52 Sandwich Recipes That Make Lunchtime Anything But Boring

By

Patricia S York

Updated on October 5, 2023

Turkey Salad — Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

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 in 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. Is 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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Pork Chop Sandwich

Pork Chop Sandwich — STACY K. ALLEN; FOOD STYLIST: CHELSEA ZIMMER; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY

Pork chop sandwiches take many forms, but this one is truly Southern: An apple butter-mustard spread and a tangy coleslaw lend a delightful sweet-pickled moment against a juicy pork chop.

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Fried Bologna Sandwich

Fried Bologna Sandwich — Monica Farber

If you can't remember the last time you've eaten a fried bologna sandwich, now's the time to whip up this classic Southern delicacy.

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Cornmeal-Crusted Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches

Southern Living Cornmeal-Crusted Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches on a plate to serve with potato chips — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

This rich sandwich is a tasty way to take advantage of soft-shell crab season. Coated in a buttermilk and hot sauce mixture then dredged in cornmeal, the crabs fry up delectably crispy and extra flavorful.

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Southern Tomato Sandwich

southern tomato sandwich halves on plate — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Three simple ingredients make for one of the South's favorite lunchtime snacks: the tomato sandwich. This recipe is the no-frills standard go-to that's the perfect way to celebrate tomato season.

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Cuban Sandwich

Southern Living Cuban Sandwich on a plate to serve with a pickle and chips — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

The hearty and sour deliciousness that is the Cuban sandwich is a favorite all over the world, and this take on the classic has all the typical Cubano flavors with some subtle Southern sweetness to boot.

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Pineapple Sandwich

Southern Living Pineapple Sandwich on a plate to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

While this sandwich may turn some people off, we say don't knock it 'til you try it! Your Grandma would be so proud to see you making this classic Southern delicacy.

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Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich

Southern Living Fried Chicken Sandwich with potato chips and tea — Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

A fried chicken sandwich is a Southern staple, and this recipe is a simple, classic way to perfect this delicious lunch favorite.

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Classic Southern BLT

Southern BLT — Monica Farber/Southern Living

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

Chicken and Fontina Panini — Greg DuPree

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

The Ultimate Grilled Cheese — Hector Sanchez

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

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Barbecue Pork Sandwiches

Barbecue Pork Sandwiches — Southern Living

This easy slow-cooker recipe is our favorite hands-off way to make barbecue at home.

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Shrimp Salad Rolls

Shrimp Salad Rolls — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

Want a quick coastal getaway? This shrimp rolls are ready in just 10 minutes thanks to the quick-cooking crustaceans.

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Ham Sandwich

Southern Living Ham Sandwich on a blue plate — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

You don't need a ham sandwich recipe, right? Oh, but you do. The special honey mustard sauce on this sandwich and the cast of other ingredients builds its way into the perfect—dare we say—best ham sandwich ever.

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Slow-cooked Barbecued Chicken Sandwiches

Pickled Peppers & Onions — Becky Luigart Stayner

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

Egg Salad Sandwiches — Jen Causey

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

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Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches — Greg DuPree

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

Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches — Southern Living

This legendary Southern sandwich will simply never let us down.

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Turkey, Caramelized Onion, and Gruyère Grilled Cheese

Turkey, Caramelized Onion, and Gruyère Grilled Cheese — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

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

Grilled Shrimp Po'Boys with Quick Remoulade Sauce — Max Kelly

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

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Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Honey Barbecue Sauce

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Tangy Honey Barbecue Sauce — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

This slightly sweet barbecue sauce is sweetened with honey, not sugar. That results in a beautifully caramelized sauce once this chicken breast is added to the grill.

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Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches

Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

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

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Tomato Tea Sandwiches

Tomato Tea Sandwiches — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

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

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Crispy Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches

Crispy Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches — Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

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

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Ham-and-Cheese Sliders

Ham-and-Cheese Sliders — Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

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

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Brisket Sandwich With Texas BBQ Sauce

Black-Eyed Pea Fritter Sandwiches with Slaw — Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

Texas-style smoked brisket is a true Southern delicacy.

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Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich

Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich — Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

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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Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches

Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches — Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

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

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Salmon Bagel Sandwiches

Salmon Bagel Sandwiches — Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

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

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Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Bacon

Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Bacon — Callie Nash

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

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Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise

Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise — Victor Protasio

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

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Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce

Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce — Hector Manuel Sanchez

You can serve this easy slow-cooker sandwich recipe on slider buns or hoagies.

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Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes

Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a surefire way to satisfy picky kids at dinnertime.

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Jenné Claiborne's Cajun Blackened Tofu Sandwich

Jenné Claiborne's Cajun Blackened Tofu Sandwich — Sidney Bensimon

No meat doesn't mean no flavor with this Cajun sandwich.

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Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad

Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad — Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Old-fashioned ham salad is even more delicious when served between crisp little cheese puffs that can be made ahead and frozen.

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Tangy Slow-Cooker Pork Shoulder

Tangy Slow-Cooker Pork Shoulder — Hector Manuel Sanchez

You're going to love the sweet and tangy sauce that's paired with this tender pulled pork.

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Grilled Chicken 'N' Cheese Sandwiches

Grilled Chicken 'N' Cheese Sandwiches — Southern Living

Add a little protein to your favorite grilled cheese to keep you full all afternoon long.

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Fried Chicken Sliders with Pimiento Cheese

Fried Chicken Sliders with Pimiento Cheese — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Could these festive sandwiches get any more Southern?

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Mini Muffulettas

Mini Muffulettas — Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke

We made this Southern classic portable for the tailgate or the kids' lunches with mini hoagies.

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The Masters Egg Salad Sandwiches

We tried to recreate Augusta National's famous recipe as close as possible, but nothing compares to eating one of these on site.

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Slow-Cooker Beef Sliders with Pickled Peppers

Slow-Cooker Beef Sliders with Pickled Peppers — Hector Sanchez

These game-day ready sandwiches give you so much flavor in every bite.

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Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread

Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread — Alison Miksch

Dainty cucumber sandwiches meet fresh tomato sandwiches with this gorgeous summer recipe.

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The Ultimate Fried Egg Sandwich with BBQ Bacon

The Ultimate Fried Egg Sandwich with BBQ Bacon — Photo: Alison Miksch

Sunday brunch just got a major upgrade with this serious sandwich.

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Turkey Salad

Turkey Salad — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Swap chicken salad for this yummy turkey salad that makes great use of leftovers.

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Classic Patty Melt

Classic Patty Melt — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero

Recreate this old-school diner favorite at home with the help of your cast-iron skillet.

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Smoky Chicken Panini with Basil Mayo

Smoky Chicken Panini with Basil Mayo — Jennifer Davick

If you don't feel like lighting the grill, you can totally use the store-bought rotisserie chicken from the fridge for this cheesy panini.

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Four-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

Four-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pot Roast — Melina Hammer

This easy pot roast recipe can be served countless ways, but we love it sandwiched between two buns and topped with fresh slaw or lettuce and onions.

47 of 52

Greek Grilled Chicken Pita

Greek Grilled Chicken Pita — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Go Greek at lunch with this simple but flavorful pita recipe.

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Cheesy BBQ Sloppy Joes

Cheesy BBQ Sloppy Joes

We served these open-faced Sloppy Joes over thick slices of Texas toast.

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Easy Egg Salad

Easy Egg Salad — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Every Southern cook needs a go-to egg salad recipe for entertaining and weekday lunches, and this is a tried-and-true winner.

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Pork Tenderloin Sliders

Pork Tenderloin Sliders — Hector Sanchez

Set these sliders out with as many sauce options as you'd like.

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Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich with Sausage, Egg, and Cheese

Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich with Sausage, Egg, and Cheese — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

The beauty of these biscuit sandwiches is that the egg mixture is made in your sheet pan, so you won't be standing at the stovetop making eggs all morning.

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Fried Catfish Sandwich With Pickled Watermelon Rind Slaw

Fried Catfish Sandwich With Pickled Watermelon Rind Slaw — Southern Living

This fresh sandwich gives a classic dish—fried catfish—a tasty upgrade. The pickled watermelon rind adds tang and bite, but it blends together in a sandwich that is oh-so Southern.

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