The New American Sandwich

Mayonnaise, move over. Today’s best sandwiches take advantage of the many spreads, pickles, condiments and relishes available in specialty markets to create combinations that make lunch an occasion. With so many enticing sandwich options, you may decide to have lunch for dinner, too.

Mustards

Venture beyond plain Dijon to some of the flavored mustards that can make a signature sandwich. A few thoughts:

• Shaved pork tenderloin sandwich with apple mustard
• Grilled sausage sandwich with habanero-honey mustard
• Honey-cured ham sandwich with wasabi mustard
• Warm brisket sandwich with barbecue mustard
• Cornmeal-fried oyster po’ boy with sun-dried tomato mustard

Rouille

This spicy Provençal mayonnaise includes roasted red peppers and plenty of garlic. Some possible uses:

• Grilled tuna sandwich with mesclun, red onions and rouille
• Prime beef burger on focaccia with rouille
• Maine lobster roll with rouille
• Rare roast lamb sandwich with arugula and rouille
• Grilled eggplant and Portobello mushroom sandwich with rouille

Relishes

Relishes can bring new life to even the most humdrum of sandwiches:

• Roast turkey and Jarlsberg sandwich on rye with roasted red pepper-onion dip
• Organic hot dog with roasted red pepper relish
• Grilled cheese sandwich with peppered Mission fig jam
• Seared tuna sandwich with ginger wasabi sauce
• Chicken sandwich with kalamata sun-dried tomato relish

Other Toppers

• Heirloom tomato and arugula sandwich with aioli
• Shaved roast lamb sandwich with goat cheese and tapenade
• Grilled mozzarella and caponata sandwich
• Ground turkey burger with cranberry chutney
• Fried shrimp sandwich with shredded romaine and romesco