Pickle Sandwich (1916) on Sandwiches of History
Pickle Sandwich (1916) on Sandwiches of History is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Sandwiches of History on YouTube.
Prep: 11 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 16 min
Cost: $11.74 total, $5.87 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 slices White Sandwich Bread (soft, standard sliced bread)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened for easy spreading)
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (store‑bought jarred mayo)
- 2 tablespoons Whipped Cream (heavy‑cream whipped to soft peaks)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Horseradish (finely shredded)
- 3 tablespoons Dill Pickles (chopped, preferably crunchy)
- 4 ounces Cooked Beef (Roast Beef) (chopped into small pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground, generous amount)
Instructions
Prepare the Fillings
Finely chop the dill pickles, shred the fresh horseradish, and dice the cooked roast beef into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Make the Pickle‑Horseradish Spread
In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, whipped cream, the shredded horseradish, and the chopped pickles. Stir until evenly mixed.
Time: PT2M
Butter the Bread
Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Time: PT1M
Assemble the Sandwich
Lay two buttered bread slices face‑up. Spread a generous layer of the pickle‑horseradish mixture on each slice, then sprinkle the chopped roast beef over the spread. Add another dollop of the mixture on top of the beef, and finish with a liberal dusting of freshly ground black pepper.
Time: PT2M
Finish and Serve
Place the remaining buttered bread slices on top, cut the sandwiches diagonally if desired, and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 18 g
- Carbohydrates
- 38 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: non‑vegetarian, contains dairy, contains egg, contains gluten
Allergens: milk, egg, wheat, beef
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of White Sandwich Bread: whole wheat bread, rye bread
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil spread
- Instead of Mayonnaise: homemade mayo, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Whipped Cream: light whipped topping, creme fraiche
- Instead of Fresh Horseradish: prepared horseradish, wasabi paste (less pungent)
- Instead of Dill Pickles: gherkin pickles, pickled cucumbers
- Instead of Cooked Beef (Roast Beef): cooked turkey, ham
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper, ground cayenne (use less)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon
- Butter Knife
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Finely chopping the pickles and horseradish to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Mixing the mayonnaise and whipped cream thoroughly with the pickles and horseradish.
- Evenly spreading the mixture on buttered bread before adding the beef.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an authentic 1916 feel, use a butter churned from cream if you have access to it.
- A light drizzle of vinegar on the pickles before chopping adds extra tang.
- Use a microplane grater for the horseradish to achieve a fine texture that blends smoothly.
Troubleshooting
The spread is too watery.
Add a little more mayonnaise or whipped cream to thicken, or let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the pickles to release excess liquid.
The sandwich is too soggy after a short wait.
Toast the bread lightly before assembling, or spread a thin layer of butter on the inside of the bread to create a moisture barrier.
Horseradish flavor is too mild.
Increase the amount of freshly shredded horseradish by another teaspoon, or let the spread rest longer for the flavors to meld.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; the whipped cream may separate when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; keep away from direct sunlight.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the pickle‑horseradish spread up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- Chop the pickles and beef in advance; keep them in separate containers to maintain texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Pickle Sandwich in early 20th‑century American cuisine?
The Pickle Sandwich appears in the 1916 "Salad, Sandwiches, and Chafing Dish Recipes" collection, reflecting a period when American cooks experimented with bold, tangy flavors using pantry staples like pickles, mayonnaise, and canned meats. It showcases the era’s fascination with convenience foods—store‑bought mayo and pre‑cooked beef—while still emphasizing homemade touches such as fresh horseradish.
What regional variations of pickle‑forward sandwiches existed in the United States during the 1910s?
In the Midwest, dill pickle sandwiches often featured a simple spread of mustard and pickles on rye bread, while in the Northeast, versions added cheese and a splash of vinegar. The 1916 Pickle Sandwich is unique for its inclusion of whipped cream and horseradish, giving it a richer, more layered flavor profile.
How was the original 1916 Pickle Sandwich traditionally served?
The original recipe was served as a cold, open‑face sandwich at luncheon tables or as a snack during afternoon tea. It was typically presented on a chafing dish to keep the bread from drying out, with extra pickles on the side for garnish.
What occasions or celebrations would a 1916 Pickle Sandwich have been associated with in early American culture?
Pickle sandwiches were popular at picnics, railway dining car meals, and informal family gatherings. Their portable nature made them a convenient choice for summer outings and wartime “victory gardens” meals where fresh produce like pickles was prized.
What authentic ingredients were used in the original 1916 Pickle Sandwich versus modern substitutes?
The authentic version relied on homemade mayonnaise, fresh horseradish, and dill pickles cured in brine. Modern cooks often substitute store‑bought mayo, pre‑shredded horseradish, and jarred pickles, which still capture the essential flavor while saving time.
What other early‑20th‑century American dishes pair well with the Pickle Sandwich?
Pairs nicely with a classic potato salad, deviled eggs, or a simple cucumber‑tomato salad dressed with vinaigrette. A glass of lightly chilled milk or a sweet lemonade balances the sandwich’s tangy bite.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Pickle Sandwich?
Common errors include over‑mixing the spread, which can make it watery, and using overly soft bread that becomes soggy. Also, adding too much horseradish can overwhelm the delicate balance of flavors.
Why does this Pickle Sandwich recipe use both mayonnaise and whipped cream instead of just one creamy element?
The combination provides a richer mouthfeel; mayonnaise contributes tang and stability, while whipped cream adds lightness and a subtle sweetness that tempers the sharpness of the horseradish and dill pickles.
Can I make the Pickle Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the pickle‑horseradish spread up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Assemble the sandwiches no more than a few hours before serving; otherwise, the bread may become soggy.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Pickle Sandwich is done?
The spread should be creamy yet speckled with visible pickle pieces. The bread should stay crisp on the outside (or lightly toasted) while the interior remains soft. The beef should be evenly distributed and the black pepper should give a faint speckled finish.
What does the YouTube channel Sandwiches of History specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sandwiches of History specializes in recreating historic sandwich recipes from different eras, exploring the culinary context, ingredients, and techniques of each period while providing modern adaptations for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Sandwiches of History's approach to historic American sandwiches differ from other cooking channels?
Sandwiches of History focuses exclusively on the evolution of sandwich culture, using primary source cookbooks and period‑accurate ingredients, whereas most cooking channels cover a broader range of dishes without the same depth of historical research.
Last updated: August 22, 2026
