Deli meats have always been a popular quick-and-easy meal option, and that popularity just keeps growing.
Consumers love them because they are convenient and often times a grab ’n’ go option, and operators appreciate that their simplicity to use reduces back-of-house time and labor. For a handheld menu, deli meats can be incorporated into a variety of applications, from appetizers, to sharables, to, easily the most-popular option, sandwiches. Below you’ll find a selection of deli-inspired handhelds from our extensive collection of exclusive recipes.
Deli meats have the variety and versatility customers love, which makes them perfect for handheld menus.
Sandwiches, the ultimate in grab ’n’ go, are so popular with consumers that 37% say they dine on them more than once a week.1Turkey & Avocado Fritters:
Ingredients: Deli turkey or deli chicken, avocado, house-made chipotle aioli.
Complete RecipeOn-Trend Choice:2
With fritters growing 9% on menus over 4 years…
…avocados continuing popularity…
…and the rise of house-made condiments, especially tangy aioli…
…this dish makes a perfectly on-trend culinary statement.
Turkey, Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini:
Ingredients: Deli turkey, crostini, figs, goat cheese, arugula.
Complete RecipeOn-Trend Choice:3
Crostini has grown by 8%…
…and arugula by 25% on menus over 4 years.
In addition, figs are entering the adoption cycle and appearing on more menus.
Medianoche-Inspired Ham Sliders:
Ingredients: Deli ham, Hawaiian sweet rolls, Swiss cheese, whole-grain mustard, pickle chips.
Complete RecipeOn-Trend Choice:4
Silders have had a 15% increase in menu penetration over 4 years.
Sweet & Spicy Thai Sandwich:
Ingredients: Deli ham, baguette, Thai peanut sauce, lettuce, onion, bell peppers.
Complete RecipeOn-Trend Choice:5
Thai peanut sauce has exploded in growth by 13% over the last 4 years.
That it's house-made is an added plus.
Kimchi Reuben:
Ingredients: Deli pastrami, rye bread, kimchi, thousand island, Swiss cheese.
On-Trend Choice:6
Kimchi, which has grown an amazing 43% on menus over 4 years, adds a nice ethnic flair when substituted for kraut.
Make yours in-house and add your own personal spin.
Italian Ham Dip:
Ingredients: Deli ham, mozzarella cheese, spinach, tomato sauce, flatbread.
Complete RecipeOn-Trend Choice:7
29% of consumers would like restaurants to offer a wider variety of pork handheld options on the menu.
Hawaiian Flatbread Pizza:
Ingredients: Deli ham, flatbread, tomato sauce, pineapple, mozzarella cheese.
Complete RecipeOn-Trend Choice:
Many operators are offering more miniaturized versions of entrées such as sliders, wraps, snack melts, flatbreads and more, to appeal to consumers seeking quick satisfaction.
1 Technomic’s 2018 Sandwich Consumer Trend
2-6 Datassential, 2019
7 Technomic, Center of the Plate Beef & Pork CTR, 2017
For more information, contact your Smithfield Culinary representative, or call 888-327-6526.