60 Super Sandwiches That Make Lunchtime Anything But Boring

January 13, 2009
Credit: Alison Miksch

Sandwiches are universally loved. They can be as simple as a classic tomato sandwich and as complex as the best po’boys in the world. The power of a good sandwich lies not in the ingredients but the memory. You couldn’t forget those egg salad tea sandwiches Gran always served at luncheons, or the homemade barbecue sandwiches from Dad’s summer cookouts, or the epic Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich that’s somehow better than the actual holiday meal. Sandwiches are everything food should be—simple, delicious, and connecting. Chips on a turkey sandwich at the beach? A must. Duke’s Mayonnaise on your BLT? Absolutely. Whatever your sandwich traditions, you’re sure to find some new ones right here with our favorite sandwich recipes. Whether you’re looking to get fancy with a company-ready sandwich, or you need something new to throw in the kids’ lunchboxes this week, these sandwich recipes truly do it all. Sometimes the most delicious recipes are right between two slices of bread.

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The SL BLT

Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: The SL BLT

Punch up store-bought mayonnaise with these flavor-boosting ideas: For extra tang and heat, zest a small lemon and grind lots of black pepper into the mayo. For a hint of green, chop a small handful of tender herbs—parsley, basil, tarragon, dill—and fold them into the mayo.

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Chicken and Fontina Panini

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chicken and Fontina Panini

Crusty on the outside, gooey on the inside, this sandwich requires little effort and makes a satisfying lunch or light dinner. You can make hot sandwiches with two heavy cast-iron skillets—no panini press required. While you're cooking a sandwich in one skillet, heat the second one on a separate burner. Once hot, place the second skillet on top of the sandwich for 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat on the flip side, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes more.

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The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Use mayonnaise instead of butter for added flavor and to keep the bread from burning.

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Barbecue Pork Sandwiches

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Barbecue Pork Sandwiches

Online User Comment:
"An easy recipe when preparing for guests. Prepare it in the morning and you're done! I've made this recipe twice now and it was a hit both times. I used the boneless pork loin, as they were on sale, and the sandwiches couldn't have been better. The first time I served the pork sandwiches with coleslaw and the second time my guests provided potluck salads and desserts. Very easy entertaining!"
-cfry

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Richard's Sloppy Joes

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Richard's Sloppy Joes

Online User Comment:
"I've made this several times and always get compliments! I have also made it for our Sunday Football at the Legion and when camping. If you like a bit of a kick, you can't go wrong. Everyone loves it!"
-NotSoNewlyWed

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Slow-cooked Barbecued Chicken Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Slow-cooked Barbecued Chicken Sandwiches

Barbecued chicken served atop Sweet Potato Cornbread with Pickled Peppers & Onions makes for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.

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Egg Salad Sandwiches

Credit: Jen Causey

Recipe: Egg Salad Sandwiches

We’ve been making this house-favorite on egg salad for almost two decades.

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Turkey, Pesto, and Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Turkey, Pesto, and Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich

Store-bought pesto and fresh mozzarella instantly dress up a classic turkey sandwich at lunchtime.

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Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Let the slow cooker do the work with this BBQ sandwich that makes use of a homemade Carolina-style vinegar sauce.

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Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches

This legendary Southern sandwich will simply never let us down.

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Turkey, Caramelized Onion, and Gruyère Grilled Cheese

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Turkey, Caramelized Onion, and Gruyère Grilled Cheese

We’ll top just about anything with caramelized sweet onions, and this grilled cheese with turkey is an amazing place to start.

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Grilled Shrimp Po'Boys with Quick Rémoulade Sauce

Credit: Max Kelly

Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Po'Boys with Quick Rémoulade Sauce

We swapped the traditional deep-fried version of this Cajun favorite for a lightened-up grilled version.

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Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches

The slow cooker steps up in this recipe for super tender shredded chicken with white barbecue sauce.

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Tomato Tea Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Tomato Tea Sandwiches

The classic tomato sandwich you know and love gets the luncheon treatment with this mini version.

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Turkey and Spinach Meatball Sandwiches

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Turkey and Spinach Meatball Sandwiches

Lighten up your meatball hoagie a bit by swapping ground beef for turkey.

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Crispy Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Crispy Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches

This incredible seafood sandwich makes the most of decadent soft-shell crab.

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Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches

Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches

Fire up the grill for budget-friendly pork tenderloin that still tastes decadent.

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Ham-and-Cheese Sliders

Credit: Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

Recipe: Ham-and-Cheese Sliders

You’ll want to bake a double batch of these crowd-pleasing sandwiches.

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Turkey and Pimiento Cheese Club Sandwich

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Turkey and Pimiento Cheese Club Sandwich

Bring your favorite lunch spot to your kitchen with this club-style sandwich that uses your favorite store-bought pimiento cheese.

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Brisket Sandwich With Texas BBQ Sauce

Credit: Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

Recipe: Brisket Sandwich With Texas BBQ Sauce

Texas-style smoked brisket is a true Southern delicacy.

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Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Emma Star Jensen

Recipe: Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Make this old-school classic for an easy and fun dinner one night.

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Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich

These tasty sandwiches can be served warm or at room temperature, which makes them great for wrapping up and taking to tailgates or picnics.

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Ham and Dijon Grilled Cheese

Credit: Photo: Stephen DeVries, Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Ham and Dijon Grilled Cheese

This croque monsieur-inspired sandwich swaps bechamel sauce for Dijon mustard for more zest.

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Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches

These yummy sandwiches are much easier to pack up in a brown-bag lunch than an actual salad.

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Smoky Grilled BLTs

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Smoky Grilled BLTs

You won’t believe how much grilling a classic BLT amps up the flavor.

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Salmon Bagel Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Salmon Bagel Sandwiches

With slow-cooked salmon and a homemade herby cream cheese mixture, this isn’t your average lox bagel.

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Tangy Italian Beef Sandwiches

Credit: Oxmoor House

Recipe: Tangy Italian Beef Sandwiches

This is one of our favorite make-ahead recipes to make with our Instant Pot.

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Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Bacon

Credit: Callie Nash

Recipe: Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Bacon

How do you make almost any dish taste better? Add bacon.

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Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

Credit: Victor Protasio

Recipe: Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

This cute recipe shrinks the beloved BLT into a two-bite delight.

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Almond-Chicken Wrap

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton;

Recipe: Almond-Chicken Wrap

This simple wrap features a lightened-up version of classic chicken salad.

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