A Dutch-style lunch doesn’t have to be elaborate. Good bread, a few slices of cold cuts and a piece of cheese can make a meal you look forward to. The pleasure is often in the small choices: a sharper mustard, a crisp pickle, or bread with a little more texture.

Rather than building one large sandwich, try putting the ingredients on the table. It lets everyone make the combination they prefer and makes it easier to use a little of several things.

Choose the bread first

Soft bread makes a familiar everyday sandwich. A firmer slice is useful for an open sandwich with a few toppings. Rolls work well when you want something you can assemble just before eating.

If you plan to toast the bread, let it cool slightly before adding the cold toppings. Very hot toast can make the whole sandwich awkward to handle. Keep moist extras separate until you are ready to eat.

Give each topping room

Choose one cold cut as the main flavour, then add a small amount of cheese or a crisp vegetable. Ham and Gouda are an easy combination, but you can also enjoy each separately. You do not need to stack every ingredient into the same sandwich.

Radish, cucumber and pickles add texture. Slice them thinly enough that they sit comfortably on the bread. Mustard or another favourite condiment can go on the side for people who prefer a lighter spread.

Make a small lunch platter

For two or three people, arrange a modest selection of cold cuts and cheese on separate plates. Put the bread in a basket and use small dishes for the extras. Keeping things separate also makes it easier to return unused ingredients to storage promptly.

  • Pick one or two cold cuts from the available range.
  • Add a cheese you already enjoy.
  • Include one crisp vegetable and one condiment.
  • Serve a little at a time and refill the plates when needed.

Order around the meals you’ll make

Look at pack sizes before ordering and think about how many lunches you want to prepare. Follow each product’s storage instructions and use-by information. Buying a manageable selection is usually more useful than choosing too many different packs for one meal.

Build your lunch selection

Browse our cold cuts, then add a favourite from the Dutch cheese selection. Current availability and prices are shown in the shop.