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Super Delicious O’Brien’s Sandwich

The memory is etched in my mind: a crisp autumn day, the scent of woodsmoke in the air, and the collective cheer of friends gathered around a TV, captivated by a nail-biting football game. But the real MVP of that day wasn’t on the field; it was the colossal sandwich, crafted by our friends, the O’Briens. Layers upon layers of savory goodness piled high, it was a culinary masterpiece that fueled our excitement and cemented the O’Brien’s Super Sandwich as a legendary staple of our gatherings. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing creation that’s perfect for sharing…if you can bear to part with a slice!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Yield: 1 large sandwich
Dietary Type: Not specified, contains meat and dairy

Ingredients

10-inch round loaf pumpernickel bread
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
¼ lb roast beef, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
6 slices Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons honey dijon mustard
¼ lb ham, thinly sliced
1 tomato, thinly sliced
6 slices bacon, fried until crisp
6 slices American cheese
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon butter, softened

Equipment Needed

Large serrated bread knife
Baking sheet

Instructions

Begin by carefully slicing the pumpernickel bread horizontally into 6 equal layers. A good serrated bread knife is essential for this step to ensure clean, even slices.
On the bottom bread layer, spread the horseradish evenly. The amount of horseradish can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less; if you crave a bolder kick, add more.
Next, layer the thinly sliced roast beef over the horseradish. Ensure the roast beef is distributed evenly across the bread, reaching close to the edges.
Place the second slice of bread on top of the roast beef.
On the bread slice you just placed, spread the mayonnaise evenly. This will act as a binder for the next layer.
Arrange the Swiss cheese slices around the mayonnaise. You can slightly overlap the slices to ensure full coverage.
Top the Swiss cheese with the third slice of bread.
Spread the honey dijon mustard on the bread slice. The sweetness of the honey and the tang of the Dijon create a delightful contrast.
Layer the thinly sliced ham over the honey dijon mustard. Again, make sure the ham is evenly distributed.
Place the fourth slice of bread on top of the ham.
Arrange the tomato slices around the bread, followed by the crispy fried bacon. Make sure the tomato and bacon are evenly distributed for the best flavor in every bite.
Place the fifth slice of bread on top of the bacon and tomato.
Layer the American cheese and thinly sliced red onion evenly across the bread. The American cheese will melt beautifully in the oven, and the red onion adds a pleasant bite.
Top the American cheese and red onion with the last piece of sliced bread.
Spread the top slice of bread generously with the softened butter. This will help the top crust turn golden brown and crispy in the oven.
Place the assembled sandwich on a baking sheet. I find it easiest to assemble the sandwich directly on the baking sheet to avoid having to move it later.
Bake the sandwich, uncovered, in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown. If your oven tends to run hot, keep a close eye on the sandwich to prevent it from burning. Some ovens may require a lower temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) and a longer baking time (around 30 minutes) for the sandwich to be heated through without burning the top. The best way to test for doneness is to gently press down on the sandwich; it should feel warm and slightly soft to the touch.
Allow the sandwich to cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing into wedges. This will prevent the fillings from sliding out when you cut it.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a thin layer of pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to one of the bread slices.
If you want to prepare the sandwich ahead of time, assemble it completely but hold off on buttering the top slice of bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, butter the top slice and bake as directed.
To prevent the bottom bread layer from becoming soggy, lightly toast it before assembling the sandwich.
For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese instead of American cheese, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mayonnaise.
If you don’t have pumpernickel bread, you can substitute it with another type of hearty bread, such as sourdough or rye.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the O’Brien’s Super Sandwich warm, sliced into wedges. It’s fantastic on its own, but also pairs well with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. For a truly indulgent experience, serve it with a bowl of creamy tomato soup.

Leftovers should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the wedges in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the bread may become slightly soggy.

I don’t recommend freezing this sandwich, as the texture of the bread and fillings may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	387 kcal	19%
Total Fat	29.5g	45%
Saturated Fat	14.1g	70%
Cholesterol	84.4mg	28%
Sodium	799.9mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	6.5g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.4g	1%
Sugars	1.8g	7%
Protein	24g	47%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: Replace the roast beef, ham, and bacon with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Use provolone or mozzarella cheese instead of the meat-based options.
Spicy Version: Add a layer of pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
Italian Version: Use ciabatta bread, provolone cheese, and add salami and prosciutto. Spread with pesto instead of mayonnaise.
Thanksgiving Leftover Version: Use cranberry sauce instead of honey dijon mustard, and add sliced turkey and stuffing.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! While pumpernickel gives it a distinctive flavor, sourdough or rye are excellent alternatives. Choose a sturdy loaf that can hold the fillings.

Q: Can I assemble the sandwich ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Just hold off on buttering the top until you’re ready to bake.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
A: Lightly toasting the bottom slice of bread before assembling the sandwich helps create a barrier against the moisture from the fillings.

Q: Can I add other cheeses to the sandwich?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, such as provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar.

Q: What’s the best way to cut the sandwich?
A: Use a large, sharp serrated knife to slice the sandwich into wedges. Allow the sandwich to cool slightly before cutting to prevent the fillings from sliding out.

Final Thoughts

The O’Brien’s Super Sandwich is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, friendship, and shared moments. It’s an invitation to gather around the table, share a laugh, and savor the simple pleasures of life. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own, adding your personal touch and creating new memories along the way. Don’t hesitate to share your feedback and variations with me. Pair this sandwich with a crisp, refreshing beer or a glass of iced tea for the ultimate experience. Happy cooking!

Super Delicious O’brien’s Sandwich Recipe