Oven-Baked Spam Sandwiches: Crispy, Cheesy Comfort Food
Spam, that iconic canned cooked pork, often evokes strong opinions. Some adore it for its salty, savory flavor and versatility, while others remain skeptical. However, even the staunchest Spam critics might be converted by the sheer deliciousness of oven-baked Spam sandwiches. This recipe transforms Spam into a crispy, cheesy, and utterly comforting meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a nostalgic late-night snack. Forget any preconceived notions – these sandwiches are a flavor explosion waiting to happen!
This recipe features thick slices of Spam, crisped to perfection in the oven, nestled between layers of melted cheese and your favorite sandwich fixings, all on toasted bread. The oven-baking process ensures the Spam becomes delightfully crispy while the cheese melts into gooey goodness, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. It’s a simple yet surprisingly sophisticated way to enjoy Spam.
## Why Oven-Baked Spam Sandwiches?
You might be wondering, why bake Spam sandwiches in the oven? Here are a few compelling reasons:
* **Crispy Spam:** Oven-baking allows the Spam to crisp up evenly on all sides, creating a satisfyingly crunchy exterior. Frying can be greasy, and microwaving often results in a rubbery texture. The oven delivers perfectly crispy Spam every time.
* **Melted Cheese Perfection:** The oven’s gentle heat ensures the cheese melts evenly and completely, enveloping the Spam and other ingredients in a blanket of gooey deliciousness. This is crucial for achieving the ultimate comfort food experience.
* **Hands-Off Cooking:** Once the sandwiches are assembled, you simply pop them in the oven and let them bake. This frees you up to prepare other sides or simply relax while dinner cooks itself.
* **Enhanced Flavors:** Baking allows the flavors of the Spam, cheese, and other ingredients to meld together, creating a more complex and satisfying taste.
* **Less Mess:** Compared to frying, baking Spam sandwiches is a much cleaner and less messy process.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients. Feel free to customize them to your liking!
* **Spam:** The star of the show! One 12-ounce can of Spam is usually enough for 4-6 sandwiches, depending on how thick you slice it.
* **Bread:** Choose your favorite sandwich bread. Sliced white bread, sourdough, brioche, or even rolls work well. For extra flavor, consider using garlic bread.
* **Cheese:** Use your favorite melting cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere are all excellent choices. Feel free to mix and match!
* **Butter or Mayonnaise:** For spreading on the bread to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust.
* **Mustard:** Adds a tangy kick. Yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, or spicy brown mustard all work well.
* **Pickles:** Sliced dill pickles or sweet pickles provide a welcome contrast to the richness of the Spam and cheese.
* **Lettuce:** Adds a refreshing crunch. Iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, or butter lettuce are all good options.
* **Tomato:** Sliced tomatoes add a juicy sweetness.
* **Onion:** Thinly sliced red onion or white onion adds a sharp, pungent flavor.
* **Bell Pepper:** Thinly sliced bell pepper adds a sweet and slightly crunchy texture.
* **Optional Toppings:** Get creative! Consider adding sliced jalapenos, avocado, bacon, or your favorite hot sauce.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create delicious oven-baked Spam sandwiches:
**Step 1: Prepare the Spam**
* Carefully remove the Spam from the can.
* Slice the Spam into ¼-inch to ½-inch thick slices. The thickness depends on your preference. Thicker slices will be chewier, while thinner slices will crisp up more easily.
**Step 2: Crisp the Spam**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the Spam from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* Arrange the Spam slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
* Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the Spam is golden brown and crispy around the edges. Flip the slices halfway through baking to ensure even crisping.
**Step 3: Prepare the Bread**
* While the Spam is baking, prepare your bread. Spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. This will help the bread toast up nicely in the oven.
**Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches**
* Once the Spam is crispy, remove it from the oven.
* Place the buttered or mayonnaise-covered side of the bread down on the baking sheet.
* Layer the cheese on top of the bread slices. Be generous – the more cheese, the better!
* Top the cheese with the crispy Spam slices.
* Add any additional toppings you desire, such as mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, or bell pepper.
* Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered or mayonnaise-covered side up.
**Step 5: Bake the Sandwiches**
* Place the assembled sandwiches back in the oven.
* Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown and toasted.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Remove the sandwiches from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
* Slice the sandwiches in half (optional) and serve immediately.
* Enjoy your delicious oven-baked Spam sandwiches!
## Tips and Variations
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Spam before baking for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet and Savory:** Try adding a layer of pineapple slices or caramelized onions for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
* **Garlic Lovers:** Rub the bread with a clove of garlic before toasting for extra flavor.
* **Use Different Breads:** Experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta, to add variety to your sandwiches.
* **Add a Sauce:** Drizzle your favorite sauce, such as sriracha mayo, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard, over the Spam before adding the cheese.
* **Make it a Melt:** For a truly decadent experience, use a panini press or grill pan to melt the cheese and toast the bread. Press gently until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
* **Breakfast Spam Sandwich:** Add a fried egg to your Spam sandwich for a hearty and delicious breakfast.
* **Hawaiian Spam Sandwich:** Combine Spam with pineapple, Swiss cheese, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce for a taste of the tropics.
* **Cuban Spam Sandwich:** Layer Spam with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, then press in a panini press until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
## Serving Suggestions
Oven-baked Spam sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides:
* **French Fries:** A classic pairing.
* **Potato Salad:** A creamy and refreshing side.
* **Coleslaw:** A crunchy and tangy side.
* **Macaroni Salad:** A classic comfort food side.
* **Soup:** Tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or broccoli cheddar soup are all great options.
* **Salad:** A green salad or a Caesar salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwiches.
* **Fruit Salad:** A refreshing and healthy option.
* **Pickled Vegetables:** Add a jar of assorted pickled vegetables like carrots, green beans, and asparagus. The vinegary tang cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
## Spam: A Brief History
Spam was first introduced by Hormel Foods Corporation in 1937. It quickly gained popularity during World War II, as it was a convenient and affordable source of protein for soldiers and civilians alike. After the war, Spam continued to be a staple in many households, particularly in Hawaii and other parts of the Pacific. While Spam has sometimes been the subject of jokes and stereotypes, it remains a beloved food for many people around the world.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
The nutritional information for an oven-baked Spam sandwich will vary depending on the ingredients you use. However, here is an approximate breakdown based on a sandwich made with 2 slices of bread, 2 slices of Spam, 1 ounce of cheddar cheese, and a small amount of lettuce and tomato:
* **Calories:** 400-500
* **Fat:** 25-35 grams
* **Saturated Fat:** 10-15 grams
* **Cholesterol:** 70-90 milligrams
* **Sodium:** 1000-1200 milligrams
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40 grams
* **Protein:** 20-25 grams
Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Be sure to check the nutrition labels of the specific ingredients you use for more accurate information.
## Making it Vegetarian or Vegan
While the original recipe features Spam, it’s not impossible to create a vegetarian or vegan version of these oven-baked sandwiches. Here are some suggestions:
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the Spam with thick slices of grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu. Halloumi has a similar salty and savory flavor to Spam and crisps up nicely in the oven. Tofu should be pressed to remove excess water and then marinated in a savory sauce before grilling or baking.
* **Vegan:** Replace the Spam with marinated and baked tempeh bacon or smoky flavored tofu slices. Use vegan cheese alternatives and ensure your bread and other toppings are also vegan-friendly. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor to the tofu or tempeh.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* **Can I use a different type of cheese?**
Yes, absolutely! Use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
* **Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?**
It’s best to assemble and bake the sandwiches right before serving to ensure the Spam is crispy and the cheese is melted. However, you can prepare the Spam slices and other toppings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
* **How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?**
Make sure to spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread slices before baking. This will create a protective barrier and help the bread stay crispy.
* **Can I freeze these sandwiches?**
It’s not recommended to freeze these sandwiches, as the texture of the Spam and cheese may change after thawing.
* **What is the best way to reheat leftover sandwiches?**
Reheat leftover sandwiches in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven or a skillet over medium heat.
## The Bottom Line
Oven-baked Spam sandwiches are a surprisingly delicious and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy Spam, melted cheese, and customizable toppings, these sandwiches are sure to become a new family favorite. So, go ahead and give them a try – you might just be surprised at how much you love them! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own signature Spam sandwich. Whether you’re a long-time Spam enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these oven-baked sandwiches are a must-try recipe. Enjoy!