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

  1. Prepare the Fillings

    Finely chop the dill pickles, shred the fresh horseradish, and dice the cooked roast beef into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  2. 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

  3. Butter the Bread

    Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.

    Time: PT1M

  4. 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

  5. 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

Last updated: April 9, 2026

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Pickle Sandwich (1916) on Sandwiches of History

Recipe by Sandwiches of History

A nostalgic recreation of the 1916 Pickle Sandwich from the historic "Salad, Sandwiches, and Chafing Dish Recipes of 1916" collection. This sandwich layers a creamy, tangy pickle‑horseradish spread on buttered bread, topped with chopped roast beef and a generous dusting of black pepper for a bite‑full, vintage flavor.

EasyAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
21m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.74
Total cost
$5.87
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • Fresh horseradish can cause eye irritation; handle with care and wash hands after use.
  • Use a stable cutting board to prevent the knife from slipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Pickle Sandwich in early 20th‑century American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of pickle‑forward sandwiches existed in the United States during the 1910s?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How was the original 1916 Pickle Sandwich traditionally served?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations would a 1916 Pickle Sandwich have been associated with in early American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients were used in the original 1916 Pickle Sandwich versus modern substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other early‑20th‑century American dishes pair well with the Pickle Sandwich?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Pickle Sandwich?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Pickle Sandwich recipe use both mayonnaise and whipped cream instead of just one creamy element?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make the Pickle Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Pickle Sandwich is done?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sandwiches of History specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Sandwiches of History's approach to historic American sandwiches differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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