A jam sandwich is typically made from two slices of bread that have been spread with fruit jam. Jam is available in many different flavors and can be paired with different types of bread to make a wide variety of sandwiches. While a jam sandwich is typically regarded as a snack food, people may choose to eat the sandwiches for breakfast or for lunch. In addition, other ingredients can be added to a jam sandwich to add nutrition and flavor and to make them more suitable for other meals.
It isn't difficult to learn how to make a jam sandwich. Two slices of bread and jam is all that is needed. Technically speaking, one can make jam sandwiches out of any kind of bread though given the sweetness of jam, in most cases white, whole wheat or another type of sweet or neutral tasting bread is best. Strongly flavored, savory breads such as rye bread may not be suitable for spreading with sweet jam as the flavors might conflict. If the sandwich won't be eaten right away, some people may spread the slices of bread thinly with butter or margarine before adding the jam in order to keep the bread from becoming soggy because of prolonged contact with the jam.
Variations on the jam sandwich may include heating or grilling the sandwich before eating. The process of heating the jam can cause it to caramelize a bit and many people find eating a hot, sweet sandwich to be uniquely satisfying. In situations where a person may wish to get some extra protein from their sandwich, they may decide to add peanut butter to their sandwich. Another option is to add some cheese and then grill the sandwich to make a grilled cheese and jam sandwich. The contrast between the savory cheese and the fruity jam can be most delicious, and the cheese adds significant nutrition to the dish.
Jam sandwich cookies are another popular treat. These cookies typically consist of two cookies held together by a layer of jam. As with a regular jam sandwich, virtually any flavor of jam or cookie can be used in these cookies. The cookies can range from simple to elaborate in appearance, and may simply consist of two plain butter cookies held together by jam or the top cookie layer may have a shape cut out of it, adding visual appeal as people can then see the jam filled shape in contrast to the rest of the cookie.