Among the many joys of summertime is the opportunity to eat outdoors, whether you’re putting together a last-minute picnic, heading out for a sunny beach day, or going on an exciting road trip.

One of the easiest go-to foods for these types of events is, of course, the classic sandwich. It’s simple to make, takes little time, allows for versatility in ingredients, and is easy to pack when you’re on-the-go. But with the addition of La Brea Bakery’s Take & Bake Artisan Breads and our recipes, your sandwiches will have better taste and texture, while being just as easy to prep as a standard ham-and-cheese.

Artisan Sandwich Ideas

Here are a few easy and delicious sandwich recipes made with our Take & Bake breads that will delight your family and friends:

Turkey and Brie Sandwich with Red Pepper Jam

Bake our Take & Bake Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Rolls, let cool, and slice. On one slice, spread red pepper jam, top with brie, and toast until the cheese melts. On the other slice, place turkey, arugula, and pickled jalapeños, and put the slices together for a delicious, restaurant-quality sandwich.

BLT and Avocado with Green Goddess Dressing

Heat our Take & Bake Seeded Sourdough Rolls, let cool, and slice. On the bottom half of the roll, layer lettuce, bacon, tomato, and avocado, then drizzle with Green Goddess dressing. Finish by placing the other half of the roll on top.

Baguette with Butter and Prosciutto

Bake our Take & Bake Twin Pack French Baguettes and let cool. Cut each baguette into four 7-inch pieces and slice in half. Make scallion oil by mixing together scallions, parsley, olive oil, and kosher salt. Spread butter on the bottom half of each baguette, then top with scallion oil. Place prosciutto on top, then finish with the top of the baguette.

Charcuterie Board Options

Another way to enjoy dining al fresco on a warm summer day is with a charcuterie board. The key to a picnic-friendly board is choosing items that travel well and can be easily assembled on-site. Here are some ingredient tips:

• Cheeses: Opt for firm cheeses like cheddar or gouda, or hard cheeses like parmesan. These withstand heat better than soft cheeses.
• Cured Meats: Salami, prosciutto, and chorizo are great choices as they don’t spoil quickly.
• Artisan Bread: Heat La Brea Bakery Take & Bake Bread before leaving the house, let it cool, cut or tear it into pieces, then pack it separately to protect it from moisture.
• Fruits: Grapes, apple slices (tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning), berries, and dried fruits like apricots or figs are the perfect sweet ingredient.
• Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, carrot sticks, and snap peas are fresh and crunchy options.
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds add crunch and are easy to transport.
• Olives and Pickles: Pack these in small containers to prevent spills.
• Honey and Jams: Mini jars of honey, jam, or chutney are great for adding sweetness.

Essential packing tips for charcuterie board ingredients:

• Use airtight containers to keep ingredients fresh and prevent spills.
• An insulated bag or cooler with ice packs will help keep everything cool.
• Use cupcake liners or small containers to keep items separated within a larger container.
• Bring a small cutting board, a knife, and tongs, toothpicks, or small skewers for serving.
• Don’t forget napkins, plates, and of course, a beautiful charcuterie board.

How to assemble:

• Start with larger items like cheese and meat, then fill in the gaps with smaller items like fruits, vegetables, and extras.
• Arrange items in a visually appealing way, balancing colors and textures.

Need help to figure out what flavors work best together for your charcuterie board? Check out Perfect Pairings — our guide to pairing La Brea Bakery bread with wine, beer, cheese, meat, and fruit.

Let’s Get Social

Share your creations made with La Brea Bakery bread by using #LaBreaBakery on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok.