Still-Life Sandwiches Trivia Quiz

The BLT is short for bacon, lettuce, and tomato and is a popular type of sandwich that originated in the United States. Its exact origins are unclear, but it became widely popular after World War II due to the increased availability of bacon. A traditional BLT consists of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes, typically served on toasted bread slathered with mayonnaise or butter.

Some chefs enjoy kicking it up a notch by adding avocado, making it a BLAT, or including turkey, turning it into a club sandwich.

The banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that blends French and Vietnamese culinary traditions, dating back to the French colonial period in Vietnam. The sandwich is made with a crispy baguette that is filled with a variety of savory ingredients. The classic version includes marinated pork, pâté, pickled vegetables like carrots and daikon radish, fresh cucumber, cilantro, and spicy chili peppers.

Some versions of the banh mi feature different proteins, such as grilled chicken, tofu, or beef. You might also see additional toppings like fried eggs or a spread of mayonnaise.

The croque monsieur is a classic French sandwich that first appeared in Parisian cafés in the early 20th century. Its name roughly translates to "mister crunch", and it is known for its rich, savory flavors. The traditional croque monsieur is made with ham and Gruyère cheese, layered between slices of bread, and then grilled or baked until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden and crispy. Often, a béchamel sauce is poured over the top before baking.

A popular variant includes the croque madame, which adds a fried or poached egg on top.

The po' boy is a traditional sandwich from Louisiana, particularly famous in New Orleans. Its origins date back to the late 1920s during a streetcar workers' strike when a local restaurant provided free sandwiches to the strikers, who were referred to as "poor boys".

The po' boy is typically made with French bread, known for its crisp crust and fluffy interior. Common fillings include fried seafood like shrimp, oysters, or catfish, usually dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise. Some non-seafood versions might include hot sausage or roast beef.

The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic American comfort food with origins dating back to the 1920s when inexpensive sliced bread and processed cheese became widely available. The basic grilled cheese consists of bread and cheese, typically American or cheddar, cooked on a griddle or in a frying pan until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Butter (or occasionally mayonnaise) is spread on the outside of the bread to ensure a crispy, flavorful crust.

Some additional ingredients that might be added are tomatoes, bacon, or avocado, and the sandwich is commonly paired with tomato soup.

The chip butty is a British sandwich that originated in the working-class communities of Northern England. Its name comes from "butty", a British slang term for sandwich, and "chips", referring to thick-cut French fries. The traditional chip butty consists of white bread or a bread roll, generously buttered, and filled with hot, crispy fries.

Some people add condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, or malt vinegar to enhance the flavor. Other ingredients that are common are cheese, bacon, or even sausage.

The katsu sando is a popular Japanese sandwich that originated in Japan and has become a beloved snack and lunch option. Its name combines "katsu", short for "tonkatsu", which is a fried breaded pork cutlet, and "sando", a Japanese abbreviation for sandwich.

The traditional katsu sando features the pork cutlet placed between two slices of soft white bread (which is often crustless). The pork is typically accompanied by a layer of shredded cabbage and a drizzle of tangy tonkatsu sauce, similar to Worcestershire sauce. Cutlets of beef, chicken, or fish are common substitutes.

The meatball sub is a hearty sandwich that originated in Italian-American communities in the United States. It features meatballs made from ground beef or a mix of meats, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then cooked in a rich tomato sauce.

These meatballs are placed inside a long, soft sub roll and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, usually mozzarella or provolone. Additional toppings may include cooked bell peppers or onions, and some versions use basil or add a layer of pesto for extra flavor.

The Reuben sandwich is a classic American sandwich with debated origins, but it is commonly believed to have been created either by Reuben Kulakofsky, a Jewish grocer in Omaha, Nebraska, or by Arnold Reuben, a New York City deli owner, in the early 20th century.

The traditional Reuben is made with rye bread, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing (or Thousand Island). Popular variants include the Rachel, which substitutes pastrami or turkey for corned beef and coleslaw for sauerkraut.

The jamon-beurre is a simple yet classic French sandwich that highlights traditional French ingredients. Its name translates to "ham-butter" in English, which just happens to showcase the rather limited number of ingredients needed to construct this sandwich. Originating in France, the jamon-beurre is made with a crispy baguette sliced in half and generously spread with high-quality butter.

The sandwich is then filled with thinly-sliced ham, typically jambon de Paris, known for its mild flavor. Chefs may consider including cornichons (small pickles) for a tangy crunch or a smear of Dijon mustard for a bit of spice.

The PB&J, short for peanut butter and jelly, is a classic American sandwich that has been a favorite for generations. Its origins date back to the early 20th century when peanut butter became widely available and affordable in the United States. A traditional PB&J sandwich consists of two slices of bread spread with peanut butter on one side and jelly or jam on the other, then pressed together. Common types of bread used include white, whole wheat, or multigrain, while popular jelly or jam flavors include grape, strawberry, and raspberry.

The Philly cheesesteak is a meaty American sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1930s. It was created by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor who decided to grill some beef and put it in a roll, attracting the attention of a cab driver who ordered one and loved it.

The traditional Philly cheesesteak is made with thinly sliced ribeye beef cooked on a griddle and topped with melted cheese, typically Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese. It is served in a long hoagie roll and often includes sautéed onions and bell peppers and/or jalapenos.