Traditional Brazilian Bauru Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 French bread rolls
  • 4 slices of roast beef
  • 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
  • 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 4 leaves of lettuce
  • 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Cut the French bread rolls in half, but do not fully separate the two sides.
  3. Spread a generous amount of butter on the interior of each roll.
  4. On the bottom half of each roll, place a slice of roast beef, followed by a slice of mozzarella cheese, some sliced tomato, cucumber and a leaf of lettuce.
  5. Spread a tablespoon of mayonnaise on the inside of the top half of the roll.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Close the sandwich and wrap it in aluminum foil.
  8. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 mins, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
  9. Remove from oven, carefully unwrap, and serve warm.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - to slice the tomato and cucumber
  • Knife - for slicing the tomato, cucumber, and French bread rolls
  • Baking sheet - to bake the sandwiches in the oven
  • Aluminum foil - to wrap the sandwiches while baking

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of bread such as ciabatta, sourdough, or whole wheat.
  • Try different types of meat like turkey, chicken, or ham instead of roast beef.
  • Replace the mozzarella cheese with cheddar, Swiss, or provolone.
  • Add additional toppings like sliced onions, pickles, or bell peppers.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the roast beef with grilled mushrooms or marinated tofu.
  • Experiment with different spreads such as mustard, pesto, or horseradish sauce.
  • Add a kick of heat by including jalapenos or hot sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley.
  • Create a spicier version by adding sliced pepperoni or salami.
  • Make it a breakfast bauru by adding a fried egg and bacon.

Recipe overview

The Bauru sandwich is a popular Brazilian dish that offers a unique and flavorful take on the classic sandwich. This recipe centers around the use of roast beef, mozzarella cheese, and fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce, all enveloped in a crispy, warm French bread roll. The sandwich is then baked until the cheese is perfectly melted and the bread is toasty. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch or dinner. Expect a savory, hearty sandwich with a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Enjoy the process, and more importantly, enjoy your homemade Bauru sandwich!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer. However, traditionally Bauru is made with French bread rolls.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    Absolutely! While mozzarella cheese is commonly used in Bauru, you can use any cheese that melts well and complements the flavors of the other ingredients.
  3. What can I use as a substitute for roast beef?
    If you don't have roast beef, you can use thinly sliced deli meats such as turkey, chicken, or ham as a substitute.
  4. Can I add other vegetables or condiments to the sandwich?
    Yes, feel free to customize your Bauru sandwich by adding your favorite vegetables or condiments. Some popular additions include pickles, onions, or mustard.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    While Bauru is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sandwich ingredients ahead of time and assemble the sandwich just before baking to maintain its freshness.
  6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
    Certainly! To make a vegetarian version, you can omit the roast beef and use grilled vegetables or vegetarian deli slices instead. To make it vegan, use plant-based cheese and mayo substitutes.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used to place the wrapped sandwiches in the oven for baking.
  • Aluminum foil - Used to wrap the sandwiches before baking, ensuring they stay moist and warm.
  • Knife - Required for cutting the French bread rolls and slicing the tomato and cucumber.

Origin stories

Bauru, a popular sandwich in Brazil, is said to have been created by a law student named Casemiro Pinto Neto in the 1930s. Nicknamed 'Bauru' after his hometown, Casemiro often ordered this sandwich at a bar in São Paulo, specifying the exact preparation method to the cooks. His unique creation became so popular among the other patrons that the bar owner decided to include it on the menu, naming it after the man who introduced it. Today, the Bauru sandwich is a beloved staple in many Brazilian eateries, a testament to Casemiro's culinary creativity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.