For many in the U.S., the domino sandwich is buried back in their memory from a time when their parents had card parties or the local ladies' club had tea parties. Domino sandwiches are so named for their checkerboard appearance and a zing of flavor that entertains the palate.

The most traditional version is made with either a chicken salad or a ham salad for the base. By chopping the meat and the relish impossibly tiny and combining them with a rich creamy mayonnaise you build the sandwich's glue which will help it hold while you cut it.

Here is my favorite domino recipe:

Domino Ham & Cheese

1 cup honey ham, minced
2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. dill pickle relish, chopped fine
1 Tbsp. butter, softened
4 slices thin-sliced whole wheat bread
4 slices thin-sliced white bread
3 slices Swiss Cheese
3 slices Pepper Jack Cheese


Prepare a ham salad by combining the ham, mayonnaise, and pickle relish. Mix well, set aside.


Spread softened butter evenly on each bread slice. Spread the ham salad on one slice of white bread; top with a slice of wheat bread, butter down. Butter the top of the wheat bread, and place 1 cheese slice on top of wheat bread. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients alternating cheeses and forming a tall stack. Wrap sandwich in waxed paper; put under a weight, and chill.


Before serving as a traditional domino sandwich, remove crusts from all edges. Cut sandwich into 3 rectangles; cut each rectangle into four thin fingers. Yield: 1 dozen domino sandwiches


Note: Any bread slice should be buttered on both sides with the exception of the final top and bottom of the sandwich. These slices act as the 'glue' that holds the bread and cheese together while also keeping moisture from the other ingredients from soaking into the bread and causing the bread to tear.

Variations: Add small but powerful ingredients among the layers sparingly. For instance, alternate layers with a fresh basil leaf or chiffonade of mint or rosemary. Try adding special scents and flavors into the mayonnaise or butter to create another flavor layer. Add garlic to the mayonnaise to heighten the richness and make an aoili or crush red pepper flakes and add to the butter to spice each bite.

Enjoy!