Additional Coverage:
- 14 Iconic Sandwiches That Defined Lunchtime in the 1950s (blog.cheapism.com)
A Look Back at the Iconic Sandwiches of the 1950s
The 1950s marked a golden age for the sandwich. With readily available mass-produced bread and the rise of convenience foods, sandwiches became a ubiquitous part of American life.
From elegant party fare to quick meals assembled from pantry staples, the handheld meal reigned supreme. Let’s explore some of the decade’s most memorable sandwiches:
The Monte Cristo: This Americanized version of the French croque monsieur, featuring ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between slices of white bread, dipped in egg, and fried to golden perfection, first appeared in cookbooks in the 1930s. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s in Southern California that it earned its official name. Its rise to national prominence began in 1966 when Disneyland added it to their menu, complete with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of jam.
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast: Known affectionately (or not) as S.O.S. (something on a shingle), this military staple transitioned to civilian life after World War II. Dried beef in a creamy white gravy served over toast, it was a budget-friendly and easy-to-prepare meal for busy families.
The Sloppy Joe: This loose-meat sandwich, simmered in tomato sauce and often seasoned with onions and mustard, originated in Midwest diners in the 1920s. By the 1950s, the Sloppy Joe had secured its place in school cafeterias and family dinners across the country. The origin of the name remains a mystery, with potential connections to bars in Havana and Key West.
The Reuben: While the Reuben sandwich, with its corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread, existed before the 1950s, its popularity soared after a waitress at the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha entered it into a national sandwich contest in 1956 – and won.
The Club Sandwich: Tracing its roots back to late 19th-century social clubs in New York, the club sandwich became a diner staple in the 1950s. Typically consisting of turkey or chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise between three slices of toasted white bread, it was a lunchtime favorite.
The Chow Mein Sandwich: This unique creation originated in Fall River, Massachusetts, where Chinese-American cooks combined crispy noodles and brown gravy between slices of bread. A cheap, filling, and fast meal for factory workers, it gained wider recognition in the 1950s.
The Spamwich: Spam, a wartime staple, remained a popular and affordable food choice in the post-war era. Fried Spam slices nestled between bread with mustard and pickles became a common sight, thanks in part to Hormel’s catchy advertising campaigns.
Frosted Sandwich Loaf: An American adaptation of the Swedish smörgåstårta (sandwich cake), this festive creation featured layers of white bread interspersed with fillings like ham salad, chicken salad, or pimento cheese, all covered in a “frosting” of whipped cream cheese.
The Pimento Cheese Sandwich: A Southern favorite, pimento cheese – a simple mixture of shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos – became a popular sandwich filling in the 1950s. Its affordability and ability to be stored without refrigeration made it ideal for lunchboxes and picnics.
Bologna Salad Sandwich: This budget-friendly alternative to ham salad, featuring chopped bologna, mayonnaise, relish, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs, was a frequent lunchbox item and a staple in households stretching their food budgets.
The Souper Burger: A product of Campbell’s Soup marketing ingenuity, the Souper Burger combined ground beef with condensed soup, such as cream of mushroom. While not a culinary triumph, it certainly left its mark on the decade’s culinary landscape.
Braunschweiger Sandwich: This German-inspired sandwich featured Braunschweiger, a type of liverwurst, spread on bread with mustard or mayonnaise.
Welsh Rarebit: This dish of cheese sauce on toast, often broiled until bubbly, was considered a sophisticated meal in the 1950s.
Tea Sandwiches: These delicate, crustless sandwiches filled with egg salad, cucumber, or other refined spreads were served at ladies’ luncheons and other social gatherings, adding a touch of elegance to the occasion.
Read More About This Story:
- 14 Iconic Sandwiches That Defined Lunchtime in the 1950s (blog.cheapism.com)