Revealed: The Christmas Day leftovers sandwich is BETTER than the lunch itself, say Britons (with many opting to add a ‘moistener’ – a slice of bread soaked in gravy)
- A survey polled Britons on their thoughts about the Christmas leftovers sarnie
- Thirty-seven per cent say the creation of the leftovers sandwich is an art form
- Bread-wise, white sliced topped the list (33%), followed closely by granary
The true depths of Britain’s love of a festive sandwich has been revealed, with as many as 70 per cent of Britons agreeing that they actually prefer it to Christmas lunch, according to a poll.
A further 37 per cent insist that creating the classic leftovers sandwich is an actual art form.
According to those surveyed, the perfect sandwich should contain precisely three slices of turkey, two thin slices of ham, two-and-a-half sliced pigs in blankets, one spoon of cranberry sauce and an even spread of bread sauce.
The true depths of Britain’s love of a festive sandwich has been revealed, with as many as 70 per cent of Britons agreeing that they actually prefer it to Christmas lunch
It should also contain two cold slices of roast potato, one generous squirt of mayo, while both slices of bread should be buttered – and there should be a liberal sprinkling of salt.
Bread-wise, white sliced topped the list (33 per cent), followed closely by granary (29 per cent), while 23 per cent opted for sourdough with their festive sarnie.
The study, commissioned by squeezy cheese brand Primula, found that more than seven in ten (71 per cent) admit they like to take their time making the post-lunch sandwich, as you cannot rush perfection.
The Perspectus Global survey of 1,500 people found that, for most Britons (38 per cent), the first sandwich made from leftovers is enjoyed on Christmas Day evening in front of the TV.
A more patient one in ten (12 per cent) wait until breakfast on Boxing Day to create their masterpiece, while 32 per cent have the willpower to hang on until lunchtime on the 26th.
An adventurous 34 per cent of Britons like to pimp up their Christmas sandwich, with 34 per cent adding crisps, 31 per cent heating things up with a splash of hot sauce, 27 per cent adding sliced Yorkshire pudding and 17 per cent opting for squeezy cheese.
While one in ten like to make a ‘moistener’ – soaking a slice of bread in gravy and inserting it into the middle of their sandwich – and nine per cent pan-fry their sanger to add a crispness to the bread, while more than one in 20 (six per cent) even deep-fry their sandwich.
A Christmas Day spread – or as many might see it, the ingredients for the all important leftovers sandwich
When it comes to the perfect accompaniment to a Christmas sandwich, a resounding 33 per cent said a cup of tea was the only thing to wash it down with, while 15 per cent like to sip a Baileys, and a further 15 per cent favour a glass of Champagne.
Overall, 67 per cent agree that a homemade Christmas sandwich is far superior to a shop-bought one.
And over the week of ‘Twixmas’ – the time between Christmas and New Year – the average Briton will devour four leftover sandwiches.
Fifteen per cent of Brits like to wash their leftovers sandwich down with a glass of Champagne
Gareth Watson, brand manager at Primula cheese, said: ‘This year, it’s predicted that many Brits are going to look to take the humble Christmas sandwich up a notch. Getting creative with leftovers is the perfect timesaver and budget-friendly solution for creating a great tasting meal.
‘In the run-up to Christmas, we’ve been working with Michelin-trained TikTok sensation Poppy Cooks to turn some of the season’s most luxurious and festive favourites into budget-friendly alternatives.’
Speaking about the research and partnership, Poppy Cooks said: ‘Christmas truly is one of the most indulgent food moments in the calendar – but delicious festive dishes shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone, and it shouldn’t have to take you hours to make something to seriously impress guests either.
‘So, I was very excited to be asked to get creative and come up with a couple of dupes of Christmas classics with Primula, as the secret helper to get delicious cheesy recipes on the menu that won’t break the bank.’
For more information on Primula and its ‘Easy Squeezy’ Christmas campaign, visit primula.co.uk.