Build-Your-Own-Sandwich Spread + Cheesy Garlic Bread

Sandwich Party Time!

I’ve been really loving my sandwich series this year. There’s so much versatility! Not to mention sandwiches are essentially portable cheese plates - what else is better? This sandwich spread is perfect for daytime gatherings and warm weather celebrations. The “build your own” aspect leaves a ton of room for customization, while the pops of detail really make the spread stand out. Highlights for me include the cheesy garlic bread (recipe below and yes, make a sandwich on the cheesy bread itself!), sliced mortadella and dill pickle flavored potato chips.

YOUR GO-TO GUIDE for CHEESE PARTIES

This spread is featured in my latest book, That Cheese Plate Wants To Party. Over the past year I’ve realized that many people assume both of my books are essentially the same, due to the covers and Cheese By Numbers method throughout. As a proud book mom (and just speaking the truth) the second book has MUCH more than the first book including:

  • Step-by-step photos to build and hand-illustrated Cheese By Numbers maps for every plate and spread

  • Four suggested “perfect bites” for each plate and a color palette to match your florals and tablescape to

  • That “Cheese Flavor Flow Chart” to tell you what 50+ different cheeses taste like

  • A chapter full of grazing tables and themed boards

  • A curated music playlist for each plate to set the vibe - HERE

  • Cocktail recipes and drink pairings, as well as a guide to wine pairings

  • Cheese PARTY GAMES (I created a literal card game to play while eating your cheese plate)

  • Recipes to add to your spreads

  • Tablescape ideas

  • And MORE!!!

    It’s currently 50% off on Amazon right now so snag one for yourself, your friends, Easter, Mother’s Day and beyond - HERE

Anyways, back to the sandwiches!

STEP BY STEP

This sandwich spread is telling you two things. 1) Yes, you can make a sandwich on cheesy garlic bread, nobody is stopping you. 2) Let’s embrace pre-sliced cheese. I do love some nicely sliced cheddar, pepperjack or colby jack on a sandwich. If you want to take it up a notch, try making a turkey and brie sandwich with the luscious, buttery triple crème brie, or a robust ham and cheese sandwich with a few slices of sharp and nutty Beecher’s Flagship. This spread has no rules. Encourage your guests to get creative with it!

Foundation (clockwise from top): Wooden rectangular board (11 x 15 inches), three 3 ounce ramekins, porcelain bowl (5 inches), wooden rectangular board (9.5 x 13.5 inches), wooden rectangular board (10 x 6 inches), wooden square board (8 x 8 inches), wooden rectangular board (9.5 x 13.5 inches)

Serves: 4-5

1 - CHEESE: Sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, Beecher’s Flagship, Monterrey Jack, Pepperjack, Triple Crème Brie 

2 - MEAT: Black Forest Ham, Turkey, Mortadella 

3 - PRODUCE: Mesclun Mix, Bread and Butter Pickles, Red Onions, Persian Cucumbers, Tomatoes 

4 - CRUNCH: Dill Pickle Potato Chips, Cheesy Basil Garlic Bread (Recipe below), Mini French Rolls 

5 - DIP: Dijon Mustard, Grainy Mustard, Mayo

6 - GARNISH: Fresh Basil, Ranunculus Flowers (for the table) 

SANDWICH BUILDER

  • Triple Crème Brie, Turkey, Mesclun, Cucumbers, Dijon Mustard 

  • Sharp Cheddar, Turkey, Mesclun, Cucumbers, Basil, Dijon, Mayo 

  • Pepperjack, Turkey, Mesclun, Tomato, Dill Pickle Potato Chips, Mayo 

  • Beecher’s Flagship, Black Forest Ham, Bread and Butter Pickles, Grainy Mustard

  • Monterrey Jack, Mortadella, Red Onion, Bread and Butter Pickles, Mayo, Dijon Mustard 

  • Mozzarella + Basil Garlic Bread, Cucumbers, Tomato, Red Onion, Basil  

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Bread is one of my true loves, and the capacity for its versatility is endless. Have you ever used cheesy garlic bread as the base of your sandwich creations? That’s what we’re doing with this recipe, featured on That “Sandwich Sampler” Plate. The fragrant garlic and butter blends with the gooey cheese to create the ultimate savory crunch. Try topping this bread with mortadella, banana peppers and onion to make the ultimate crostini bite, or you can play it low key and serve it by itself! 

 Serves 4

Time: 20 Minutes 

SUPPLIES

  • ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • Ground black pepper 

  • 1 (10-ounce) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise

  • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded low-moisture mozzarella

TO MAKE

1) Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

2) In a small bowl, stir together the butter, garlic, 1 ½ tablespoons of the basil, onion powder and black pepper until smooth. 

3) Place the bread on a sheet pan lined with parchment or foil. Evenly spread the butter mixture on each side of the bread. Top each half with 1 cup of the mozzarella.

4) Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese has melted and the bread is lightly golden.

5) Top with reserved basil, slice into thick pieces and serve immediately.



PARTY PLAYLIST

A mix of nostalgic and catchy tunes to accompany your sandwich party!

Enjoy your sandwich parties! Tag me on Instagram if you try this out :)

Marissa MullenComment