Cherry Sandwich sound good while the Mock Banana Sandwich from WWII Britain sounds a bit unappealing.

Good mix, something for everyone, assuming you enjoy buttered bread, which is the basis for most of the recipes. Luckily, I do!

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Quarto Publishing Group, Harvard Common Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

It is so fascinating to discover the history of A food that is so commonplace today. We usually mindlessly gobble down a sandwich as something quick, easy, and portable that gets us through the day, but Enderwick pulls back the curtain to the rich and varied story of this common food and showcases how it can rightfully reclaim its place on our table. I have tried a few of the recipes in this book and found their flavors to be a great update to those that I normally think about when I think The Grilled Cheese or Club Sandwich. This is a book that would make a marvelous gift for that Foodie who thinks they Know It All or the friend who like to play with flavors!

Thank you NetGalley, Quatro Pres, and Harvard Common Press for the ecopy that I read. All thoughts on this book are my own

What a delightful walk down memory lane. Though so of them were just over the top. You can tell the difference in culture and economics by each recipe. It was a fun read.

If you're a sandwich lover—or just curious about what’s hidden between two slices of bread—Sandwiches of History is a must-have. Barry Enderwick, the guy behind @sandwichesofhistory, serves up almost 100 recipes, all packed with fun facts and tasty twists on classic sandwiches.

This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a trip through sandwich history! You’ll find everything from the classic Cucumber Tea Sandwich to wild ones like Hot Chicken Tuna or even Mock Banana. Plus, Barry throws in his “plus ups” to make your sandwiches even better.

There’s something for everyone: vegetarian, international, and even sweet sandwiches (yes, dessert sandwiches are a thing). Whether you're a sandwich pro or just looking to switch up your lunch routine, this book has you covered. It’s fun, easy, and totally makes you rethink what you can do with bread. Grab it and start making history one sandwich at a time! 🥪

Barry Enderwick’s Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook is a delightful tribute to the sandwich, blending culinary nostalgia, history, and creativity. Packed with recipes from classics like the Club and Cucumber Sandwich to quirky finds like the Mock Banana and Dusty Nuttergoose Sandwiches, this book offers something for everyone.

Enderwick’s engaging style combines clear instructions with fascinating tidbits about each sandwich’s origins, making it both educational and fun. His “plus ups” and remix ideas encourage readers to elevate or reinvent their creations. Whether you’re a seasoned sandwich enthusiast or a curious foodie, this cookbook will inspire and entertain.

You’d think making a sandwich wouldn’t need a recipe, but you haven’t thought about all the different and varied types of sandwiches! I love that there’s a whole cookbook devoted to this type of food!

I must say I do love a good sandwich and this book had many to choose from. Some recipes and sandwich ideas go right back to the 1800's which is great as I love a bit of food history.

This is a book that would get well used in my household as I just don't like a boring sandwich and this certainly livens up any lunchtime! Great recipes, great photography and a book that will make you hungry for more. Loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Harvard Common Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book brings me so much joy! Combining food with history, not to mention the satisfaction of an actionable recipe book. This is a must have!

If sandwiches are your thing then this book is pefect for you, nicely photographed and with a little background history on each sandwich, this book has some classics to the bizarre flavour combinations, there are even some little bonus ideas to really ramp up the flavour combos, really who knew you could have so much choice between two or three slices of bread.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. I really enjoyed learning the history of many of these entries - lots of the years were real surprises! The recipes were well written and I really appreciated that weights were included for measuring, it was quite helpful!

Sandwiches of History is a bright light in the wastelands of the Internet. Barry is warm and engaging and this carries over into this book. It was fun and I have tried 3 of the recipes and they all work a treat.

It’s amazing how such simple sandwiches of 100 years ago developed into such complicated ones of today.
It’s a combination of a walk through history with giving you plenty of ideas for your next sandwich.
Who doesn’t love a great sandwich.
There’s plenty of unusual ingredients which nowadays are seen as very adventurous.
Plenty of pictures for the tastebuds.

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Harvard Common Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I will say that I absolutely love this creator on social media and am so happy to see that he published this book. It was incredibly entertaining, colorful, and the recipes are really fun

The only reason I took off a star is because the online version of this book that I received had some issues that affected readability

This is a really cute book! I learned new things about the history of sandwiches and certain ingredients.

I like this cookbook! There was a lot of information about when to use what type of bread, sauce, etc.. there was a lot of good recipes in this book, and I made many of them. I have a few new favorites from this book. I also like how they gave different versions of the same sandwich in this book.


Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This is a really cool concept and I think it would make a really good gift for the right person. The design is also nice.

This is a really fun book perfect for foodies! There is information on the history of various condiments at the beginning of the book which was interesting to read about. Recipes for various sandwiches are also included which range from common to obscure. If you enjoy food books and recipe books, I think you will enjoy this. Special Thank You to Barry W. Enderwick, Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Earl of Sandwich would be proud...

Take bread, some fillings or topping and you get...sandwich. This is a handy book on tasty sandwiches.
Savory and sweet. I especially liked the vegetarian section. Now, I'm off to make my own sandwich...
Recommend.

This was a really fun cookbook! Lots of interesting sandwich recipes, and Enderwick gives interesting historical notes on when the sandwiches were created, as well. I can't wait to try some of the recipes!

I absolutely loved this. What an original idea; to trawl old material and pull together updated recipes for all sorts of sandwiches. It’s fun, colourful and there are actually some really mouthwatering ideas. It’s interesting to see the way sandwiches have developed and changed from the 1800s onwards and this is an engaging title, packed with information and a few recipes that are likely to appeal widely. A great gift for any foodie.