Those who do not have intimate familiarity with American cuisines often scratch their heads when asked about the topic of burger vs sandwich.
They also have no idea which one is better suited to their palate and nutritional requirements.
In this informative article, we’ll simplify that task for you.
So, keep reading to know their distinguishing characteristics and tell these iconic dishes apart.
Quick Facts
Burger:
- Bread: buns
- Shape: cylindrical
- Cooking techniques: frying and heating
Sandwich:
- Bread: flatbread
- Shape: square or triangular
- Cooking techniques: none
Is A Hamburger Considered A Sandwich?
The word “sandwich” doesn’t denote any specific dish. Instead, it is an umbrella term encompassing all dishes with 2 slices of bread and a filling.
As a result, hamburgers also fall into the “sandwich” categories. Other subclasses of sandwiches include kebabs, doners, and gyros.
What’s The Definition Of A Sandwich?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a sandwich comprises two slices of bread and some veggies, patties, and sauces in between.
It was devised in the 18th century, making it a relatively new dish. However, it quickly rose to prominence and was included in many cuisines due to 3 main reasons.
First, it is a hassle-free dish, meaning that preparing this dish is very simple and time-saving.
Second, it has the merit of being portable. This enables people to enjoy this scrumptious dish while they’re on the go.
Last but not least, it is customizable, allowing anyone to modify and spice up original recipes. For example, almost any kind of bread is acceptable.
What’s more, any savory food, be it fish, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, or beef, can act as its fillings. This results in the ever-growing selection of this traditional dish.
How Do Burgers Differ From Sandwiches?
Bread
This is probably the most noticeable difference. Burgers make use of a bun that has been cut into half, while sandwiches often call for 2 separate bread slices (typically flatbread).
Shape
Their shapes are dissimilar due to differences in the kinds of bread utilized and how they are cut. Burgers are known for their distinctive cylindrical shapes.
Meanwhile, sandwiches can take on different shapes, the most popular of which is square. This is because most store-bought flatbread is available in this shape.
But if you want to jazz up your dish, cut diagonally to slice the square sandwich into a triangular one. This practice is common in families as it allows people to share the tasty dish with their loved ones.
Cooking requirements
Sandwich is deservedly considered as a no-fuss dish. To make it, all you need to do is put some pre-cooked meat (such as ham, chicken, or beef) and raw vegetables between refrigerated bread. Indeed, the unsurpassed simplicity of combining a patty with bread is central to this dish’s appeal.
But this is not the case for hamburgers, which are often served hot. This dish requires you to fry the protein of your choice and heat the bun to make its texture less firm.
For this reason, if you’re not into cooking, opt for sandwiches and save burgers for special occasions when you can order them at fast-food restaurants.
Burger Bun Variations
Although burgers acquire a reputation for their customizability and variety, most people still feel amazed when learning that up to 37 types of bread can be employed to make this delectable dish.
One of the most exciting variations is sesame seed buns. The addition of sesame enhances this dish’s alluring fragrance and brings a crunchy twist to soft buns.
Also, you can swap traditional buns with other types of bread, including Kaiser Roll, Onion Roll, Potato Roll, Pretzel Roll, or English muffin. Thanks to this fantastic diversity of bread, possibilities are endless for crafting your original recipes.
Where Burgers And Sandwiches Overlap The Most
Patty melt is a special dish in the sense that it qualifies as both a burger and sandwich.
To prepare it, cook the burger patty as usual, then put mushrooms and cheese on top. Finally, replace your typical buns with toasted slices of bread, and tuck the fillings in between.
Given the name “patty melt,” it should come as no surprise that that dish’s protein melts instantly in your mouth. To achieve this delicate texture, don’t forget to incorporate cheese into your recipes.
If you take it out from the dish, you’ll end up altering the dish’s distinctive melt-ability.
Finally, to further soften the patty, consider chopping it into smaller pieces.
Why Do Americans Call Chicken Burgers A Sandwich?
As mentioned previously, “sandwich” broadly refers to any dish with 2 pieces of bread and a patty in between. Therefore, chicken burgers are a subcategory of sandwiches.
What Are The 5 Types Of Sandwiches?
The original sandwich has evolved into over 50 modern variations. That said, the following 5 dishes are the most beloved versions.
- Patty melt
The dish mentioned in the section above is one of the most ubiquitous versions in Western eateries.
- The club
This one tastes divine when served hot. It calls for 2 buttered slices of flatbread, with the upper one being pressed and decorated. Meanwhile, the bottom slice holds meat and vegetables.
- The cake
As the name suggests, this version’s shape bears significant similarity to that of a multilayered cake. To make it, slice the round bread into 2 or 3 parts. The next step, which requires you to place icing and butter at the top, sets it apart from other variations.
- Pinwheel
This one is calorie-dense since it consists of cheese, peanut butter, marmalades, and jellies in that exact sequence. After that, roll the long bread up. Then, when eating, unroll and cut it into smaller portions.
- Ribbon
Just like flamboyant ribbons, this type of burger is made of colorful ingredients, ranging from bread to fillings. Another distinctive feature lies in the amount of bread. More specifically, it has 3, instead of 2, slices.
Is burger junk food?
There is no clear answer, as the term “junk food” is subjective. Some people might consider burgers to be a type of junk food, while others may not.
That said, there are some reasons why some people might think that burgers are junk food.
For one, burgers are often high in calories and unhealthy fats. They can also be high in sodium, which can lead to health problems like hypertension and heart disease.
All that said, not all burgers are bad for you.
There are healthier options available, like turkey or veggie burgers.
And if you make your own burger at home, you can control the ingredients and make sure it’s a healthier option.
So, is burger junk food? It depends on the burger. But for the most part, burgers are not as healthy as some people might think.
Is it healthy to eat burgers every day?
Eating burgers every day is certainly not the healthiest option.
If you want to include burgers in your diet, it’s best to have them only occasionally.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try turkey or veggie burgers. These options are lower in calories and unhealthy fats, and they’re also a good source of protein.
Is a homemade burger healthy?
A homemade burger can be a healthy option, as long as you make it with healthy ingredients.
For example, you can use grass-fed beef or turkey instead of unhealthy processed meats. You can also include healthy toppings like avocado, tomatoes, and onions.
How often should you eat burgers?
As a general rule, it is generally recommended that you eat burgers no more than once a week.
Eating burgers more often than this can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
How does McDonald’s cook their burgers?
They cook their burgers using a process called “sous vide.”
This means that the burgers are cooked in a low-temperature water bath. This cooking method results in a burger that is juicy and tender.
Is sandwich a healthy food?
It depends on the sandwich.
Some sandwiches, like grilled cheese or bacon-egg-and-cheese, are not very healthy. But other sandwiches, like a veggie sandwich, can be a healthy option.
It’s important to choose wisely when it comes to sandwiches and to avoid unhealthy ingredients like processed meats and high-fat cheeses.
Is a sandwich enough for lunch?
A sandwich can be a healthy and satisfying lunch, but it depends on the ingredients that are used.
A simple sandwich with lean meat, vegetables, and a low-fat spread can be a good option. However, if the sandwich is loaded with high-calorie condiments or ingredients, it can quickly add up to a lot of calories.
A large portion of American workers say they don’t have time for a proper lunch break, so they often pack a sandwich to eat at their desks. But, if you’re not careful, that sandwich can ruin your diet.
Here are some tips for making a healthy and satisfying sandwich:
- Use whole grain bread or wrap
- Choose lean meats, like turkey or ham
- Add plenty of vegetables, like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers
- Use a low-fat spread, like hummus or peanut butter
- Avoid high-calorie condiments, like mayo or cheese
Are sandwiches healthy for weight loss?
Yes, sandwiches can be a healthy option for weight loss.
They are a good source of protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
However, it’s important to choose wisely when it comes to sandwiches. Avoid unhealthy ingredients like processed meats and high-fat cheeses. And, try to make your own sandwiches using healthy ingredients.
How much fat is in a sandwich?
It depends on the ingredients that are used in the sandwich. A sandwich with unhealthy ingredients, like bacon and cheese, can be high in fat.
But a sandwich with healthy ingredients, like lean meat and vegetables, can be low in fat.
What can I put on a sandwich instead of meat?
There are many different options for replacing meat in a sandwich.
You can try grilled vegetables, tofu, or hummus. Or, you can go with a simple cheese sandwich. Just be sure to choose low-fat cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar.