SPAM Sandwich and Waikiki SPAM JAM

Today I’m sharing an easy recipe for a breaded SPAM sandwich that won the 2015 SPAM Championship recipe contest and all the details about the Waikiki SPAM JAM and how you can enter the 2016 recipe competition. This is a sponsored post. Thank you for supporting the organizations, companies, people and events that I choose to work with, sponsored content grows my blog and supports my family.

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

This year, I had an amazing opportunity to attend the Waikiki SPAM JAM. Yes, Waikiki. Hawaii. For more about how I was asked to attend and my SPAM Hawaiian Skillet Dinner, read the post here.

I was only one of two mainland bloggers invited to fly to Hawaii attend the Waikiki SPAM JAM and share my experience. To say I was honored to do this is an understatement. I’ve shared SPAM recipes on my blog and growing up enjoyed it fried for breakfast regularly. What I really love is that it is a beloved Minnesota brand (for over 75 years) and when they asked if I would attend a food festival offering creative spins of this Minnesota favorite, of course, I said, “Yes!”

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

On our first night in Hawai, we attended a SPAM reception and tried several SPAM-inspired dishes including the grand prize winning recipe in the 2015 SPAM recipe contest. The 2015 winning recipe is called, Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. The 2015 theme was regional dishes and Lisa, a Wisconsin mom, drew on her German heritage to create this sandwich that when translated means, “welcoming” and “cheerful.”

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa at the Waikiki SPAM JAM and loved chatting with her about how she created this recipe and sharing our mutual love of entering state fair competitions. I loved hearing how she gets her children involved in cooking and entering state fair competitions, in fact, her son entered the kids SPAM cooking competition at her fair and that inspired her to give it a shot. As the winner of the SPAM cooking competition, Lisa and a guest were treated to a trip to Hawaii to attend the Waikiki SPAM JAM. Meeting Lisa was one of my favorite parts of my trip to Hawaii. I loved seeing her passion for cooking and the pride she took in creating this recipe.

The sandwich has a delicious crunch on the exterior from the panko that is sautéed in oil. The cabbage slaw reminds me of the flavors you’d find in a German Potato Salad: bacon, vinegar balanced with sweetness from sugar. The sweet slaw pairs perfectly with a stone ground spicy mustard (don’t be shy about the mustard according to Lisa) and the pretzel bun is the perfect bun choice to hold up to all the elements of this SPAM sandwich.

I’m making this recipe on the television show, Twin Cities Live on May 13, 2016. I’ll be sharing a couple variations too. I like making this breaded SPAM sandwich and topping it with fresh mozzarella, chopped basil and tomato sauce on a seasoned ciabatta roll (for the rolls I drizzle with olive oil and Italian seasoning and bake for 8-10 minutes). And for the kids, I like adding crushed pineapple to Lisa’s coleslaw, using Poppyseed dressing instead of the mustard and serving it on mini pretzel buns.

Okay, now I have to tell you about the Waikiki SPAM JAM. You know I love the Minnesota State Fair so I was beyond excited to check out this food festival celebrating SPAM.

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

The main road in front of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is closed down and is filled as far as the eye can see with people eager to try creative spins on SPAM. People line up at various stands run by Hawaii’s favorite restaurants and just like the Minnesota State Fair, collect with family and friends to share plates and sample as many bites as possible. Food choices include everything from the traditional, Musubi (grilled SPAM on rice wrapped in seaweed) to some really fun and exciting dishes you’d never imagine.

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

Almost 30,000 people come out for the event and there are fun events like “Hanging Ten” in the SPAM Wave (yes, those are all SPAM cans)! Most important, this event raises money for the Hawaii Food Bank.

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

There are fun character appearances like Hello Kitty! I had to take this picture for my kids. They couldn’t believe I met the REAL Hello Kitty. They think I’m really famous now.

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

Let’s talk about the food at the Waikiki SPAM JAM. On the day of the event, I was invited to attend a media preview where I could see and sample the SPAM creations that would be available at the event. Over on my Facebook Page videos, you can see all the dishes that were available to try. Tables stretched across filled with everything from stir-fry to burgers.

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

One of my favorite interpretations of SPAM were this Fritters. I could totally see this popping up in Minnesota at the Fair for a food on a stick. On the outside were crunchy noodles served with fresh Hawaiian pineapple that paired really well with the SPAM.

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

By the same chef, and my favorite dish of the event was this Ahi Tuna and SPAM dish served with a curry sauce and mango salsa. I may have had multiple portions of this.

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

The Waikiki SPAM JAM also had great musical performances and I loved being able to take in some of Hawaii’s great musicians during the event. Here’s a video of one of my favorite performances by Raiatea Helm.

During my trip, we stayed at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. It was the perfect place to take in the beach, drink a cocktail, listen to music and soak up paradise. It was so comfortable, I felt relaxed and the staff were fantastic. Here’s a peek into paradise:

While at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, we were able to take in a show at the new jazz club, Blue Note Hawaii. If you go to Waikiki, you must take in a show here. Pure awesome. I loved the atmosphere, food and the music. Well, just listen for yourself:

After the Waikiki SPAM JAM, we took full advantage of the Outrigger’s concierge and book a tour of the North Shore of the island. No planning required, Heather at the Outrigger took care of everything and we just grabbed our beach bag and the tour took us everywhere from beaches, waterfalls to food trucks.

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

It was a short trip but packed with huge experiences that will last a very long time in my heart. I’m thankful for this opportunity and thank you for reading. And a big thank you to Alaska Airlines who flew me safely and comfortably to Hawaii and then back home to my babies in Minnesota.

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

Your bags are packed and you are ready to go to the Waikiki SPAM JAM next year, right? Every year there is an annual SPAM recipe contest and it takes place at the Minnesota State Fair and 25 other fairs across the country. If you are in Minnesota, you can enter your recipe for consideration by following these directions on the Minnesota State Fair web page, registration is now open until August 9, 2016 and this year’s theme is Sweet and Savory!

SPAM Sandwich (Gemütlichkeit SPAMWICH)
 
Author:
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 8 ounces HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
  • ⅔ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 4 cups thinly sliced green and red cabbage
  • 12 hamburger sized pretzel rolls
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 12-ounce cans SPAM® with Bacon
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1½ cups panko bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup sweet spicy mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Dice bacon into ½-inch pieces. Cook over low heat until crispy; drain on paper towels and set aside. Sauté onion in skillet with 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings. Cook over medium low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle onion with 1 tablespoon of the flour. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add vinegar and sugar; stirring until the sugar dissolves. Season as desired with salt and pepper. Add cabbage and stir until it slightly wilts, about 1 minute. Add reserved bacon. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 300°F. Cut pretzel rolls in half. Lightly brush rolls with a small amount of oil and place face-side down on a baking sheet. Lightly toast rolls in the oven for about 5-10 minutes; set aside. Place remaining oil in large nonstick skillet (enough to cover the bottom of the pan) and heat over medium heat. Slice each can of SPAM® with Bacon into 6 lengthwise slices (for a total of 12 slices). Place flour, eggs and panko crumbs into three separate pans. Dip each slice of SPAM® with Bacon into flour, following by egg and then into the panko crumbs. Sauté the SPAM® with Bacon slices until golden brown on both sides. Place SPAM® with Bacon in warm oven and hold until all slices have been browned.
  3. For assembly, spread the bottom half of each toasted pretzel bun with mustard. Top with SPAM® with Bacon and the cabbage slaw. Top with roll tops and serve immediately. Makes 12 sandwiches.

If you love SPAM, try some of my other SPAM recipes. And you can find hundreds of SPAM recipes at SPAM.com

Hawaiian SPAM Skillet Dinner

Hawaiian SPAM Skillet Meal Pineapple Mango SPAM Stir-fry Rice

SPAM and Tater Tot Egg Bake available only in my Freezer Meals for Moms ebook!

Tater Tot Egg Bake

Disclosure: I received a compensated trip to the Waikiki SPAM JAM® from the Blue Ribbon Group and event sponsors including flight accommodations from Alaska Airlines and lodging from the Outrigger Waikiki Beach ResortThank you for supporting the organizations, companies, people and events that I choose to work with, sponsored content grows my blog and supports my family. As always, the content and opinions are my own.

SPAM sandwich Gemütlichkeit SPAMwich, a German-inspired sandwich that crusts SPAM with Bacon in panko bread crumbs served with a sweet bacon cabbage slaw on a pretzel bun spread with spicy mustard. https://diningwithalice.com/comfort-foods/spam-sandwich/

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