Gerber Sandwich
Quick Bite
The Gerber Sandwich is a St. Louis open-faced sandwich made with garlic bread, ham, Provel cheese, and paprika, then toasted until bubbly. It is simple, melty, garlicky, and pure neighborhood deli comfort.
History
The Gerber Sandwich was created in St. Louis at Ruma’s Deli in the 1970s. The sandwich is named for Dick Gerber, a nearby customer and business owner who reportedly liked to come into the deli and make his own custom sandwich.
The Ruma family liked the creation enough to put it on the menu. The original idea was straightforward: Italian or French bread spread with garlic butter, topped with ham and cheese, sprinkled with paprika, and toasted open-faced.
Over time, Provel cheese became strongly associated with the sandwich. Provel is the processed cheese blend famous in St. Louis pizza culture, and it melts into a gooey, creamy layer that helps make the Gerber feel distinctly local.
The Gerber is not complicated, and that is the charm. It is basically garlic bread and ham-and-cheese deciding to become one very St. Louis lunch.
Fun Facts
- The sandwich was named after a customer, Dick Gerber.
- The original cheese may have been provolone, but Provel became the St. Louis standard.
- It is served open-faced, so it eats more like a toasted cheese-and-ham melt than a regular sandwich.
Where to Try
The essential place to try the original Gerber Sandwich from the deli family that put it on the menu.
A local spot known for St. Louis comfort food, including Gerber-style sandwiches.
A beloved St. Louis deli where hot sandwiches, garlic bread, ham, and Provel-style local flavor feel right at home.
About the Game
This recipe is part of Van Life Challenge, a travel-themed board game from Gray Dog Games where players explore the United States, discover regional foods, and collect memorable experiences along the way.
Each featured food celebrates a real place, a local flavor, and the kind of delicious roadside discovery that makes every trip feel like an adventure.
Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven: Heat the oven to 400°F.
- Slice the bread: Slice the bread lengthwise, then cut it into 4 sandwich portions.
- Make the garlic butter: Mix softened butter with garlic and parsley if using.
- Butter the bread: Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides of the bread.
- Toast the base: Place the bread on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes.
- Add ham: Top each piece with sliced ham.
- Add cheese: Cover with Provel or the cheese blend.
- Season: Sprinkle lightly with paprika.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve: Serve hot and open-faced.
