Ever try a sandwich and think, “What this really needs is some crunch and a kick of zesty flavor?” This one fills that bill thanks to the addition of giardiniera. Add in a bubbly white cheese sauce and you have a sure-fire hit at the dinner table.

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The combination of savory grilled backstrap, crunchy pickled vegetables, and creamy white cheese sauce makes this a sandwich worth repeating. All image by Michael Pendley.

What is giardiniera? If you come from an Italian family or grew up in the Northeast, you already know. For everyone else, it is a blend of Italian-style pickled vegetables. The mixes vary, but they usually include carrots, cauliflower, celery, green beans, peppers, and onions preserved in vinegar. It lends a peppy flavor and extra crunch to anything you add it to. You can make your own or find it in just about any grocery store in the pickle aisle. It comes in regular and hot, so choose whichever sounds good to you.

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Giardiniera is simply Italian-style pickled vegetables.

For this recipe, we start with a loaf of good bread. I went with an asiago cheese sourdough. Cut the loaf in half, and then hollow out the center so it forms a bowl of sorts.

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Hollow out half a loaf of good bread.

Season the backstrap roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning blend. Grill for 10 to 15 minutes to desired doneness, and then rest for five minutes before slicing into thin medallions.

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Season the backstrap and grill to medium rare.

While the backstrap grills, mix up the cheese sauce. Start by placing 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. When it starts to bubble and foam, add 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir until the flour forms a blonde roux. Add the milk and bring to a simmer. The sauce will start to thicken. Add both cheeses and stir well. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.

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Make the cheese sauce while the backstrap grills.

To build the sandwich, add plenty of sliced backstrap to the hollowed out bread. Spoon in some giardiniera, and then pour over some cheese sauce.

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I said it was good, I didn’t say it wasn’t messy. Grab plenty of napkins and enjoy.