Alabama’s Sandwich Stars Shine in Garden & Gun’s Top Southern Sandwiches List

Alabama’s culinary scene is well-known for its love of barbecue, burgers, and unique local ingredients like Conecuh Sausage and Chilton County peaches. But when it comes to sandwiches, Alabamians have some standout favorites that have garnered national attention.

John T. Edge, the renowned Southern food scholar and host of “TrueSouth” on TV, highlights two Alabama sandwiches in his latest feature for the August-September issue of Garden & Gun magazine. Titled “Ten Must-Try Southern Sandwiches and Where to Get Them,” Edge’s list is a testament to the art of sandwich-making.

“Good sandwiches are feats of engineering and economy,” Edge writes, emphasizing the importance of a well-constructed sandwich that doesn’t fall apart and doesn’t break the bank.

Among his top picks are the egg and olive sandwich from Trowbridge’s in Florence and the hot ham and cheese from Pizza Bar in Carbon Hill.

At Trowbridge’s, the egg and olive sandwich is a classic, made with hard-boiled eggs, mayo, chopped green olives, and a secret ingredient that owner Pam Trowbridge keeps under wraps. It’s served on Sara Lee white sandwich bread, toasted to perfection on a machine that resembles a trouser press.

Meanwhile, Pizza Bar’s hot ham and cheese sandwich is a decadent creation featuring house-baked ham shredded and topped with Swiss cheese and mayo, all nestled inside garlic-buttered Gambino’s French bread. This indulgent treat is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, requiring a generous three-napkin approach.

Edge’s list doesn’t stop at Alabama; it also includes notable sandwiches from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Each entry reflects the rich diversity and creativity of Southern sandwich making.

To delve into Edge’s detailed commentary on these sandwiches and explore the complete list, check out the current issue of Garden & Gun, aptly titled “The Ultimate Southern Sandwich Special.”

Just remember to bring your own napkins.