Sandwiches were named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, an 18th-century English aristocrat. It is said that he ordered his valet to bring him meat tucked between two pieces of bread, and others began to order "the same as Sandwich!" It is commonly said that Lord Sandwich was fond of this form of food because it allowed him to continue playing cards, particularly cribbage, while eating, without using a fork, and without getting his cards greasy from eating meat with his bare hands. Before being known as sandwiches, this food combination seems to simply have been known as "bread and meat" or "bread and cheese"
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Bread | ![]() |
Corned Beef | ![]() |
Mustard, cheese, 1/2 sweet onion and 4 tablespoons of butter |
How to make it
- Place 4 bread slices on a chopping board.
- Spread mustard on 1 side of each.
- Divide corned beef among bread slices. Top with cheese and onion. Cover with remaining 4 bread slices, pressing slightly to adhere.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in each of 2 large nonstick skillets over medium heat.
- Place 2 sandwiches in each skillet and cook until golden brown on bottom, pressing occasionally with spatula, about 3 minutes.
- Turn sandwiches over and cook until golden on bottom and cheese melts, about 3 minutes. Transfer sandwiches to plates, cut in half, and serve with some juice.