The Best Sandwich You’ll Ever Make (Deli-Quality) | Epicurious 101

In this edition of Epicurious 101, professional chef and culinary instructor Frank Proto demonstrates how to make the best deli-quality sandwich you've ever had at home.
Director: Parisa Kosari
Director of Photography: Kevin Dynia
Editor: Boris Khaykin
Featuring: Frank Proto
Creative Producer: Parisa Kosari
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Associate Producer: Sahara Pagan
Production Manager: Janine Dispense
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Camera Operator: Aaron Snell
Sound Recordist: Z Jadwick
Production Assistant: Albie Smith
Culinary Producer: Mallary Santucci
Associate Culinary Producer: Leslie Raney
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araújo
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[@lesigh3410]

I like imagining he had a bad experience at the deli today and went "Fine, I'll do it myself. Get the cameras rolling."

[@Cookie_Robots]

Maybe he was at subway lol

[@dmarti47]

You won the comments section! 😂

[@MarkSmith-sf8fz]

I recently made a ziti for the same reason lol

[@josephbrandon549]

Though, at the end when he said "If you're worried about everything falling out, too bad." You know what stops that? HAVING A HINGE ON THE BREAD! lol That is why a lot of us do that, helps keeps things together. IF you want to make something, or go somewhere that has bread that is clean cut all the way through then make sure its wrapped up in paper to keep it together.

[@albertferguson8361]

​@@MarkSmith-sf8fzsame but angel hair and clams

[@Imsosappy]

"Since I'm a child" I feel that Frank

[@104ist]

i thought he meant like “ever since i was a child” as in for many years of his life he’s enjoyed hellman’s mayo

[@meowmeowmeow400]

@@104ist i believe that is what he meant

[@Imsosappy]

@@104ist It is 100% what he meant, I think he just misspoke. I was just making a joke based on how he said it :)

[@samuelyoung6504]

@@redrobotmonkeyand he made a bad sandwich at that

[@fairdose]

There should be a video on what type of breads go with which kind of meats and fillings.

[@benxavier3723]

In general, soft breads go with soft fillings, hard breads go with hard fillings.

[@VEC7ORlt]

Why do you even need a video for that? Just make sandwiches and figure it out, trial and error. Whats next, videos how not to forget to breathe?

[@marques9392]

Do yall even watch the videos?

[@ilovesparky13]

Any bread goes with any filling

[@ericjf]

This is addressed within the first minute of the video

[@endershader]

Everything here is 10/10 and I'd love to make a quick suggestion that I love, especially if this is for a lunch: wrap the sandwich in wax paper. Why? 1. is keeps your lovely, super loaded sandwich together and 2. it makes it feel even more "special". I don't know how else to explain and is 100% not needed... but something about unwrapping a present to yourself just tastes better XD

[@sukibisbotka]

1000% AGREE. A lot of our enjoyment of our food is psychological. And when i unwrap it and start eating it. it feels like im eating some expensive gourmet sandwich (even if i am not).

[@necrogenesis1981]

One thing he forgot to do if he was making it authentic deli-style is wrap it in parchment to compress everything.

[@NotSoRev]

Exactly my preference. Tightly wrapped sandwiches just taste better somehow.

[@necrogenesis1981]

@@NotSoRev It's because it squishes everything together so the flavors meld and it makes the bread more pliable.

[@rushnerd]

I was thinking this too, or at least plastic wrap. I feel like just doing that for a while helps the sandwich stay together better.

[@chriscraig3592]

Foil or paper should be on the ingredient list for hot and cold sandwiches, tacos, bbq, etc.

[@KAR1492]

hard agree. a wrapped sandwich just hits different

[@lauraalbert3607]

I made grilled ham and Gruyère sandwiches the other day. I sliced apples with my mandolin and added those for crunch. Heaven!!🤤🤤

[@slappylippy]

Think I like that.,,,

[@FighterFlash]

You should be kinder to your mandolin. It’s meant for music not slicing!

[@naomiarram5187]

I'm scrolling through the comments, and haven't seen one about Frank harvesting his own wheat!! Has he come a long way, or have we??

[@anniecolson1726]

Made these sandwiches for lunch with some ingredient swaps tonight (different cheese and meat) and added cucumbers per my kiddo's request. It was PHENOMENAL. The only thing to make it better would be if it were garden season. I'm ready for garden tomatoes instead of grocery store tomatoes! Thanks, Frank!

[@aetrew5499]

What bread did you actually buy and use, his description is vague at best, and inaccurate at worst.

[@anniecolson1726]

@@aetrew5499 I actually made my bread, but it was a baguette that I added sesame seeds to. Kroger sells something very similar, I just enjoy baking. 💜

[@RonnieMyers777]

Garden tomatoes hit DIFFERENT I swear they taste seasoned 😅

[@deniseheins2133]

Love this. I used to manage a tea room and we were sticklers about presentation of our sandwiches. So happy to see you salting those tomatoes!

[@dmccalldds]

Yeah, but if you ask a restaurant to salt anything, it’ll come back saltier than a bag of Lays.

[@marigi-]

I like Frank's presentation, straight to the point

[@crazyguitar777]

I started chopping my tomatoes into small pieces for my burgers and sandwiches, brings the same structural improvement on the sandwich that the chopped lettuce does

[@chriscraig3592]

If I'm making a perfect sandwich it'll need Duke's mayo and a hint of dijon mixed on both sides, hot chile relish, a layer of richer salami or ham with the turkey, and a seasoned vinegarette to toss the veg in before assembling.

[@bryancook305]

Frank is great! Please have him do more recipes! He explains every choice, step, and technique. Plus he is entertaining.

[@Panwere36]

Frank had me on both cutting the bread all the way and with the Provolone... but it is so great him giving it this simple but also letting others go with what they like.

[@fahmi_simin]

Chef Frank is one of the best for this epicurious ever 😊

[@RichDaDa]

I loved every step…especially that 1st bite! Thanks

[@yvonnecusmano7971]

Mayo on top AND bottom, pepper on the Turkey layer, EVOO ALWAYS!

[@AlpcanAras]

You can handle the ingredients you dont like but you cant handle stale bread, I agree that bread is the key piece

[@shaunbudka6396]

This is not the best sandwich you'll ever make but it could be. WRAP YOUR SANDWICHES and let them sit for 10 minutes. THEN it will be the best sandwich you'll ever make.

[@4thlord51]

Yeah. Wrapping holds all the ingredients that could spill and letting it sit, allows the flavors incorporate with each other better.

[@gorgorgonzales3090]

This! I was very disapointed he didn't wrap it... absolute game changer!

[@tyso5146]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@dodgedemon840]

We let ours sit overnight

[@hevillepeacefoot8647]

@@dodgedemon840it’s a sandwhich, it should never be this serious

[@tiffanysd925]

He’s my favorite!!! ❤❤❤

[@TheClassicalSauce]

Nice. Sandwiches are one of my specialties. This looks great. Well done!

[@mregister3945]

Thank you for sharing this. 😊❤

[@Rianna93]

I love chef Frank's enthusiasm for food! He has really thought this through and I appreciate that!

[@patrickmuir3906]

those pickles aren't small, they are actually a perfectly adequate size. and they probably have a nice personality

[@ceegee8959]

it's all about ratios and chef frank nailed it.

[@AxtInk]

Love this!

[@caseyrogers573]

Frank is such a great educator

[@dregeminin1]

Anything but basic . Thx for the tutorial ❤️

[@quentingastaldi9253]

Chef Franck always has great recepie

[@ChiliPepperMadness]

This sandwich looks so delicious and so tasty!

[@danbradley9754]

I’m surprised Frank didn’t make his own mayonnaise!! 😮

[@Greydawg]

They could have made the "best" sandwich but chose the coldest sandwich anyone could make & called it "best" which is a little weird but I still enjoyed it.

[@spotdogit]

That’s a beautiful sammy! I put the maters on the meat, then the shred. The mayo on top holds the lettuce and the tomatoes nestle into the meat so there’s little spillage or sliding. And I do a very light spread of Dijon on the bottom side then cheese then sliced pickles. I want that pickle in every bite 😄

[@margakat]

I really enjoy these videos and that you share your knowledge and skills. I also like to watch Refika's Kitchen. She recently did a similar video and I am seeing quite a lot of overlap. A difference I see is that she puts pickles and potato chips inside the sandwich. She also has some interesting wrapping techniques.

[@leoinsf]

Magnificent presentation! Yes, a turkey sandwich is that important!

[@kennethwu115]

Thank you Chef

[@DimiArhontidis]

Frank Proto + Sandwich I am in!

[@robertm348]

Dang, Frank! It's almost 1 AM and now I want to go make a sandwich!

[@_Toxicity]

I love a whole grain mustard on mine.

[@rickf.9253]

Great tips. It just needs to be wrapped before eating, to bring it all together. It makes a huge difference.

[@sidsrivastava6987]

What an amazing video

[@MichaelCobbs]

Great video.

[@BadaBadger]

Thank you so much, Frank! I'm going to use these tips in Pokemon Violet!

[@KingofSnack]

Eat a sandwich while watching this video. Every time he says 'Sandwich', take a bite. At the end, make another sandwich.

[@gohabs9]

he never says sandwich, only samwich

[@J-146]

The unbreakable loop 😂

[@karenlowes7802]

A big handful of Arugula is heavenly!

[@Greydawg]

YEAH BUT NOT THE BEST EVER (according to this, apparently).

[@joannaedwards6325]

😝😝

[@BAW5tawn]

And preferred!! I'm not a fan of romaine nor shredded lettuce but gimme a couple of fistfuls of arugula for my sammich and I'm overjoyed 😊

[@joannaedwards6325]

@@BAW5tawn There's no accounting for taste😊😝.

[@BAW5tawn]

@@joannaedwards6325 lol arugula is easily seasoned and more nutritious 😋

[@kaiju_k5042]

Looks great, Id add mayo on the bottom layer too, think it can handle it :) I also love mustard so maybe both.

[@lucasaraczudar5291]

or soft butter! or some cream cheese, yumm

[@kaiju_k5042]

@@lucasaraczudar5291 I do love butter in a sandwich, some people find it strange but it's done in Europe a lot, where I grew up, and we love our butter haha. Cream cheese is great in a turkey wrap!

[@Metoobie]

pickled red onions on your sandwich. Yes, every sandwich. Maybe not Montreal smoked meat sandwich, but even then, I might try it :)

[@Nazareth33351]

"I like to put the mayo directly onto the bread." As opposed to putting it where?

[@Vyse86]

I do pretty similar except I'll put mayo on the bottom bread and add some spicy brown mustard.

[@mike2510801]

You had me at "the most important part of a sandwich is the bread"

[@stephenwilder3525]

Try this… mustard on bottom. Cheese, lettuce slices or torn, meat, tomato. Mayo top side sprinkled w/pepper. And I agree… Italian bread 🥖 Looking 👀 forward to lunch now!

[@DouglasFergen-pq9ru]

So true!

[@wilfred_ho]

Try dressing the shredded lettuce and onion with the oil and vinegar in a separate bowl before adding them to the sandwich.

[@mikeylikesit6622]

No

[@markbrophy554]

ok....now I'm hungry.....looks like a great sandwich

[@marieruiz5696]

Awesome!! Thanks Frank!!!

[@mesiroy1234]

‏‪0:29‬‏ frank is hallmark of teching on youtbe . He the best

[@shrekster3990]

Love proto

[@carmelscott1706]

Looks delicious! For me, I would be adding a layer of hot pickled peppers.

[@laurelreeves3764]

I like to soak my red onion slices in ice water for about 10 - 15 min before adding them to my sandwich. It eliminates some of the bite/aftertaste and is still tasty

[@onerainiday]

Always a winner with chef Proto!❤

[@brucescuts9665]

Frank the 🐐

[@Bobrogers99]

Dark russet are my favorite chips!

[@tombirmingham7354]

Yeah baby!

[@eggie1978]

Subs or hoagies are perfect for game day with chips and soda.

[@m.r.jarrell3725]

Shoulda put a layer of mayo on the bottom, before the cheese.

[@albertokusmic9239]

great!

[@jeffward1106]

I'm a fan 😁

[@lindaberk6540]

Add a great mustard and it’s perfect!

[@TomekSw]

Butter!!!

[@morganchilds9054]

Nobody goin to the electric chair after a turkey and provolone

[@sitara9964]

EPICURIOUS SHOULD MAKE A LEVEL "5" FOR FRANK PROTO ALONE 😂❤🎉

[@BunniesRKewl]

i liked it :D

[@jackfahey4610]

MUST have Mayo on top AND bottom

[@yoshydoll]

Must have no mayo

[@OldVikingSchool]

My ultimate sandwich has: Intensively smoky ham, locally made. Some stronger cheese that has texture to it like Grünberger(is the dots on the U correct?), honey mustard mayo, buttered bread topped with some pea shoots for both that mid-level texture crunch also refreshing earthly taste to it.

[@DanielSnyder-bz8kp]

The most smokey ham i've ever had is called Black Forest Ham. It's made in the black forest region of Germany. But you have to buy it at an import store. The stuff here in the USA is just virginia ham. Too bad we don't respect european labeling laws. Check out a video on youtube about how they make it. It's very delicious.

[@anthonymarocco955]

Perfect!

[@jreese46]

Now I'm hungry.

[@johnmclachlan6746]

Frank's coming unhinged!

[@_Toxicity]

Cucumber is amazing on deli sandwiches.

[@Jiggy609]

Ew

[@OldSchoolBaseballGuy]

Mix the veggie in the oil and vinegar prior to placing it on the sandwich...makes all the difference

[@xxPenjoxx]

Making a sandwich takes me an hour or so 😂 I definitely take it seriously

[@timessquareblue5476]

Makes a nice sandwich. A nice sandwich.

[@chuck1prillaman]

ya gotta wrap it for a bit.

[@jeremyjones8663]

Chef Frank you could up your sandwich game by using hot picked okra! It is amazing with sandwiches or even just a snack with a meat and cheese board.

[@DonMahir]

Yummiiiii

[@joannaedwards6325]

In my world..... ALWAYS butter BOTH pieces of bread...then add condiments THEN the other ingredients. Dry bread =😝

[@sm44july]

My perfect sandwich (not including gourmet fancy stuff, like no steak sandwich thats different) -Start with the oblong Sourdough slices -Spread mayo and sriracha hot sauce -Lay down turkey slices, and on top of that lay down pepper jack cheese triangle slices. Add bacon before the cheese if you have some -Put in toaster oven/microwave to melt tthe cheese and crisp up bread a bit -Now add shredded iceberg lettuce on other slice -add grilled caramalized onions, I personally skip tomatoes (too wet, and aren't insanely tasty to me) -Add slices avocado -Add lays original potato chips -Pair with a nice coke on ice -And a nice nap on the couch with that one blanket/wool we all love

[@bethbilous4720]

First time I ever heard a comment about the bread and thanks because for me….. the bread is everything. If the bred sucks so does the sandwich

[@supflake8373]

This guy is the definition of "my essay needs more words" Nice sandwich tho I'll try

[@dmccalldds]

After the meats and cheeses, assemble and put upside down on a hot cast iron fry on pan, and cover with a roasting pan. A few minutes flip the sandwich and cover again until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Assemble the rest quickly and serve before the cheese cools.

[@dominicklalicata4345]

I worked with a Michelin star chef back in the day, and he was adamant that when building a sandwich or burger your primary ingredient should be at the top. The reasoning is that you're pallet will taste what is closest to you're upper pallet first and the rest of the ingredients will fill in the taste as you chew. Not trying to be controversial, but ever since I learned that, I think you can taste the difference. For instance, here, you're going to be having a tomato sandwich with some turkey as apposed to a turkey sandwich. All I say, is try the to two back to back and see if there isn't a difference. Thanks!

[@silverchairsg]

Wow! Will try that next time.

[@thenonexistinghero]

I'm not so sure how much truth there is to that. What I taste first are the ingredients at the bottom since... you know, that's where my tongue is located and like 99% of all taste receptors in my body.

[@alaynahlol]

Different videos online say, the flavors on the bottom will be tasted more. Interesting.

[@kevinbutler94]

6 elements to the perfect sandwich; hot, cold, sweet, sour, soft & crunch. Hit those (or as many of those as you can) and you wont go wrong.

[@Cookie_Robots]

Savoury?

[@johndriscoll7803]

Frank could make a video about how to make a bowl of cereal and I would see it and say “wow I never would have thought of that”.

[@dwrecktheanimal]

Oil the bread, vinegar the veggies, pepper/spice the meat. And then obviously the thinner everything is sliced the more appealing.

[@randyorton393]

1:47 pledging allegiance

[@ireallylovegod]

I came here for ancient quotes of wisdom but ended up with a delicious sandwich ,score.

[@joshuajohnson2216]

All sandwiches have vegetables but for me, I don't like vegetables on my sandwich. Frank is best level 3 chef there is. 😊

[@sillywilly7567]

I need as many Epicurious episodes as One piece episodes

[@italoblu]

Spread ingredients, wow.

[@Matando]

Frank, you did a fantastic job on this one. Too many people get this wrong and it's kinda sad. While I disagree on some of the little things you did, this is still way better than anything else on KZbin. Best piece of advice I'd share is to cut the sandwich on a slight diagonal for each cut. It makes it easier to get that first bite in, especially if you really layer the sandwich up like I do. My favorite it ham, capicola, genoa salami, pepperoni, and aged provolone with all the fixings too. If you're not going to eat it all in one sitting, wrap the sandwich. It helps it hold it's shape and moisture while it waits to be eaten.

[@ericlopez8463]

Some Dijon on the bottom at least

[@xpyr]

I prefer using the v-cut method of cutting the bread. You pull off the top and then pull out any bread at the bottom so you have maximum room for what goes into the sandwich. Once you have everything in your sandwich, put the top back on and push it down. Now nothing will fall out. Subway use to cut their bread this way, and it's how I prefer my subs to be made.