Aussie Club Sandwich Towers
Experience the delight of Aussie Club Sandwich Towers, an iconic finger food loved across Australia. These delightful layered sandwiches, often referred to as ribbon sandwiches, are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or any casual lunch. Each tower features creamy layers of delicious cream cheese, savory ham, fresh tomatoes, and flavorful mashed eggs, all sandwiched between soft bread, creating a perfect blend of textures and flavors. They're not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve them at your next event, and watch them vanish!
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
bread
1 loaf (sliced lengthways)
cream cheese spread
1 (500 g) jar (softened)
eggs
5 (hard cooked, mashed, seasoned)
tomatoes
2-3 (sliced thinly)
ham
200 g (shaved thinly)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing your loaf of bread lengthways into 8 equal slices, ensuring they are thick enough to hold the fillings without tearing.
2
If your cream cheese is too firm, soften it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easily spreadable without damaging the bread.
3
Lay out 8 slices of bread on a clean surface. Generously spread cream cheese on each slice as you would with butter for a regular sandwich.
4
For the first sandwich, layer the ingredients as follows: Place a slice of ham on the first slice of bread, then add another slice of bread on top.
5
Add a layer of thinly sliced tomatoes on this second slice of bread, followed by another slice of bread.
6
Spread the seasoned mashed eggs on top of the third slice and finish with the final slice of bread on top.
7
Ensure to season each layer with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
8
Repeat the layering process for the remaining slices of bread and fillings until you have created 5 sandwich towers.
9
To help with cutting, insert 12 cocktail sticks into each sandwich tower at even intervals to guide your cuts.
10
Using an electric knife, carefully trim off the crusts from each sandwich tower. Then, cut each stack into 12 equal bite-sized pieces.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Aussie Club Sandwich Towers?
Aussie Club Sandwich Towers, also known as ribbon sandwiches, are iconic Australian finger foods featuring layers of cream cheese, ham, tomatoes, and mashed eggs between soft bread.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
A standard loaf of bread sliced lengthways into 8 equal slices is recommended to create the long ribbon effect.
How do I soften the cream cheese?
If the cream cheese is too firm, you can soften it in the microwave for a few seconds until it is easily spreadable.
What are the specific layers in these sandwiches?
The layers consist of bread and cream cheese followed by ham, then bread and tomatoes, and finally bread with seasoned mashed eggs topped with a final slice of bread.
How many sandwich towers does this recipe make?
Following the proportions in the instructions, the recipe allows you to create 5 full sandwich towers.
How do I ensure the sandwiches are cut neatly?
Insert 12 cocktail sticks into each tower at even intervals to act as guides and hold the layers together while you cut.
What is the best tool for cutting the sandwiches?
An electric knife is the best tool for trimming crusts and cutting the stacks into equal pieces without squashing the bread.
How many individual pieces does the recipe yield?
The recipe produces approximately 24 servings when the towers are cut into bite-sized pieces.
How should the eggs be prepared for the filling?
The eggs should be hard-cooked, mashed thoroughly, and seasoned with salt and pepper before being added to the sandwich.
Should the crusts be removed?
Yes, trimming the crusts from the sandwich towers is a key step to achieving the traditional ribbon sandwich look.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, these sandwiches are very kid-friendly due to their soft texture and familiar ingredients.
Can I use different types of ham?
The recipe suggests 200g of thinly shaved ham for the best layering results.
How many tomatoes are needed?
You will need between 2 and 3 tomatoes, which should be sliced thinly for even layering.
Do I need to season every layer?
It is recommended to season each layer with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences to enhance the flavor.
What category of food does this fall into?
These are categorized as Lunch or Snacks and are popular as party finger foods.
Can I make these for a picnic?
Yes, they are perfect for picnics, though they should be kept cool because of the cream cheese and egg content.
Why are they called ribbon sandwiches?
They are called ribbon sandwiches because when sliced, the colorful layers look like horizontal ribbons.
How much cream cheese is required?
One 500 gram jar of cream cheese spread is needed for this recipe.
Can I use butter instead of cream cheese?
While butter can be used, cream cheese is preferred in this recipe for its creamy texture and ability to bind the layers.
How thick should the bread slices be?
The bread should be sliced thick enough to hold the fillings without tearing but thin enough to stack four layers high.
Can I add other seasonings?
Yes, while the recipe calls for salt and pepper, you can add herbs like chives to the egg or cream cheese for extra flavor.
Is it better to use white or brown bread?
Traditional ribbon sandwiches often use white bread for a soft texture, but you can use brown bread for a healthier alternative.
How do I prevent the bread from tearing while spreading?
Softening the cream cheese is the most important step to prevent the bread from tearing during preparation.
Can I prepare the mashed eggs in advance?
Yes, you can hard-boil and mash the eggs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble.
How do I serve Aussie Club Sandwich Towers?
Serve them on a large platter as bite-sized pieces, ideally shortly after assembly for the best freshness.
Are these sandwiches visually appealing?
Yes, the alternating layers of pink ham, red tomato, and yellow egg make them very visually striking for guests.
How long does it take to assemble these?
While it requires several layering steps, the process is considered incredibly easy and straightforward.
Can I make these vegetarian?
To make them vegetarian, you can simply omit the ham or replace it with thinly sliced cucumber or avocado.
Why do I need 12 cocktail sticks per tower?
Using 12 sticks ensures that each individual bite-sized piece has a stick to hold the layers together after the final cut.
Is salt and pepper necessary for the eggs?
Seasoning the eggs is highly recommended to ensure the center layer of the sandwich is flavorful.