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Transform simple deli meats and cheese into a decadent deep-fried sandwich that rivals Bennigan's famous version. This sweet and savory creation features layers of turkey, ham, and cheese between honey wheat bread, all dipped in batter and fried to golden perfection.
Through extensive testing, I've discovered that proper chilling time and oil temperature create the perfect sandwich.
Essential Ingredients
- For Sandwich:
- Honey Wheat Bread: Three slices per sandwich
- Deli Turkey: Thick sliced
- Deli Ham: Quality thick cut
- Swiss Cheese: Full slices
- American Cheese: For melting
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish
- For Batter:
- All-Purpose Flour: Measured correctly
- Baking Powder: For lift
- Large Eggs: Room temperature
- Water: For consistency
- Oil: For frying
- Confectioners Sugar: For dusting
Detailed Instructions
- 1. Sandwich Assembly:
- Layer on the first slice of bread: three slices of turkey, Swiss cheese. Add the second bread slice, layer three slices of ham, American cheese. Top with the third bread slice. Cut diagonally, wrap tightly in plastic. Chill for 2-3 hours or overnight.
- 2. Batter Preparation:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine water with egg. Pour wet into dry ingredients, whisk until smooth. Alternatively, use pancake batter for a sweeter result.
- 3. Oil Temperature:
- Heat oil to 325-350°F - crucial temperature range. Too hot browns the outside before melting the cheese. Test with a thermometer for accuracy.
- 4. Frying Process:
- Unwrap the chilled sandwich half. Dip in batter, coating completely. Lower into hot oil using tongs. Fry for 4-5 minutes until dark golden brown, holding the sandwich down if needed.
- 5. Final Touches:
- Drain on paper towels. Dust generously with confectioners' sugar while warm. Serve immediately with raspberry preserves and honey mustard for dipping.
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Storage and Serving Solutions
Serve sandwiches immediately while hot and crispy. Best enjoyed fresh from the fryer. If needed, keep warm in a 200°F oven for up to 15 minutes. Don't stack sandwiches as they'll lose crispiness.
Perfect Pairings
- Fresh fruit salad
- Wedge salad
- Crispy French fries
- Potato chips
- Dill pickles
- Cold beer
Dipping Options
Create signature combinations with:
- Raspberry preserves
- Honey mustard
- Maple syrup
- Berry jam
- Dijon mustard
- Sweet chili sauce
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Final Notes
Success lies in proper chilling time and temperature control. Take time with assembly and frying, and you'll be rewarded with the perfect balance of crispy exterior and melty interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why chill the sandwich?
- Chilling helps the sandwich hold together during frying and prevents falling apart.
- → Can I use pancake batter instead?
- Yes, store-bought pancake batter works as a quick alternative.
- → What's the best oil for frying?
- Vegetable or canola oil work best due to their high smoke points.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Assemble and chill overnight, but fry just before serving.
- → How do I keep the oil temperature steady?
- Use a thermometer and adjust heat as needed to maintain 325°F-350°F.