Ringo Starr’s go-to sandwich is as straightforward as it gets: cheese on bread. The Beatles drummer, however, is particular about the kind of cheese he uses.
During a 2021 appearance on “The Late Show,” host Stephen Colbert asked Starr a simple question: “What is the best sandwich?”
“I don’t have a lot of them anymore, but cheese,” Starr replied. After saying that he loved cheese, he added, “But it has to be goat cheese now.”
Asked why he favors goat cheese, Starr explained, “I don’t eat anything from the cow because the molecules are so big. Have you seen a cow? The molecules are so big. And that’s why if you drink a glass of milk, you’re full. With a goat, it’s a good size for our bodies.”
While Starr’s theory about the size of animals and their “molecules” is not supported by science, goat milk and cow milk do have meaningful structural differences.
Studies indicate that goat milk typically has a greater share of smaller fat globules than cow milk, along with differences in its overall fat and protein makeup.
These characteristics, including how their proteins create curds during digestion, may influence the way goat and cow milk are processed by the body.
Goat cheese is also known for its tangy, earthy taste. It works especially well with sweet pairings such as honey and fruit, as well as savory additions including prosciutto.
Content creator @domenicskitchen spotlighted Starr’s favorite sandwich in an Instagram video series dedicated to recreating musicians’ preferred sandwiches.
For his version of Starr’s minimalist meal, he browned two buttered slices of bread in a pan, then layered them with soft goat cheese and grated goat cheddar.
“This sounds incredible,” one Instagram user commented. “Imagine it with a salt and pepper, tomato and some thin slices shallot.”
“This looks awesome,” wrote another.
“Why doesn’t he have a lot of them anymore? Go for it, Ringo!” another person said.
Some social media users were surprised that the sandwich wasn’t grilled with the cheese inside to melt it, as with a traditional American grilled cheese.
Others remarked that they weren’t surprised the famously quirky Beatle — who is 86 years old — would prefer a less conventional version.
“I wonder if Ringo will ever do or enjoy one normal thing in his life,” one Instagram user wrote.
Others questioned Starr’s molecule claim, while one commenter pointed out, “Goat milk fat molecules are smaller and finer than cow’s milk, makes it easier to digest.”
Some other celebrity sandwiches @domenicskitchen has recreated include rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Little Richard’s — peanut butter, banana and honey on white bread fried in butter — and country star Alan Jackson’s — pineapple and mayonnaise on white bread.
Also recreated: country music icon Dolly Parton’s, which was pimento cheese on white bread.