Cheese Options For Tri-Tip Sandwiches: A Quick Guide

Tri-tip sandwiches are a delicious and easy meal that can be made with various toppings and ingredients. The key ingredient is, of course, the tri-tip, a cut of beef that is often grilled and served with some beans and buttery garlic bread. The tri-tip is then placed between two slices of bread, along with other ingredients, to make a hearty sandwich. While there are many ways to make a tri-tip sandwich, one popular option is to include melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a creamy horseradish sauce.

Provolone cheese

When making a tri-tip sandwich with provolone, it is important to slice the cheese thinly so that it melts nicely. It is also important to toast the bread so that the cheese softens and becomes melty.

A typical recipe for a tri-tip sandwich with provolone cheese might include the following steps:

• Slice the tri-tip thinly.
• Lightly toast your bread and add a slice of cheese while it is still warm so that the cheese softens.
• Spread a sauce, such as garlic aioli, horseradish sauce, or honey mustard, on the bread.
• Add the sliced tri-tip, followed by toppings such as caramelised onions, arugula, lettuce, or spinach.
• Place the sandwich under the grill or in an air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
• Serve immediately so that the bread remains crispy.

Ciabatta bread

When using ciabatta bread for tri-tip sandwiches, it is recommended to slice the bread in half and toast it before assembling the sandwich. This can be done on a griddle, skillet, or under a broiler. Some recipes also suggest lightly brushing the bread with olive oil or butter before toasting for added flavour and texture.

The versatility of ciabatta bread allows for different variations and substitutions. While ciabatta is a common choice, other types of bread such as hoagie rolls, French bread, baguettes, or brioche buns can also be used. Additionally, the bread can be toasted to varying degrees of brownness depending on personal preference.

When assembling the tri-tip sandwich on ciabatta bread, the bottom half of the roll is typically spread with a sauce, such as creamy horseradish sauce, mayonnaise, or mustard. The sliced tri-tip is then placed on the sauce, followed by toppings such as caramelized onions, arugula, or pickled red onions. Finally, the sandwich is topped with cheese, such as provolone, American cheese, or smoked gouda, which melts over the warm ingredients.

Horseradish sauce

Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise: Use regular mayonnaise as a base for your sauce.
• Horseradish: Prepared horseradish adds a sharp, pungent flavour. You can adjust the amount to your taste preference.
• Sour Cream: This will add a tangy, creamy texture to the sauce.
• Lemon: A dash of lemon juice or lemon zest will bring a bright, acidic note to the sauce.
• Seasonings: Include salt and pepper to taste. You can also add minced garlic for a savoury kick. For a sweeter sauce, add a touch of honey to balance the sharpness of the horseradish.

Instructions:

• Combine the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, horseradish, sour cream, lemon juice or zest, and seasonings.
• Mix well: Use a whisk or a spoon to mix all the ingredients until they are fully incorporated and you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Chill: Place the sauce in the refrigerator to chill. This will allow the flavours to meld and develop.
• Adjust to taste: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning or add more horseradish to your preference.

The horseradish sauce is now ready to be used on your tri-tip sandwich! Spread it generously on your roll or bread of choice, and layer with the thinly sliced tri-tip, melted cheese, and your choice of toppings such as caramelized onions, arugula, or lettuce.

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the quantities to suit your taste. You can also try adding other ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce or garlic butter to create a unique and delicious horseradish sauce for your tri-tip sandwich.

Red onions

To make caramelised red onions, slice the onions and sauté them in olive oil or butter. When some pieces start to brown, add brown sugar and a pinch of salt, then cook on a low heat until softened. You can also add balsamic vinegar to amp up the flavour.

If you're short on time, you can make a big batch of caramelised onions ahead of time and keep them in the fridge, as they're a great addition to a variety of meals.

Arugula

When making a tri-tip sandwich, it is important to consider the order in which the ingredients are assembled. Arugula should be added after the cheese has been melted, along with other toppings such as pickled red onions. This ensures that the texture of the arugula remains fresh and crisp, and does not become soggy.

The amount of arugula used in a tri-tip sandwich can vary depending on personal preference. A handful of arugula, or about 1/2 cup, is usually enough to add flavour to the sandwich without overwhelming the other ingredients.

In addition to its flavour and texture, arugula also provides some nutritional benefits to the sandwich. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Arugula also contains antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals.

Overall, arugula is an important ingredient in a tri-tip sandwich, adding a fresh, peppery flavour and a healthy boost to the classic dish.

Frequently asked questions