How To Wrap Sandwiches In Parchment Paper Like A Pro
A well-wrapped sandwich is easy to carry and store while retaining its shape and flavors. You may have noticed how deli sandwiches taste better. Well, the fact they're wrapped is partly responsible since a tight covering helps all the ingredients meld together. Whether for sliced bread or a baguette, using fresh veggies or Thanksgiving leftovers, there is a quick and easy way to transport your favorite sandwich without plastic baggies, sticky tape, or bulky containers.
Parchment paper is an excellent wrapping option since the porous material keeps the sandwich's moisture levels in check. Once you're adept at wrapping sandwiches, you can use a combination of parchment or wax papers and aluminum foil, depending on the sandwich you're protecting. The result is a compact package that stays closed and maintains the integrity of your sandwich throughout the day, as well as holding it together while you eat. And trust us, the only thing more satisfying than perfectly wrapping your sandwich is unwrapping it.
The wrapping technique
You can use precut parchment pieces according to the size of your sandwich or get a roll of parchment paper and tear off the amount you need. However, precut parchment is easier since it lies flat, unlike the rolled variety.
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Start by placing your sandwich in the middle of the parchment paper, with the sides of the bread parallel to the longer side. You can then either bring the ends of the sheet together and repeatedly fold like you would the top of a lunch sack until it's tight against the sandwich, or overlap one over the other, like you would a birthday present. To close the sides, tuck the ends of the paper tube under the sandwich. Some unsightly creases may appear at this point, but keep going because you can smooth it all out in the end. Also, unless it gets wet, parchment paper is quite sturdy, so don't worry about it tearing as you tuck it under the sandwich.
For a sub or baguette sandwich, place it diagonally near one corner of the parchment paper and begin to roll. About halfway through, tuck the edges in and continue rolling. Unlike the wrapped sandwich, you may require a piece of tape to hold the paper closed.
Considering your wrapping options
Parchment paper is versatile enough for most of your sandwich wrapping needs. However, it degrades when exposed to too much moisture. So, if you have a juicy sandwich like a meatball sub, use wax paper instead. You can also wrap wet ingredients, like pickles, tomato slices, and tiny cornichons, separately in wax paper to keep your sandwich from getting soggy. If you want it all in one package but still separated, use two sheets of paper to wrap your sandwich, placing the wet ingredients between the two sheets and then wrapping your sandwich as usual.
A hot sandwich is also better wrapped in wax paper since the steam from it makes parchment liable to tear. And speaking of hot sandwiches, covering them with a layer of foil after wrapping them in wax paper helps maintain their warmth while also lightly steaming the bread.
If you plan on reheating your sandwich, parchment paper works best in the microwave, as wax paper should not be subject to excessive heat. To heat in the oven, cover your sandwich with aluminum foil. If you just want your sandwich to be ready to eat as soon as you open it, cut it into two once you've finished wrapping and then enclose the two halves in a second piece of parchment or aluminum foil.