Don’t play bridge? No worries, you don’t have to play bridge to enjoy a Bridge Sandwich Loaf. Coming to you from 1934, the Bridge Loaf is a molded sandwich loaf filled with ham and eggs and frosted with cheese.
You may be saying, “Wait a minute: did you say molded sandwich loaf?” Yes! As we say around here: there is no need to fear the loaf. Think of it as a fancy way to serve sandwiches by transforming your humdrum two-slices of bread and filling into a savory layer cake complete with “frosting”.
The original recipe called for Wonder Bread. We recommend using it or a thick-cut white bread like “Texas Toast”. The density of the bread is important in this recipe. Our store’s generic white bread was so thinly sliced that it did not hold up and became too soggy for our taste.
Bridge Sandwich Loaf - 1964
Equipment
- Wax Paper or plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 16 slices White Bread (Thick sliced is best)
- ½ stick Butter (Softened)
- 2 cups Minced Cooked ham
- 4 Hard Boiled Eggs
- 1 Tbs Onion (Finely Minced or Grated)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 3 Tbs Milk
- Paprika (optional)
Instructions
- On a large sheet of wax paper, remove crusts from bread and butter each side. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ham, eggs, onion, and mayonnaise.
Assembly
- Working on the sheet of wax paper, spread the ham mixture on a slice of bread. Top with another slice and repeat until all mix and bread are used.
- Gently press the stack together and lay it down on wax paper. Pull up the edges of the paper to wrap, pulling it taunt to help form the loaf shape. Tape to secure or wrap tightly with plastic wrap to help maintain its shape.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours to set.
Frosting & Serving
- 30 minutes before serving prepare frosting by whisking together cream cheese and milk until smooth and fluffy.
- Unwrap loaf and place on a serving plate. Frost as you would a cake. Garnish with lettuce, veggies (like craved radishes), olives, and/or a dusting of paprika. Chill until ready to serve.
- To serve, cut thick slices at a diagonal.
Suggestions for making Bridge Sandwich Loaf
+ Substitute minced ham with chopped canned ham (such as Spam), canned chicken, or tuna
+ Sprinkle paprika, salt and pepper on each sandwich layer during assembly
+ Add 1/8 cup shelled sunflower seeds or slivered almonds to mix or use for garnish
Source
Adapted from a recipe appearing in Wonder Bread’s “The Wonder Book of Good Meals [World’s Fair Edition]” 1934.
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