The Ultimate Guide to Sandwiches

{25+ Sandwich Recipes}

Easy sandwich recipes are underrated as a fast and simply delicious meal theme. After all, there are an endless ‘stack’ of possibilities. Somehow we don’t often think of making a simple sandwich when we are stressed and looking for a quick and easy dinner. 

In today’s blog, we’ll explore how to improve your sandwiches so they come together quickly on those busy days. Get ready for easy sandwich recipes, along with tips and tricks to boost flavour, add vibrant colours and prevent soggy bread! Furthermore, what I love about celebrating sandwiches is that we are not cutting carbs nor showing a wimpy meal that wouldn’t give us the fuel to chase our kids or get through a Pilates class. After all, carbs are not the enemy! Nevertheless, let’s start with a sandwich definition and get into the ‘meat’ of the blog!  

Sandwich-loving got you feeling carb-phobic? Be sure to read In Defense of Carbs: Stop the Hating first!

The Ultimate Sandwich Guide! Check out 25 + Sandwich Recipes along with tips and tricks! #dietitian #foodie #sandwich Share on X

What is a Sandwich?  (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Definition: 
1) Two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between. 
2) One slice of bread covered with food.

3 Tips for a Scrumptious Sandwich:

1. Flavour Bomb 

YES! You want to ensure you’re flavour-forward with your sandwich recipes! This is the key in making your sandwich enjoyable. After all, it’s what’s inside the sandwich that counts, right? Or at least this is what our mothers would tell us. 

Therefore, try creative, delectable or robust fillings. Try pickling onions or adding unique cheese for interest – Swiss, Aged Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, they could all work. Similarly, maybe you add flavour with leftover BBQ salmon, grilled chicken or souvlaki to inspire your sandwich recipe.  Finally, flavours could be in a seasoning for your veggies, a special sauce or fresh, vibrant herbs added to the mix. 

2. Think Outside the Sandwich Bread  

Using the same ol’ white/brown, thin-sliced bread gets boring. Instead, change it up with variety – sourdough, sprouted grain, ciabatta, pita rounds, French toast (yes!), the list goes on! Might be going to a specialty bakery, picking up a Pretzel bun, fresh multi-grain wraps or making your own bread during the COVID pandemic. Whatever you choose, go for fresh bread (could also be frozen) that’s unique and flavourful. 

Foodie TIP: As a general rule, the moister the sandwich fillings, the drier and denser the bread should be. Therefore, swap in large flour tortilla for moist fillings.

Italian Salmon Wraps are an example of moist filling with wrap or a dense bread!

3. Vibrant Colour 

Ultimately, a pop of colour entertains the eye and entices the palate. Include at least two bright colours in your sandwich. This could mean having purple cabbage, spinach, bright red cherry tomatoes, chives, green onions/scallions, micro greens or grated carrot. 

Read all about our Top 5 Must-Have Herbs for your Garden! Perfect for adding to easy sandwich recipes.

How to Prevent Soggy Sandwiches? 

IT’S ALL ABOUT PRACTICAL SANDWICH ARRANGEMENT TO PREVENT SOGGY SANDWICHES: 

1. First, ensure sandwich assembly close to when it’s being consumed.

Therefore, if you’re packing ahead for work/school lunches place fresh ingredients in a separate container to assemble your sandwich before eating.

2. Use Strategic Sandwich Layers:

You have wet ingredients (like tomatoes) nestled between meat and lettuce or cheese to act as a barrier from the bread. 

3. Swap out Wet Ingredients for Sturdier Veggies!

For example, in place of sliced tomatoes, try roasted peppers (and blot the peppers dry with a paper towel). Instead of limp lettuce, experiment with other vegetables, like shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, fennel or even spinach.

25 + Easy Sandwich Recipes

Sandwich recipes are often requested on Google, so we’ve created an Ultimate Sandwich Guide to combine 15 different sandwiches categories with 25+ recipes! However, many of these sandwiches really don’t need recipes! Just use the above tips to build better sandwiches and enjoy! 

1. Cold Sandwiches: 

We must begin with the cold sandwich because it’s the most popular one! After all, opening your fridge and using cold meats, cheeses and condiments can make this sandwich recipe happen in a matter of minutes! 

When I think of a cold sandwich I think of the Club Sandwich (recipe), which often includes ham, bacon, turkey/chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cheddar cheese and mayo! My Italian family also loves cold cuts on a bun. Likewise, my grandma made the best Roast Beef, Swiss and Horseradish Sandwich. 

2. Smoked Salmon, Capers and Cream Cheese  

This open-faced sandwich is a favourite for an easy lunch. You can stock smoked salmon in the freezer and have it on hand for a quick thaw and delicious protein option. If you are confused about the difference between farmed and wild salmon, read more. Here’s a sandwich recipe for the Smoked Salmon Bagel with Capers and Cream Cheese.

3. Classic Grilled Cheese (Monte Cristo, Croque Monsieur, Ruben) 

What I love about a classic grilled cheese is the simplicity. You really can’t go wrong. However, if you want, you can always add other ingredients like ham, change up the cheese or perhaps add jam to elevate your sandwich. To differentiate, a Ruben is a grilled sandwich of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut usually on rye bread (recipe).

What’s more, a Croque Monsieur is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a béchamel sauce. Whereas, the Monte Cristo is a variation of the Croque Monsieur, made with ham, cheese, a little mustard and mayonnaise, then it’s dipped in egg and cooked. Here’s a recipe for the Monte Cristo.

4. Tuna Salad /Egg Salad /Chicken Salad/Ham Salad

These are perfect make-ahead sandwich recipe fillings! The flavours get a chance to combine and intensify. Here’s a Two-Minute Tuna Salad recipe and we also have a Curry Egg Salad Sandwich. Furthermore, use any leftover chicken or turkey for the protein filling for a chicken/turkey salad sandwich. For more meal ideas, check out 10 Unique Ways to Use Leftover Turkey . 

5. Meatball Sandwich or Eggplant Sandwich or Pork Parmesan Sandwich 

A warm sandwich is my favourite! After all, they just feel extra satisfying for some reason. This Meatball or Eggplant Sandwich recipe is also a great way to reinvent dinner into a new meal! For example, think spaghetti and meatballs or Eggplant Parmigiana for dinner and slap this on a sandwich for a lunch! Easy meal for the win! For more ideas on reinventing dinner into unique lunches, read our blog about it!

6. Sub Sandwiches  – Po Boys, Bah Mi, Philly Cheese Steak  

Sub Sandwiches could fall under hot or cold sandwich category but I think they deserve their own category. In my blog, New Orleans Food Exploration, I highlight the traditional po’ boy (short for poor boy) sandwich. It’s a New Orleans submarine sandwich conventionally consisting of fried seafood, fish, oysters, crab or cold cuts. They’re served on a baguette and known for the crisp crust and the fluffy centre. 

In Vietnamese cuisine, Bah Mi is a short baguette filled with savory ingredients like a submarine sandwich filled with pickled ingredients, chicken and often mayo sauce. Here’s a recipe for Bah Mi! If you’re craving a homemade Philly Cheese steak recipe, we have you covered as well!

7. Pulled Pork Sandwich or Jackfruit Sandwich or Sliders

If you haven’t made pulled pork at home, you’re missing out! This is a perfect protein to put in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Plus, you’ll come home to the savoury wafting aromas. Also, be sure to freeze portions of pulled pork so you can create a quick meal like another sandwich, pulled pork flatbreads, crepes or even pulled pork quesadillas! 

Leftover freezer pulled pork turned into flatbreads for a new dinner idea!

8. Classic Fried Egg Sandwich 

The Classic Fried Egg Sandwich is a breakfast favourite in my home. You can use an English muffin or whole grain or sprouted grain bread. Can also add your favourite cheese or veggies! This dish could also serve as a lunch or dinner and be ready in about 10 minutes from start to finish! Stock your freezer with bread and your fridge with eggs and you’ll be able to make this sandwich recipe anytime! This meal truly is FASTER than takeout! 

9. Classic Peanut Butter Sandwich 

How could we possibly do an Ultimate Guide to Sandwiches without mentioning the infamous PB sandwich! It’s tried and true and delicious with honey or jam as well. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bananas and you have a tasty meal ready to go. Easy substitute with almond butter, sunflower butter or soy butter. 

10. Now that’s a Wrap! Souvlaki, Gyros, Tacos, Bao

The wrap is in fact a sandwich. According to the definitive Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America, “During the 1990s, wraps became a popular new form of sandwich in the United States.” Use leftover proteins and veggies to create a simple wrap for a meal. Use what you have in your fridge for inspiration and top with some scallions/green onions for extra colour and flavour!

11. Burger or Hotdog or Veggie Dog   

This sandwich recipe category is highly debated but we are on the side that YES, a burger, hotdog, veggie dog are all sandwiches! Nevertheless, they are also delicious summer meals or fine cottage dining. Be sure to try making your own burgers or veggie burgers. Additionally, be sure to batch-prep them for the freezer so you have quick and easy protein options available when you’re too busy to cook! Add a side salad and your meal is balanced! 

11. Fish Sandwich  – Lobster Roll, Fish Taco

Seafood is so delicious and delicate. This means you can cook it quickly. Be sure to try our fish taco recipe for a seasoned fillet that is sure to impress your taste buds. What’s more, if you’re a fan of the lobster roll and want to try a homemade version, here’s a lobster roll recipe to try.

12. Open-Faced Sandwich or Melts – Tuna Melts, Scrambled Avocado Toast

Open-faced sandwiches are really nice! They give the same innumerable flavour options. Perhaps you want to turn your chicken/tuna/turkey salad sandwich recipe into an open faced melt. Simply add cheese and turn your oven to bake or watch closely on broil. 

13. Family Classic – Sloppy Joes, Corned Beef on Rye with Mustard, Western Sandwich

I am sure your family has favourite sandwich recipes! Growing up, my mom would make me and my two sisters Sloppy Joe sandwiches. Now as a dietitian, I still make this sandwich recipe on occasion but also add canned lentils to boost the fibre and double the protein yield, which helps save on groceries.

14. Panini   

Finally, to round out our Ultimate Sandwich Guide, we have the panini or grilled, pressed sandwich. I love pesto sauce added to protein like chicken or tempeh in a panini. Grilled veggies are another nice topping and cheese like feta or goat cheese. Here are panini recipes for meat eaters and vegetarian paninis as well.

Get Creative with Sandwich Recipes!

The Mix and Match for Sandwiches is fun with endless possibilities! This also shows you that you can go rogue and ditch the recipe!

Sandwich Recipe Meal Themes

In summary, sandwiches are a perfect example of a Meal Theme. In other words, themes are ways to narrow the focus of your meal options to help with dinner decisions. Perhaps you want to try Sandwich Saturdays so that you can choose from the wide variety of options mentioned above. Or maybe you need a 15-minute meal and want to enjoy a simple Fried Egg Sandwich before soccer practice!  

Foodie Dietitian Tip: List all your favourite sandwiches on a piece of paper and the groceries you need to make these. Having necessary groceries makes executing your plan stress-free. 

Hope the Ultimate Sandwich Guide has you inspired with Sandwich Recipe ideas!

Bottom Line of 25 + Easy Sandwich Recipes: 

In conclusion, sandwich recipes are amazing! And when you have dinner (or lunch) options you enjoy, you really don’t even need a sandwich recipe! All you need is a little meal inspiration! Be sure to meal plan sandwiches into your busy work week for a fun and flavourful option! Perhaps you want to use a Meal Theme (like Sandwich Saturday or Tuesday Simple Sandwich Night). This way you can prioritize this balanced meal when you’re contemplating what to make! 

Now it’s your turn! What are your favourite sandwich recipes? Gotta love the sandwich shots on Instagram as well. After all, they’re often taken in appealing outside settings and really celebrate the endless delicious possibilities that can be slapped between two pieces of bread. Finally, be sure to tag Dietetic Directions Instagram in your homemade sandwiches!