This delectable easy Po Boy Sandwich also know as a Poor Boy sandwich combines ham, Swiss, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and pickles all on soft french bread spread with an easy three ingredient mayo.
This recipe is pretty close to the original poor boy. I made just a couple of small but delicious modifications. The addition of peperoncinis was a must as all sandwiches taste better with them on it.
The Poor Boy Sandwich originated in the French Market in 1922 during a streetcar strike. The Martin Bros came up with a 40 inch long sandwich on a French Roll. The coffee stand was packed with locals buying the sandwich. Whenever one of the striking street car workers came up to the stand Benny Martin would say “Here comes another poor boy” and he would give them a sandwich for free. Hence the name Po Boy Sandwich. This sandwich is quick to fix and absolutely delicious.
How do you make the original Po Boy Sandwich?
First in a small bowl mix the mayo, mustard and sriracha and set aside. Then slice a short loaf of soft French bread lengthwise. Place on a baking sheet cut side up. Layer thin ham slices on the bottom side and top with cheese slices. Add more cheese slices to the top and bake for several minutes until the cheese is melted and the ham is warm. Turn the broiler on the last minute of baking just to brown the cheese a bit.
Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, red onion, peperoncinis and the mayo sauce. Place both sides of the sandwich together and cut into desired lengths. Serve promptly while the sandwich is warm and gooey.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Use good quality soft French bread. It really does make a difference so pay a visit to a local bakery.
- Sriracha can be found in the Asian section of your local grocery store. It adds a touch of heat so if you are sensitive omit it and add 1/2 teaspoon of honey and go the sweet route.
- Pepperoncinis are very mild peppers that can be found in the pickle section of your local grocery store. They are jarred and available pre-sliced or whole.
- Although it was not on the original po boy feel free to add other goodies like sliced black olives, jalapenos or banana peppers.
Now sometimes it is referred to as a grinder, a bomber or a sub! Call it what you will but it all started with the Po-Boy and boy is it delicious! Put the ingredients on your shopping list today and make your family an outstanding sandwich!
More sandwiches you will love!
- Rachel Sandwich
- Broiled Tomato Sandwich
- Cucumber Sandwiches
- Classic Club Sandwich
- Reuben Sandwich
- Italian Beef Sandwiches
This post was originally published July 11, 2015 and was republished September 9, 2019 with new content.
Po Boy Sandwich
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons mayo
- 1 1/2 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1/2 lb good quality deli ham
- 4-6 slices baby swiss
- 2-3 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato sliced
- Dill pickle slices
- Red onion very thinly sliced
- Pepperoncinis
- 1 short loaf french bread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In a small bowl mix mayo, mustard and sriracha and set aside.
- Slice French bread lengthwise. Place on a baking sheet cut side up. Layer ham slices on the bottom side and top with Swiss. Add more Swiss to the top and bake for several minutes until the cheese is melted and ham is warm. Turn the broiler on the last minute of baking just to brown the cheese a little bit.
- Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, red onion, peperoncinis and the mayo sauce. Place both sides of the sandwich together and cut into desired lengths. Serve promptly while the sandwich is warm and gooey.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Elizabeth
Great recipe, BUT, I’m really not a mayo fan, so I use mustard and and sprinkle on a little olive oil and vinegar mix, and swap out the swiss for provolone, and the pepperoncinis with ortega chilies. In a pinch you could even use bacon if you don’t have ham.
Emily
I love all the flavors in this po’ boy sandwich! The sriracha adds a nice kick of flavor!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
This looks like such a tasty sandwich! Definitely trying this for lunch this week – so delicious.
Heidy
I love Po-Boy sandwiches. The origanal ones are THEE best! I am so glad I found this recipe on Pinterest. I will be making these frequently! They are so awesome!!!!!
Have a great night
H
Kat
This was soooo good! It totally satisfied my craving for a good sub!
Jessica
I had never made one at home, but ya know, COVID, and I was craving one. This was amazing and I doubt I’ll ever order one out again!
Cyd
I’ve never had an original po boy sandwich – I’ve only ever had a shrimp po boy! This was so good and the addition of peperoncinis was perfect!
Aimee Shugarman
So glad I found this recipe! It was the perfect lunch yesterday 🙂
Trang
Yum! I love a god po boy. And that bit of sriracha gives it a good kick! I never thought of doing so!
Kimberly
Oh nice! This is totally my kind of sandwich, such a delicious classic!
Irina
This sandwich recipe is going to my collection of summer BBQ ideas. Thanks. Pinning in order not to lose it:)
Erika
This sandwich looks amazing. Love that there’s sriracha too!
Justine Howell
Perfect for lunches with the kiddos on the weekends.
Mahy
I really need this sandwich right now. And tomorrow. And the day after 🙂 Thank you for the tip on Sriracha – very helpful!
Anita
Anything is better with a bit of sriracha, though I doubt if the original thing back in 1920 would have this in the sandwich, but who cares if it’s this delicious.
Suzy
This sandwich is so good! Love all of the ingredients plus the sriracha gives it a nice touch!