From lunchboxes to gourmet creations, sandwiches are consistently popular. They’re seen in many different cultures, with countless variations of flavor, texture, and ingredients. There’s no single correct way to make a sandwich either. Instead, it’s a matter of getting creative with the ingredients on hand.
With so many options for bread and fillings, it’s no wonder that there’s an endless selection of types of sandwiches. Some of the most famous sandwich types include the BLT, grilled cheese sandwich, reuben, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and the breakfast sandwich.
But, there are many more beyond just those. So… let’s dig into the various sandwiches, including the ingredients they rely on and how they’re prepared.
For this list, we’re intentionally avoiding foods like hot dogs, wraps, tortillas, and burgers. These all have a carb-based exterior that somewhat sandwiches fillings. Some definitions even classify these as a subtype of sandwiches, but most don’t, so we won’t either.
P.S. Most of these sandwiches can be made with fresh bread or with bread that’s been frozen and thawed.
31 Types Of Sandwiches
BLT
The BLT is one of the most famous sandwiches, simply consisting of bacon, lettuce, and tomato. The combination of flavors is exceptional, especially if you focus on high quality ingredients. Some people even make their own mayo to elevate the sandwich or serve it with a side or two.
Of course, BLTs often aren’t just bacon, lettuce, and tomato. There are now plenty of modern variations, including the BLAT (which adds avocado), a fried egg BLT, and a grilled cheese BLT. Those extra ingredients can make the sandwich taste even better.
French Dip Sandwich
French dip sandwiches are a delicious American classic. They’re packed with tender and delicious beef, seasonings, and sometimes provolone cheese.
Then, there’s the sauce. This is made from the juices produced when cooking the beef. It’s often served in a small dish, so you can dip the sandwich into the sauce as you go.
Club Sandwich
Club sandwiches aren’t defined by their fillings, so much as by how they’re made. In particular, a club sandwich always has an extra piece of bread in the middle, making it a little like two sandwiches in one.
Much of the time, the first part of the club sandwich is focused on the salad ingredients, like lettuce and perhaps cucumber, while the second part focuses on meat instead. However, there are endless ways to build the sandwiches.
The sandwiches are often cut into quarters, making them easier to hold and eat. Some are also threaded onto a skewer or held in place with a toothpick. Doing so stops the sandwich from falling apart, especially if it is packed with fillings.
Egg Salad Sandwich
An egg salad sandwich barely requires an explanation. It relies on mashed eggs, plenty of creamy mayo, and seasoning. You can also add in chives, fresh herbs, or perhaps diced ham to vary things up.
White bread is commonly used, as this is a neutral choice and helps the egg flavors to stand out. However, other types of bread work well too, like sourdough for extra flavor or wholegrain bread to create a healthier sandwich.
Crack Chicken Sandwich
Chicken crack sandwiches get their name from just how delicious the chicken is – delicious enough that it is almost addictive and keeps people coming back for more.
The sandwich relies on either shredded or chopped chicken, which has been mixed with delicious ingredients, including garlic powder, ranch dressing mix, and cream cheese. Cheese and bacon may be included as well, making the sandwich taste even better.
Notably, this sandwich isn’t just incredibly delicious, it can also be high in calories, fat, and sodium. As such, it’s a sandwich to eat every so often, rather than regularly.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
These sandwiches rely on pulled pork as the main ingredient. The pulled pork often includes plenty of sauce, creating a sandwich that’s packed with flavor and is also very filling.
Most versions of this sandwich rely on burger buns rather than bread, partly because bread won’t always stand up to the weight of the fillings. Still, you can make the sandwich using thickly sliced bread if you wish to.
Such sandwiches can even be served as a meal, perhaps with a few sides, like mac and cheese or coleslaw.
Tuna Salad Sandwich
A tuna salad sandwich is perfect if you want something lighter. The recipe relies on tuna salad, which is often as simple as mixing canned tuna with mayo and a few spices.
The approach gives you a surprisingly tasty sandwich, one that’s also easy and inexpensive to make. It’s easy to vary the recipe too. For example, you can use avocado or shredded cheese as mix-ins to improve the flavor profile. You might even be able to use frozen avocado instead of fresh if you mixed the avocado in with your tuna.
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
What about a Philly cheesesteak sandwich? This is another one often served in a roll rather than between bread, but we’ll let that slide. After all, the sandwich is far too delicious to ignore.
A Philly cheesesteak sandwich relies on thin pieces of ribeye steak, plus plenty of cheese (Swiss cheese or provolone are good choices). The sandwich can be served like this or have other ingredients added in, like green and red bell peppers or olives.
Sloppy Joe
Then we have a sloppy Joe. This is another American classic that can be served in burger buns or in hoagie rolls. Serving it between bread slices generally isn’t recommended, as that version would get messy fast.
The main ingredient of the dish is ground beef that has been cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce. A few vegetables may be included too, such as onions and bell peppers. Still… this is a meat-focused sandwich and the vegetable content is minimal.
In many ways, preparing a sloppy Joe is like preparing bolognese, except that you’re cooking everything down more, so that the finished dish isn’t too saucy. The sandwich can be pretty messy to eat. Then again, that’s part of the fun.
Breakfast Sandwich
Breakfast sandwiches rely on breakfast ingredients, like bacon, eggs, sausage, tomatoes, and avocado. And, really, that’s all they have in common.
Some versions are simple, perhaps made with just Canadian bacon, egg, and cheese. Others have a strong gourmet focus. These may include ingredients like guacamole, spinach, goat cheese, and garlic butter.
While such sandwiches are often served for breakfast, doing so isn’t essential. Breakfast sandwiches still work well for snacks, lunch, or even a light dinner.
Bacon Sandwich
A bacon sandwich (or bacon butty) is most commonly found in the UK and consists of crispy bacon on soft white bread. Butter, brown sauce, or ketchup may be included instead, although none of these are essential.
Using just bacon makes this a much simpler dish than full breakfast sandwiches. Yet, the sandwich is still delicious and very popular.
Po’Boy
The Po’Boy hails from New Orleans and is traditionally made using New Orleans French bread. The fillings are savory and often rely on meat or seafood. Fried shrimp, crawfish, and roast beef are a few commonly seen versions.
Some vegetables are often included as well, such as pickles and lettuce. Then, there’s a delicious remoulade sauce with distinct Cajun notes, which ties the whole thing together.
Because of the ingredients, Po’Boy sandwiches tend to be filling, rich, and savory. They’re perfect for times when regular sandwiches just don’t cut it. There’s also plenty of room for flexibility, allowing you to make the sandwich however you see fit.
Toasted Sandwich
Toasted sandwiches are cases where the sandwich has been cooked with the fillings inside. Doing so melts any cheese that’s present, while also creating crispy toast that tastes amazing.
Fillings for toasted sandwiches can vary dramatically. Some are simple, like a ham and cheese toasted sandwich, while others are much more complex, such as a sandwich with avocado, grilled chicken, and pesto.
Indeed, most sandwich fillings will work in a toasted sandwich, so you can get as creative as you like. Just be careful with any wet ingredients, including sliced tomatoes and sauces, as they can easily make the sandwich soggy.
You may also need to swap lettuce out for a more resilient leafy green, like spinach, as lettuce may wilt in the heat.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a specific variation on the toasted sandwich, with cheese as a star ingredient. These sandwiches are traditionally cooked in a pan with plenty of butter (or another cooking fat) until the cheese has melted and the bread has become golden and toasted.
However, you can also find other tools to do the job, such as a sandwich toaster. These apply heat from both sides and make it easier to cook the sandwich evenly.
For many, the simplicity of grilled cheese is one of its most appealing features. You can also create a more interesting version by including multiple types of cheese or adding extra ingredients for flavor (caramelized onions, thinly sliced apples, or dijon mustard are all worth considering).
Reuben
Reubens are another example of toasted sandwich, but they’re much more complex than a regular cheese grilled cheese sandwich. The key ingredients are plenty of cured beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, dressing, and rye bread.
These ingredients create a savory, salty, and tangy sandwich that can be very filling. You can tweak the recipe by using a different type of meat, changing the dressing, or even skipping the sauerkraut. A turkey reuben is one example. This version uses sliced turkey instead of the beef and often changes the cheese to Havarti as well.
Of course, there’s some debate about whether you still end up with a reuben after you change the recipe.
Bologna Sandwich
Now we have something much simpler – the classic bologna sandwich. The most basic version of this just uses thinly sliced bologna, white bread, and some type of condiment (like mayonnaise and mustard).
Because there are so few ingredients, bologna remains the star of the show. However, you can add extra ingredients, such as cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. While these are less traditional, they do make the sandwich more enjoyable.
Bologna sandwiches are often eaten because they’re so affordable. They’re also fast and easy to prepare, which is fantastic for stressed families with little time.
Beyond this, many kids grew up on bologna sandwiches, which makes them a nostalgic meal.
Salad Sandwich
A salad sandwich is basically any sandwich that relies heavily on salad greens and fresh vegetables. The vegetable selection includes vibrant options like cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, and bell peppers, which keep the sandwich delicious and refreshing.
Some salad sandwiches use just these ingredients (plus the bread!), while others are more creative. Protein is a common addition, such as sliced chicken, ham, or vegan lunch meat. You could also experiment with other ingredients, like cheese for flavor or some type of spread to keep the sandwich moist.
Fish Finger Sandwich
Fish finger sandwiches are most common in Britain, where they’re often seen as comfort food. They’re an incredibly simple option, made just with bread, fish fingers, and some type of sauce. You can add greens for extra nutrients, but these aren’t essential and often aren’t included at all.
This sandwich might be unfamiliar if you’re in the United States, but why not try it for yourself? British fish fingers basically the same as American fish sticks and can easily be used to make the same sandwich.
Steak Sandwich
Not surprisingly, steak sandwiches use steak as the main ingredient. This is often complemented by caramelized onion, cheese, and sauces to create a rich and flavorful sandwich. Some versions are also grilled, which gives an excellent contrast between the steak and bread.
Including steak makes the sandwich much more filling than normal, especially if you rely on large pieces of steak. Of course, there’s plenty of room for variation. You can experiment with the cut of steak, how it is seasoned, and the other ingredients you use.
Open Faced Sandwich
Open faced sandwiches are just like regular sandwiches, except there’s one slice of bread instead of two. This style allows you to pile the toppings higher than with a regular sandwich. You can also get more creative with how the toppings are displayed.
Because there’s less bread, these sandwiches tend to be lighter and lower in carbs than regular sandwiches. They’re also fantastic if you want to focus on toppings rather than fillings.
Cucumber Sandwich
Cucumber sandwiches are light, refreshing, and delicious. They’re often made with white bread, cream cheese, sliced cucumber, and little else. The crusts are generally cut off, making them lighter still.
This style is a great alternative to all the heavy and filling sandwiches out there. As such, the sandwiches work well for snacks and parties, rather than as full meals. You can also make them more interesting by using herbed cream cheese.
Turkey And Swiss
These sandwiches are another fairly light option. They’re made using thinly sliced turkey breast and Swiss cheese. From there, the sandwich can be varied however you like.
For example, you could create a toasted version where the Swiss cheese gets nice and melted. Or, you might make a fresh version with ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
Peanut Butter And Jelly
We can’t forget about the classic peanut and jelly sandwich. It’s one of the simplest sandwiches out there – with just a layer of peanut butter and a layer of jelly. You can choose your favorite brand for each, which leads to plenty of variation.
There are two general ways to go with this type of sandwich. The first is to grab whatever ingredients on hand, giving you a comforting and easy sandwich.
Alternatively, you could look for high quality jelly and peanut butter. Doing so makes the sandwich taste much better. You could even try using another type of nut butter, like almond butter.
Croque Monsieur
Croque monsieur is a French variation on a grilled sandwich. It traditionally relies on thinly sliced ham with gruyère cheese, although other types of cheese can be used.
At its simplest, this sandwich is much like a traditional ham and cheese toasted sandwich. However, some versions include a layer of béchamel sauce in the sandwich, making it much creamier. There may also be melted cheese on the outside.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
The Monte Cristo sandwich is similar to the croque monsieur, in that it uses ham and cheese as the main ingredients. A big difference is that a Monte Cristo is also dipped in egg or batter and is then cooked.
Dipping the sandwich like this gives it a custardy coating, making the sandwich taste even better.
Cubano
The Cubano sandwich (or Cuban sandwich), as some familiar features, as it’s another toasted creation that relies on sliced ham and cheese. However, the sandwich also includes roast pork, pickles, and mustard. These change the flavor profile considerably.
The ingredients are layered together and then the sandwich is cooked. A panini press is commonly used, as this compresses the ingredients nicely. However, you can still make a grilled version in a frypan if you wish.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Now we come to the impressive Italian beef sandwich. This is most often served in a large roll rather than between slices of bread (although either approach works).
The sandwich typically relies on thin pieces of roast beef, which have often been recently slow cooked with plenty of Italian seasonings. A pickled vegetable relish may be included, providing an excellent flavor contrast to the meat.
The sandwich is often served with gravy on top or alongside. This is an excellent way to keep the sandwich moist and add flavor.
Chip Butty
A chip butty is a British comfort food. It isn’t made with potato chips, but instead with thick cut potato chips. These chips are a little like thick French fries, the type commonly found in fish and chip stores.
Such sandwiches are often made with ordinary buttered soft white bread. Artisan bread generally isn’t used, as the focus is on the chips, not the bread.
There are few other ingredients, just some salt and perhaps a little vinegar. The sandwich isn’t healthy whatsoever, but sometimes we all need a treat or two.
Ciabatta Sandwiches
Sandwiches aren’t always defined by their ingredients. Sometimes it’s the bread that’s significant instead – like in ciabatta sandwiches.
Ciabatta itself is a type of artisan Italian bread, one that is soft and airy, with a thin crust. The bread itself is mildly flavored and slightly sweet. Those features work well with many different ingredients.
Because this is an artisan bread, ciabatta sandwiches generally use high quality ingredients. Pesto, cured meats, high quality cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and more can all feature.
Cloud Bread Sandwiches
Have you heard of cloud bread? It’s often used as a low carb bread alternative and made using just egg whites, cream cheese, and cream of tartar.
Once mixed and baked, this strange selection of ingredients gives you a surprisingly bread-like product. You can then use the bread as part of a regular sandwich or an open faced sandwich.
That said, cloud bread is most often used by low carb dieters. Because of this, the fillings tend to be keto friendly as well, such as lettuce, avocado, and plenty of meat.
Pinwheel Sandwiches
Pinwheel sandwiches are made by layering fillings on top of flat bread, then rolling the finished sandwich up tightly. The roll is then often cut into small sandwiches and each secured with a toothpick.
In many ways, these treats aren’t sandwiches at all, as the fillings aren’t being sandwiched between a carb layer (they’re rolled instead). Yet, unlike regular wraps, burritos, and hot dogs, pinwheels are generally classified as sandwiches.
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