![](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/01-aol-food-perfect-sandwich-bread.jpg?fit=640%2C427)
Layer 1: Bread
Toast bread for a sturdier base. To cut in half, aim the knife straight across rather than diagonally. A straight cut provides thicker, stronger corners that make it difficult for fillings to slip out.
![](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/02-aol-food-perfect-sandwich-lettuce-avocado.jpg?fit=640%2C427)
Layer 2: Lettuce and avocado
Dry lettuce with a paper towel to protect the bread from getting soggy. Place at the top for crispiness. Put avocado here so it’s not squished in the middle.
![](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/03-aol-food-perfect-sandwich-cheese.jpg?fit=640%2C427)
Layer 3: Cheese
Layer cheese near the top: It protects the bread from the moist middle layer of vegetables and reinforces the sandwich’s structure.
Layer 4: Crunchy layer
Place crispy ingredients such as bacon, walnuts, or celery in the center. This layer offers mouthwatering texture and stays in place surrounded by pillowy layers.
![](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/05-aol-food-perfect-sandwich-vegetables.jpg?fit=640%2C427)
Layer 5: Vegetables
Salt tomato and cucumber slices and place on a paper towel for 10 minutes. This drains excess moisture, increasing flavor.
![](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/06-aol-food-perfect-sandwich-meat.jpg?fit=640%2C427)
Layer 6: Meat
Deli meat is round, and sandwich bread is usually square. To avoid bare sandwich corners, cut each circle in half. Align the four straight edges with the bread edges.
![](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/07-aol-food-perfect-sandwich-condiments.jpg?fit=640%2C427)
Layer 7: Condiments
Add spreads (e.g., mayonnaise, mustard, or pesto) to both pieces of bread for flavor and just the right amount of moisture.