Hi Reader,

I don’t know when it happened - maybe somewhere between my third failed attempt at wrapping gifts and the moment The One caught me eating sliced cheese straight from the wrapper - but every year, right around this time, my body reaches a spiritual truth: it is officially sandwich season.
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There’s something about the tail end of December that flips a switch in me. Maybe it’s the collective exhaustion of a month spent roasting, braising, whisking, icing, mulled-wining, and trying to find where I stashed the “good” napkins. Maybe it’s the quiet that falls after the holiday bustle, that odd, floaty week when time warps and no one is entirely sure what day it is. Or maybe, and I suspect this is the real reason, it’s the annual refrigerator Tetris tournament.
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You know what I mean. The fridge is overstuffed with oddments: two slices of ham wrapped in foil, a rogue corner of brie that looks like it’s seen things, half a red pepper, three olives, and a container of something beige that may or may not be potatoes. This is the week when culinary dignity takes a brief vacation, and creativity pulls up a chair.
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And that is why I adore an end-of-December sandwich. It’s forgiving. Democratic. Eager to please. And it asks only one question: What do you have, sweetheart? Let’s make it work.

My Gospel of the End-of-Holidays Sandwich

1. Consider Your Bread a Blank Canvas. Not a Limitation.Stale? Toast it. Too soft? Griddle it. Only one slice left? Congratulations, you’ve entered Open-Faced Territory, a respected kingdom.
2. Condiments Are Your Holiday Miracle. A swipe of mustard, cranberry sauce, or mayo can resurrect even the saddest leftovers. (Yes, even that dry turkey that betrayed you.)
3. The Crunch Factor Is Non-Negotiable. Lettuce, potato chips, toasted nuts, pickles—if it crackles, it belongs. End of discussion.
4. Temperature Play Is Your Secret Weapon. Cold ham + hot melted cheese = joy. Warm bread + cold chicken salad = revelation. Your mouth wants contrast.
5. Don’t Overthink It. These sandwiches aren’t applying to college. They don’t need a personal statement. Stack, taste, adjust, enjoy.

WHAT'S INSIDE...

• ​Gordon Ramsay’s Cornflake Chicken Sandwich​
• ​Deep-Fried Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches​
• ​Classic Tuna Melt​
• ​Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich​
• ​Waffle Iron Grilled Cheese Sandwich​
• ​Classic Patty Melt​
• ​Pepper & Egg Sandwich​
• ​Reuben Sandwich​
• ​Kimchi Bulgogi Sandwiches​

​Gordon Ramsay’s Cornflake Chicken Sandwich​

Once you’ve tried the crunch and flavor of cornflake-coated chicken, you might never go back to bread crumbs! And to take the crunch factor up to the next level, I dip the buns into a combination of crispy fried onions and roasted peanuts.

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​Deep-Fried Peanut Butter ​&​ Jelly Sandwiches​

Here's how to make deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Because yes, that's a thing. A darn good thing.

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​Classic Tuna Melt​

This classic tuna melt, with its toasted bread, melted cheese, and creamy tuna filling, is proof that good food need not be fancy.

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​Grilled Mac & Cheese Sandwich​

Grilled cheese and mac and cheese collide in this glorious sandwich.

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​Waffle Iron Grilled Cheese Sandwich​

Waffle iron grilled cheese sandwich means no standing at the skillet carefully tending grilled cheese in a skillet so it doesn't burn. Nope. Just slap some cheese on buttered bread, toss it on this underutilized piece of kitchen equipment, and dinner is as good as done.

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​Classic Patty Melt​

The classic patty melt on rye bread is unbelievably satiating and surprisingly easy to slap one together at home. Think of it as one of the most indulgent cheeseburgers ever. Here's how to make it.

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​Pepper & Egg Sandwich​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 from 15 votes

This pepper and egg sandwich is simply (and satisfyingly) scrambled eggs along with sweet bell peppers and onions and stuffed into bread. An Italian American staple perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and in between. Here's how to make it.

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​Reuben Sandwich​

Use smoked or non-smoked corned beef brisket in this recipe but don't deny yourself the joy of tangy sauerkraut and the glorious nuttiness of Swiss cheese.

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​Kimchi Bulgogi Sandwiches​

These kimchi bulgogi sandwiches are not your ordinary steak sandwiches. They're loaded with Korean-style marinated steak, kimchi, mayonnaise, and cilantro. Here's how to make them.

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