The country may be divided right now but one thing we can all agree on is the majesty of a good sandwich. So much more than just two slices of bread with filling inside, a good sammy can lift your spirits, take your lunch hour (or, let’s face it, lunch minutes) from boring to wow and even cause you to travel long distances when a craving hits.
Food & Wine sussed out the best sandwiches in each state and the one they selected as the best in New Jersey may surprise you. In the article, Connecticut is recognized for its Connecticut-style lobster roll, New York is praised for its pastrami on rye (with mustard, never mayo, oy!) and Pennsylvania for a roast pork sandwich (surprisingly, not a cheese steak!).
New Jersey is called out on the list for our fine Italian delis and the mouth-watering subs and sandwiches these local joints make. There are great ones in every NJ neighborhood, says F&W, but the sandwich they praise as the best is a fresh mozzarella and pepper sandwich at Hoboken’s M&P Biancamano.
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“Hoboken’s M&P Biancamano has been in business for a whole century, with the same cheesemaker for over 30 years,” says Food & Wine. “We weren’t going to play favorites, but their fresh mozzarella and pepper sandwich—a thing of simple beauty, on some very fine bread—might be one of the country’s best sandwiches, period.”
Those are strong words of praise for a sandwich, but we can’t argue that it looks and sounds absolutely delicious. Food & Wine also gives a shout out to White House Subs in Atlantic City in the article, where a “half sandwich” is a foot long.
If you can’t make it to Hoboken and are craving this sandwich, fear not – it comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. Try this recipe from Two Peas in a Pod:
- 8 slices ciabatta bread (or other crusty bread
- 1 cup baby arugula
- 8 oz. jarred roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
- 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic for drizzling (optional)
Layer arugula, roasted red peppers, tomato slices and mozzarella slices on one piece of the bread. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Top with another piece of bread. Cut and serve!
This makes 4 servings so you could even show your Jersey pride make it for dinner tonight!