# Cheese and pickle sandwich (British) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [June 28, 2022, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016 "2022-06-28T02:50:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2022, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/241 "2022-11-15T17:18:52Z")
Well, it’s easier to eat in a sandwich, and has the benefit that you can apply it in much thinner quantities. Bit like marmite. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2022, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/242 "2022-11-15T17:24:02Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > Well, it’s easier to eat in a sandwich, and has the benefit that you can apply it in much thinner quantities. I did make a sandwich. But the Branston pickle is made with such large chunks that you can’t really make a thin spread. The spread is only as thin as the size of the chunks, which is pretty big. So, it’s not really like Marmite at all. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2022, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/243 "2022-11-15T17:25:38Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > And it’s also unreasonable to expect that someone is going to come up with a new name for every variation. Yet the Italians do for _every single variation_ of pasta. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2022, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/244 "2022-11-15T17:30:43Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Yet the Italians do for _every single variation_ of pasta. Good for them. It’s unreasonable for them to expect everyone else to do it. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2022, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/245 "2022-11-15T17:39:29Z")
A point was made that Italians would complain that you didn’t mention the carbonara lineage of a ham & peas & cheese dish if you called it by a different name. The Italians would never even recognize that as being carbonara in the first place, so why would they complain if you didn’t mention your “cheese ham & peas” dish shared a lineage with carbonara? They’d (I would bet) be perfectly fine with you calling it “cheesy ham & cheese pasta” and leave them and their pasta dishes and names out of it. I was reply to a “damned if you do/damned if you don’t” complaint, opining that it’s a false dichotomy. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2022, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/246 "2022-11-15T18:55:22Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > I did make a sandwich. But the Branston pickle is made with such large chunks that you can’t really make a thin spread. The spread is only as thin as the size of the chunks, which is pretty big. So, it’s not really like Marmite at all. So I tried it again with Heinz Ploughman’s Pickle, which is a bit less chunky than Branston. So, it works a bit better than Branston, in my view. If there’s a version that has even finer chunks, I can see it getting closer to balancing with the cheese. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2022, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/247 "2022-11-15T20:25:22Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > For me it’s up there with salad cream and lettuce sandwiches, which are DE-LIC-IOUS (at least when you’re 12 and just back from school) My after school snack go-to was a fried bread, pickled onion and ketchup sandwich. Now _there’s_ a proper grim-up-northern sandwich for you. My son has lived all his life down south in middle-class comfort and when he gets in, for his first evening meal he makes himself his own version of a carbonara. I’ve revoked all his northern priviliges, who the hell does he think he is? ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2022, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/248 "2022-11-16T08:24:25Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > I did make a sandwich. But the Branston pickle is made with such large chunks that you can’t really make a thin spread. The spread is only as thin as the size of the chunks, which is pretty big. So, it’s not really like Marmite at all. I was referencing the finer chopped version you mentioned which is made specifically for use in sandwiches [https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/256633210](https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/256633210) ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2022, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/249 "2022-11-16T11:02:03Z")
Tesco even do their own brand actually called sandwich pickle. > **[Tesco Sandwich Pickle 295G - Tesco Groceries](https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/305730412)** > > Sandwich pickle with swede, courgette, carrot, onion, cauliflower and spices. (rated 3/5 stars - some of the reviews are funny !) ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2022, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/250 "2022-11-16T17:36:05Z")
Ha, I liked this one > **A Tesco Customer** 10th October 2021 > > It’s never going to compete with Branston… or is it? ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2022, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/251 "2022-11-16T19:27:03Z")
I grew up with lettuce and mayonnaise sandwiches (no “salad cream” or “Miracle Whip”…Best Foods/Hellman’s only). We often didn’t have meat due to the expense. ---
**Author:** ![Mk\_VII](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Mk\_VII](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mk_VII)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2022, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/252 "2022-11-21T20:41:04Z")
It even got its own TV commercial [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/4xkqhK4uOiI/hqdefault.jpg "Bring out the Branston... Branston Pickle advert from the seventies") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xkqhK4uOiI) ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2022, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/253 "2022-11-23T22:49:09Z")
Turns out the Commissary carries Branston Pickle. Bought a jar and tried a sandwich today. Nothing fancy – just a slice of Sargento aged white cheddar and a couple slices of Freihofer’s Italian bread. Not bad, but I think it would have been better with a second slice of cheese. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2022, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/254 "2022-11-24T03:56:28Z")
> [@SCAdian](#): > > Not bad, but I think it would have been better with a second slice of cheese. This sounds like good advice in general. ---
**Author:** ![adhemar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@adhemar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhemar)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2022, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/255 "2022-12-02T17:51:49Z")
I made a sandwich with sharp cheddar, leftover baked ham, tomato and small dice Branston pickle. it was pretty tasty. Now I need to find a better source than Amazon to buy from. ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2022, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/256 "2022-12-02T17:57:38Z")
> [@SCAdian](#): > > I think it would have been better with a second slice of cheese. It was. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2022, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/257 "2022-12-05T13:05:33Z")
I come to you in a high state of excitement, having just got back from Sainsbury’s where, whilst perusing the chutney section (which devotes a full 3 shelves to Branston and its derivates - [pic for the curious](https://freeimage.host/i/HCefR5u), I spotted [Smooth Branston](https://freeimage.host/i/HCefAJe). This could be a game changer for sandwiches everywhere (and may well have existed for years, it’s been some time since I was in the market for Branston). ---
**Author:** ![Fortyfold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7c8e57/32.png) [@Fortyfold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fortyfold)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2022, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/258 "2022-12-05T14:48:59Z")
Smooth Branston has been about for something like 5-6 years I think. I bought a jar when it was new, but still haven’t opened it. I’m not sure what the best use for it would be as it’s got no ‘crunch’. As a relish I guess. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2022, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/259 "2022-12-05T14:57:23Z")
I haven’t had the smooth, but I use the finely diced Branston for sandwiches, and that seems to be a good balance of texture and sandwich practicality. The smooth one looks like a jelly from the pictures. I’m sure I’d find something to do with it, though, but Amazon doesn’t seem to have that one in the US market. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2022, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016/260 "2022-12-05T16:39:51Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > … having just got back from Sainsbury’s where, whilst perusing the chutney section (which devotes a full 3 shelves to Branston and its derivates - [pic for the curious](https://freeimage.host/i/HCefR5u) … Out of curiosity: I recognize the Bonne Maman jars at the upper left in your photo. Are those sweet fruit jellies/preserves, or are they savory chutney-like items? If they are sweet fruit preserves … the comparison to their product placement in most U.S. groceries is interesting. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheese-and-pickle-sandwich-british/967016.md?page=14)