I’ve seen Anthony Bourdain’s favourite sandwich popping up everywhere online, and it really caught my attention. As someone who’s always exploring new sandwich ideas and combinations, I couldn’t resist trying this one out. Although I didn’t create this sandwich myself, the simplicity and the reputation it’s gained among food lovers made it something I had to experience firsthand.

For those unfamiliar with the sandwich, it’s a no-fuss combination of just five ingredients: a fresh baguette, mortadella, provolone cheese, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise. That’s it. But as I’ve learned, simple doesn’t mean boring. The way these ingredients come together results in a sandwich that’s far more than the sum of its parts.

Why I Wanted to Try This Sandwich

Let’s be honest: when a sandwich gains this much attention, especially one with a Bourdain connection, there’s bound to be something special about it. Bourdain’s love for food always stood out because of his appreciation for authenticity. He didn’t care about overly complicated dishes or fancy ingredients. Instead, he was always on the lookout for honest, delicious food that spoke to the culture behind it.

The sandwich intrigued me for its straightforwardness. Sometimes, the best sandwiches don’t require tons of components or kitchen tricks. I figured if it was good enough for Bourdain, it was definitely worth a try.

My Experience

Making this sandwich at home took barely 10 minutes, which is a huge plus if you’re short on time but still craving something satisfying. I started by spreading a generous layer of mayonnaise on both sides of a baguette and followed that up with a solid swipe of Dijon mustard. The balance between the creamy mayonnaise and the tangy mustard is already a winning combination, and I hadn’t even gotten to the filling yet.

The real star of the show is the mortadella, an Italian cured meat that’s rich, savoury, and loaded with flavour. Pairing that with the mild, melt-in-your-mouth provolone creates a perfect harmony. The contrast of textures – the softness of the mortadella, the creaminess of the cheese, and the slight crunch of the baguette – really rounds everything out. There’s no need for extras or fancy toppings. It’s just good ingredients, put together thoughtfully.

The sandwich can be enjoyed cold, as Bourdain likely did, or lightly toasted if you prefer the cheese slightly melted. I tried it both ways and found the warm version added an extra layer of comfort, but honestly, it works beautifully either way.

Have You Tried It?

I’ve seen so many foodies talking about this sandwich that I’m curious: have you given it a go? If so, what did you think? It’s fascinating how something so simple can have such a big impact, especially when it has a connection to someone like Bourdain, who knew great food when he tasted it. Let me know in the comments if you’ve made it yourself or if it’s on your list to try.

In the end, this mortadella sandwich lived up to the hype for me. It’s proof that quality ingredients and careful preparation can turn something simple into something extraordinary. If you haven’t made it yet, give it a go – you won’t be disappointed.

Why You’ll Love This Sandwich:

1. Classic Simplicity
   With just five ingredients, this sandwich delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort. It’s straightforward but satisfying.
2. Perfect Balance of Flavours
   The creamy mayo, tangy mustard, salty mortadella, and mild provolone create a beautiful balance of rich and sharp tastes in every bite.
3. Versatile and Quick
   Whether you want a quick snack or a simple lunch, this sandwich is fast to make, and you can enjoy it warm or cold, depending on your mood.

FAQs

What was Bourdain’s favourite sandwich?
Anthony Bourdain’s favourite sandwich was a simple yet flavour-packed mortadella sandwich. It features just five ingredients: a fresh roll, mortadella, provolone cheese, mayo, and Dijon mustard. The balance of rich mortadella, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy mustard is what makes it so memorable.

What fast food did Anthony Bourdain like?
Bourdain wasn’t shy about his love for fast food, particularly In-N-Out Burger. He praised their burgers for being simple and honest. He often mentioned that In-N-Out was one of his go-to fast food choices.

What makes a good mortadella?
A good mortadella has a delicate, buttery texture with a slight sweetness and rich, savoury flavour. High-quality mortadella is made with finely ground pork, carefully seasoned, and often includes small cubes of fat to enhance its flavour and texture.

What cheese goes well with mortadella?
Provolone is a classic pairing with mortadella because its mild flavour complements the rich meat without overpowering it. Other cheeses that work well include mozzarella, fontina, or even Swiss, depending on your taste preference.