Some days I just can't face another complicated meal. That's where these 27 sandwich recipes swoop in to save lunch (and dinner, and maybe even dessert).
They're hearty, ridiculously tasty, and so quick to pull together. You'll fall hard for everything from a classic egg salad to a melty croque-monsieur.
1. Semi-Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
Okay, this won't replace dinner, but it's a must-make with the kids. Who doesn't adore ice cream sandwiches?
They're messy, finger-licking fun. Get creative!
Raspberry ice cream with white chocolate chunks? Yes.
Peanut butter swirl and crushed Oreos? Absolutely. The possibilities are endless.
2. Croque-Monsieur
This dressed-up grilled ham and cheese is worth every extra step, I promise. Just like the Hot Brown, a creamy mornay sauce goes over the top, then more cheese, and then it's grilled. That sauce takes a simple sandwich and makes it feel so luxurious.
3. Louisville’s Historic Brown Hotel’s Original “Hot Brown” Sandwich Recipe
Need a sandwich hearty enough for dinner? This is the one.
A simple turkey and tomato club gets a serious upgrade with a creamy mornay sauce poured over the top. Then it all gets baked until bubbly and irresistible.
4. Best Egg Salad Recipe
Egg salad is a classic, the kind of creamy, dreamy lunch I crave. Sure, maybe skip it on public transit, but at home it's pure bliss.
My favorite trick? Mash those cooked yolks right into the chopped whites.
You get that rich, unmistakable yolk flavor and a silky smooth texture in every single bite. It's a little genius move that changes everything.
5. Spaghetti Sandwich
I was skeptical too. Spaghetti in a sandwich?
It sounds wild, but I can't lie, it's delicious. I love spaghetti with meat sauce and plenty of cheese, usually with garlic bread on the side. This is all of that goodness wrapped up in one tidy, handheld package.
6. Veggie and Hummus Sandwich
This sandwich is packed with so much goodness, you absolutely won't miss the meat. Thick tomato slices, grated carrot, spinach, cucumber… it's incredibly filling.
I love using hummus as the spread for flavor and moisture. Leave out the cheese and it's totally vegan.
7. Leftover Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe
This is basically a burger's cool cousin, and I love that it's on sliced bread instead of a thick bun. Meatloaf is already packed with flavor, so it makes an amazing faux-burger.
You can use a burger bun if you want, but a thick slab of sourdough? Even better.
8. Mozzarella in Carrozza (Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwich)
I'd never seen this recipe before and oh boy, am I glad I found it. Love mozzarella sticks?
This is your dream sandwich. Fill white bread with mozzarella slices, then dredge in egg and breadcrumbs like chicken tenders. Fry it up and you get a golden, crunchy crust surrounding an ooey-gooey, cheesy center.
9. Grilled Potato Sandwich
Calling all carb lovers, this one's a no-brainer. Potatoes inside a sandwich?
I'll take two, please. I'm crazy about these spicy potatoes and make them all the time.
Leftovers are rare, but when I have them, this is the best way to use them up. Give them a little mash, add some cheese, and you've got an unusual but seriously tasty grilled sandwich.
10. Grilled Chocolate Sandwiches
From apple stacks to this, I know it's a leap! But I couldn't leave out these grilled chocolate sandwiches.
Thick toasted bread, real chocolate, sea salt, a hint of cinnamon… they're dangerous in the best way. Toss in some mini marshmallows while you're at it. Why not?
11. Vegan Cauliflower Sandwich
Cauliflower steaks are surprisingly meaty and so satisfying, whether you're skipping meat or just cutting back. Pile on garlicky greens and romesco sauce for a decadent touch.
Need it nut-free? I've made a similar romesco using breadcrumbs instead of almonds.
12. How to Make the Perfect BLT
A perfect BLT needs bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and bread. You could skip one or two, but each plays a specific role, and it's just not the same without them all.
Thick-cut bacon holds up best during cooking. Though honestly, I'm a fan of using back bacon the way the Brits do.
13. Easy Tuna Melts
Confession: tuna melts aren't really my thing. Maybe it's the smell or the tuna plus cheese combo, but it doesn't do it for me.
Still, I know they've got a huge fan club, so I had to include them. Even I have to say these English muffin melts look pretty amazing. Who knows, they might just win me over.
14. Banh Mi Sandwich
Banh mi means 'bread' in Vietnamese, and it's all about that crunchy baguette. It's a beloved street food piled with pickled carrots, mayo, daikon, chiles, cucumber, and your protein of choice.
Here I'm using tofu, but honestly, use whatever you've got on hand. It's flexible and so, so good.
15. The Ultimate Clubhouse Sandwich
I have zero willpower when it comes to a club sandwich. If it's on the menu, I'm ordering it.
Grilled chicken and avocado are my favorite, but ham or turkey work beautifully too. The real secret?
Three slices of bread. Skip the middle piece and the whole structure falls apart. Keep it in place and everything stays put.
16. Best Falafel Sandwich
Maybe these are more wrap than sandwich, but I consider them part of the same delicious family. Falafel is so flavorful, but putting it in thick bread can be too heavy.
A light wrap holds everything together perfectly. Not into tahini? Swap in mayo or Greek tzatziki for a fantastic pairing.
17. Meatball Sub
Tender meatballs on garlicky toasted bread with plenty of marinara is the stuff dreams are made of. And don't forget the cheese!
Hoagie rolls are ideal: soft inside, crispy at the edges. I like to slather mine with garlic butter and toast them with the cheese right on the bread.
18. Bacon, Havarti and Peach Wafflewiches
Love at first sight, I'm telling you. And after that very first bite?
I was ready to commit for life. This waffle sandwich is salty, cheesy, and bursting with fruity sweetness.
I get it, the combo might sound a little wild, but trust me on this one. You won't regret it.
19. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches with Avocado Slaw
Suspicious of jackfruit? I totally get it.
I was too. How could this fruit possibly taste like pulled pork?
But it really does! The texture is amazingly meaty, and doused in BBQ sauce, I bet you could trick even the most dedicated carnivore.
20. Danish Smørrebrød (Open Sandwiches) with Remoulade
I whip up remoulade (or 'remy' as I call it) all the time and put it on everything. It's chunky, salty, tangy, and makes everything instantly better. For the open sandwiches, traditional Scandinavian rye bread is dense and dark, but honestly, any bread you love will work just fine.
21. Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
I once worked in a tiny vegan cafe and was blown away by how they used chickpeas. Chickpea blondies?
Prepare to have your mind changed. But the sandwiches were my absolute favorite.
Chickpeas are mild and soak up whatever flavors you throw in. Mash them up and you get this incredible texture, just like a classic chicken salad.
22. The Best Ham Sandwich You’ll Ever Eat
Bold claim, I know, and not everyone will be on board. But this sandwich is spectacular.
Crusty French bread, spicy pepper jam… I'm already sold. Add salty ham and tangy goat cheese, and the flavor combination will absolutely knock your socks off.
23. Cuban Sandwich
Never had a Cuban sandwich? Book a flight to Miami immediately.
That's where I fell in love with this salty, pickle-packed masterpiece. Ham and pork mean there's no vegan version here, and if you're not into pickles, maybe skip ahead. They're absolutely essential.
24. Braaibroodjie (South African Grilled Cheese Sandwich)
If you know my obsession with grilled cheese, you won't be shocked that I'm always hunting for new twists. This South African version grabbed me with the mango chutney.
Sweet, spicy chutney plus caramelized onions, tomatoes, and loads of cheese. It's next level.
25. Turkey Panini Recipe with Apple, Cheddar & Arugula
Funny how we'll order something like this at a cafe but never think to make it at home. Let's fix that.
This easy panini has zippy mustard, tender turkey, cheese, crisp apple slices, and peppery arugula. Once that cheese melts, it's pure lunchtime heaven.
26. Apple Peanut Butter Sandwiches
These little apple stacks are cute, crisp, and sweet, and way lighter than a bread-heavy sandwich. The best part? You can totally indulge with peanut butter or even Nutella and not stress about it.
27. Elvis Presley's Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
I've mentioned this one before and I know you've been curious. Now's the time!
Elvis had a thing for indulgence, and this sandwich is proof. Peanut butter and banana are just the start.
There's bacon and a drizzle of honey in there, too. It's over the top in the best way.