Burgers vs. sandwiches. It is a debate as old as time. Are burgers and sandwiches the same? Is a burger just a subcategory of a sandwich? Or are they completely different? In the are of delicious bread and fillings, let’s discover the delicious sandwiches and burgers in the world of fast food.
What is a sandwich?
In order to know the difference between a sandwich and a burger, we must first know what a sandwich is. A sandwich, in the simplest of terms, are two slices of bread, or one bread is folded over to hold a variety of fillings. Fillings may consist of meat, cheese, sauce, vegetables, or a spread. Sandwiches are a staple food and are known for their ease of preparation and flexibility.
Types of Sandwiches
There are many types of sandwiches. ham and cheese is a classic. But you can also find more complicated sandwiches like the club sandwich. Here are a few different options people like.
Submarine Sandwiches are long sandwiches, typically with a hoagie or sub roll, filled with meat, cheese and different sauces or condiments.
Club sandwiches usually have layered turkey, bacon, abundant lettuce, and tomato.
Grilled cheese is a sandwich that is liked by many. It may be simple, but is made with two slices of bread that are toasted and filled with melted cheese.
What Goes into Making a Burger?
by Samuel Regan-Asante
Now, we can focus on a burger. A burger has a main ingredient; a ground meat patty, often beef, and is a meat sandwich served in a bun. Burgers, as meat sandwiches, showcase meat patties and are served with toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, pickles, onions, and different sauces and spices.
Classifications of Burgers
Burgers are also classified into several types of which each one has a different twist.
- Cheeseburgers: Meat patties on cheeseburgers come with a slice of cheese on top which is melted.
- Veggie Burgers: Pattys on veggie burgers are made of vegetables and legumes and other options for vegetarians.
- Bacon Burgers: Meat patties on bacon burgers come with toppings made of bacon which are fried and crispy.
Burgers vs. Sandwiches
While burgers and sandwiches are similar in nature, there are a few primary differences.
Bread
Bread is a usual ingredient in sandwiches and it is often sliced, and any sort of bread can be used such as white and wheat, as well as rye and sourdough. For a sandwich, bread is served in a bun, which is round and varies in texture and flavor.
Main Filling
The main filling in a sandwich can be anything from meat to a combination of cold cuts and vegetables to even a spread such as peanut butter and jelly. But a burger’s main filling will always be a cooked meat patty, usually beef.
Method of Preparation
Preparation of a sandwich will be toasting it lightly, if toasting at all, while a burger will be grilled or fried. This added cooking of the patty gives it flavors that most sandwiches will not have. Smash N Burger Combo Picks
Common Perception
Burgers have a cultural perception of being fast food and American; a hearty food option associated with comfort. Sandwiches, however, can be seen as more universal and are (and they are) often seen as more widespread as they can be used in a meal from every culture.
And This Leads Us To
And this brings us to the question we have all been waiting to answer, is a burger a sandwich? The answer is yes, as it fully meets the requirements as defined in the broad definition of a sandwich. Most people (and those in the culinary industry) however do not see it that way due to a differing cultural perception of burgers along with the fact that they hold specific characteristics that differ from those of a sandwich.
Concluding thoughts
This debate brings forth a blend of fun arguments and tasty opinions. While these two types of food share some characteristics, the major differences include the type of bread, core ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural aspects. From the personalization of a sandwich, to the rich contrast of a burger, these two types of food fulfill the needs of a large variety of customers.
So, the next you are wondering to order a sandwich or a burger, think about the differences of each. No matter which you choose, you are definitely getting a tasty food experience.