Dagwood’s Iconic Sandwich Recipe Revived After 95 Years

The beloved Dagwood sandwich, a culinary icon from the long-running comic strip “Blondie,” has recently been revisited in a modern cooking context. Originally created by cartoonist Chic Young in the 1930s, the sandwich features an extravagant combination of ingredients, reflecting both the character’s whimsical nature and evolving tastes over time.

The narrative of the cartoon reflects the story of Dagwood Bumstead, a young heir who defied family expectations by marrying a flapper named Blondie. Their journey, which included being disinherited by Dagwood’s parents, has captivated audiences for over nine decades. Today, the couple navigates life in a middle-class neighborhood, raising their two children alongside their dog, Daisy.

Despite the many changes in the “Blondie” comic—such as the children becoming teenagers and Blondie returning to work—the essence of Dagwood’s love for towering sandwiches remains unchanged. According to the Sandwich Tribunal, the original Dagwood sandwich was a unique blend of tongue, onion, mustard, sardine, beans, and horseradish, which was humorously rejected by his toddler son, Baby Dumpling, as “poison.”

Modern Interpretations of a Classic

Over the years, numerous eateries and home cooks have crafted their versions of the Dagwood sandwich. One notable depiction comes from a YouTube video by Sandwiches of History, featuring a recipe originally published in the Journal of la Société des Gentilshommes Chefs de Cuisine in 1947. This version, associated with actor Arthur Lake, who portrayed Dagwood on television, includes a combination of a ham and cheese sandwich, a BLT, and a peanut butter and pickle sandwich, essentially creating three sandwiches in one.

The revival of this recipe coincided with a surge of cooking enthusiasm during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many turned to their kitchens for comfort and creativity. The preparation process for this towering sandwich requires careful planning and a variety of ingredients, making it a fun challenge for home cooks.

In adapting the recipe, one individual opted for a pork-free version, replacing ham and bacon with deli chicken and bacon-flavored chips. The preparation involved cooking bacon in the oven while assembling the other components, creating an enticing aroma that filled the kitchen. A teenager in the household even expressed excitement about the prospect of having sandwiches for dinner, highlighting the universal appeal of this iconic dish.

A Culinary Adventure

The construction of the sandwich starts with layering ingredients strategically. It begins with mayonnaise on the first slice of bread, followed by ham and cheddar cheese, along with mustard. The next layer includes bacon, fresh tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Finally, peanut butter, pickles, and potato chips are added to create a contrasting texture and flavor profile. To secure this towering creation, it is recommended to use bamboo skewers topped with olives, completing the whimsical presentation.

The combination of flavors in this sandwich is unexpectedly delightful. The peanut butter adds a richness that balances the savory components, while the acidity of the pickles and the crunch of the chips enhance the overall experience. As described in the video, it is indeed a “fever dream of a sandwich,” showcasing the creativity inspired by the original Dagwood.

This culinary exploration not only pays homage to the character of Dagwood Bumstead but also brings a sense of nostalgia and fun to modern kitchens. The enduring popularity of Dagwood’s sandwich serves as a reminder of the joy found in simple pleasures, especially as families navigate their day-to-day lives.

Audria Ruscitti, who embraced cooking during the pandemic, continues to share her culinary experiences through a semiweekly column, highlighting the importance of home-cooked meals in balancing work and family life. She can be contacted at [email protected] for further insights and recipes.