39 of Our Best Sandwich Recipes for Lunch or Dinner

These sandwich recipes add flavorful inspiration to everyday meals, from beer-braised ham on pretzel buns to shrimp patties and grilled Reubens.

It’s easy to fall into a sandwich rut and slap together the same PB&J or turkey and mayo every day. This collection of sandwich recipes offers fresh ideas, from restaurant-style club sandwiches and hearty wraps to cheesy melts and sliders. They’re perfect for a fast meal any time of day or for your next potluck or picnic. Add a bowl of soup or a light salad for a robust meal, or wrap it up and enjoy it solo in the sunshine.

These easy sandwich recipes are practical, flavorful and built to satisfy. Some double as quick dinners and lunch ideas with make-ahead fillings, like creamy pineapple chicken salad or cashew turkey salad. Others are warm and more indulgent, like baked rolls with ham and Swiss or grilled cheese with basil and tomato. There are also playful twists, like using waffles as the bread for BLTs, to really make these sandwich ideas shine.

Whether you are looking for healthy sandwiches to meal-prep for the week or assembling picnic fare, smart layering and the right combination of ingredients will ensure a drippy sandwich doesn’t become soggy and a light, veggie wrap stays crisp. Trade regular bread for gluten-free rolls and cheese slices for dairy-free ones to suit your dietary needs. Layer it well, and even simple ingredients become anything but ordinary.

1/39

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Total Time:55 min
Servings:1 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of flavors makes these sandwiches so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 315 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.

Ham and cheese is a classic sandwich combo, but these cheesy melts take it to another level. A pan of slider-sized buns is quick to layer, and a glaze of brown sugar, poppy seeds and horseradish tops it all off. They’ll be one of the first potluck recipes to disappear from the table.

2/39

Reuben Sandwich

Total Time:15 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My mouth waters just thinking of these sandwiches. I adapted the recipe from one my mother found several years ago. —Kathy Jo Scott, Hemingford, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 547 calories, 31g fat (13g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 2346mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.

Reuben sandwiches are shared by Kathy Jo Scott of Hemingford, Nebraska. “My mouth waters just thinking of these sandwiches,” confesses Kathy Jo. “I adapted the recipe from one my mother found several years ago.”

3/39

Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Total Time:20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family thinks this sandwich is pure heaven thanks to the cranberry-pecan mayo. It's so good that they ask me to make it all year long. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 wedge: 707 calories, 41g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 1153mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.

A great club sandwich balances savory deli meat, cheese and bacon with sweet-tangy condiments. This top-rated club slathers on mayo, mustard, honey and cranberry sauce to pack a big flavor punch. This sandwich is the perfect way to use leftover cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving.

4/39

Chicken Parm Sandwich

Total Time:25 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Coat tender chicken breasts with seasoned bread crumbs and smother in marinara sauce. Served on a hoagie, they're a real treat! —Sue Bosek, Whittier, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 669 calories, 32g fat (10g saturated fat), 198mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 48g protein.

One brilliant way to create a more exciting sandwich is to borrow fillings from your favorite meals. Here, breaded, saucy chicken Parmesan is served up in a handheld hoagie rather than on a bed of noodles, making it perfect for quick and easy family dinners.

5/39

Turkey Melt

Total Time:10 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When days feel rushed, these sandwiches with turkey and green chiles are one of my favorite standbys. They stack up in about 10 minutes, honestly. —Leah Carter, San Pedro, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 428 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1146mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.

These toasted turkey sandwiches have chopped green chiles layered with the meat and cheese, for an earthy, spicy taste to cut the richness of the buttery exterior.

6/39

Pineapple Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Total Time:15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These sandwiches are always welcome at lunchtime around our house. Sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans are nice additions to ordinary chicken salad. —Carol Alexander, Midland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 433 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.

Chicken salad is surprisingly versatile. Stir in fillings to add texture: crunchy chopped nuts, crisp grapes or sliced apples, chewy raisins, dried spices and fresh herbs. Here, sweet pineapple adds a juicy, tropical slant on your typical sandwich.

7/39

Shrimp Patty Sandwiches

Contest Winner
Total Time:25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Quite often when we eat at a restaurant, my husband will try something and tell me that I could make it better at home. That was the case with this shrimp patty. It had very few shrimp and needed more flavor. I made some improvements and now it's one my husband's favorites. —Tina Jacobs, Hurlock, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 425 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 324mg cholesterol, 1448mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.

Crispy, savory seafood patties are a great fish recipe ready in 30 minutes for skeptics. These savory cakes combine shrimp with haddock to maximize flavor without breaking the budget. Serve on burger buns or open-faced.

8/39

California Roll Wraps

Total Time:20 min
Servings:6 wraps
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love the California rolls I get at sushi restaurants and wanted to capture those flavors in a sandwich I could take to work. I started with the standard ingredients, added a few others and came up with a hit. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap: 365 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.

Sushi is delicious at a restaurant, but a bit fussy for an everyday meal at home. These simple wraps aim to duplicate the flavor, combining rich imitation crab meat, spicy wasabi mayo and creamy avocado with an array of crisp, chopped veggies. You can use what’s in season or in your fridge.

9/39

Cuban Sandwich Burgers

Total Time:35 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My mom would make these Cuban burgers whenever we visited her in Florida. They are a take on the real Cuban sandwich. My kids love them. My boys could eat two of these monsters in one sitting. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 690 calories, 44g fat (12g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 1706mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.

These burgers nod to the classic flavors of a Cuban sandwich, and they’re a great summertime option when you have the grill fired up. Start with burger patties made from both ground beef and ground pork, then layer ham, cheese and pickles on top of the patties. Finish the burgers by smashing them down with a hot cast iron skillet for extra toasty buns.

10/39

Beef ‘n’ Cheese Wraps

Total Time:10 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These make-ahead wraps are delicious, portable and ideal for picnics and tailgates. Enjoy them whole or slice them into 1-inch pieces to serve them as an appetizer. They also make an excellent lunch on the go. —Sue Sibson, Howard, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 whole wrap: 657 calories, 35g fat (20g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 1431mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 38g protein.

The benefits of wrap sandwiches are plentiful: the tortilla is less bulky, so the sandwich is lighter and the fillings can shine. Wraps are easy to find gluten-free, and they’re quick to, well, wrap up and take on-the-go. You can also slice a wrap into sections, skewer with a toothpick and turn them into appetizers.

11/39

Grandma’s Baked Ham Salad Sandwiches

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is another tried-and-true recipe I found in my grandma's recipe box. I love seeing her handwriting on faded notecards. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 338 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 971mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.

Need leftover ham recipes? This old-fashioned ham salad recipe is just the ticket. The simple sandwich filling is packed with flavor but stirs together in minutes. Warm in the oven for a heartier meal or serve cold. Either way, it’s great with potato salad.

12/39

Pulled Pork Sliders

Total Time:8 hours 35 min
Servings:20
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: One of our favorite pulled pork recipes combines the heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw. The robust flavors make these sliders a big hit with guests. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 265 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.

Our favorite pulled pork sliders combine the heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw. The robust flavors make these a big hit with guests. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida

13/39

Club Roll-Ups

Total Time:25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Packed with meat, cheese and olives, these roll-ups are always a hit at parties. —Linda Searl, Pampa, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll-up: 554 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1802mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.

The secret to a good roll-up? A good sauce! Tortillas can get very dry if left plain. This recipe combines both cream cheese and ranch dressing for a tart, tangy, creamy base for the meat and cheese filling.

14/39

Basil Chicken Sandwiches

Total Time:15 min
Servings:6 sandwiches
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: "I got the inspiration for this recipe when I knew my parents and in-laws were coming to see our new home," shares Kerry Durgin Krebs of New Market, Maryland. "My mother-in-law has food allergies, my father-in-law has some very specific food preferences and my parents appreciate light meals. I created this chicken sandwich with fresh basil for our lunch."
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 308 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 824mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.

Easy and elegant, this chicken sandwich is special enough to serve company but simple enough for everyday. Bottled salad dressing does double duty here, seasoning the chicken as it cooks and topping the sandwich buns. Serve with a salad or garden-fresh side dishes.

15/39

Pressure-Cooker Tandoori Chicken Panini

Total Time:35 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The tandoori-style spices in this chicken give it a bold flavor that’s so hard to resist. It tastes incredible tucked between pieces of naan, then grilled for Indian-inspired panini sandwiches. —Yasmin Arif, Manassas, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 sandwich: 351 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.

This Indian-inspired recipe cooks up in a jiffy thanks to the pressure-cooker. While some sandwiches feel too simple for dinner, this one doesn’t; bold spices, sweet chutney and chewy naan make for a satisfying meal.

16/39

Turkey Avocado Sandwich

Total Time:15 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: With this recipe, two can enjoy the taste of something new and elegant in minutes. All you need to add is the ambiance for a bistro meal at home. —Karen Harris, Littleton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 464 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein.

The ingredient list for this club sandwich looks simple, but the method deploys a cool trick. Mix mayonnaise with shredded cheese and seasonings. The result is a hearty, flavor-packed dressing that complements the simple sliced turkey and avocado perfectly.

17/39

Beer-Braised Pulled Ham

Total Time:3 hours 10 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: To jazz up ham, I slow-cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 378 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1246mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.

It’s tough to beat hot ham and mustard on rolls, but this recipe gives it a try, slow-cooking the pork in beer to add lots of flavor. Serve on pretzel buns, as suggested, for a Bavarian twist, or go with classic hard rolls.

18/39

Italian Steak Sandwiches

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My sister came up with these quick sandwiches that use minced garlic and other seasonings to bring pizzazz to deli roast beef. Add some carrot sticks or a tomato salad for a fantastic lunch in no time. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 440 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 1261mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.

No need to cook steak from scratch to make a good steak sandwich. This recipe dresses up deli roast beef with a broth of fresh garlic, herbs and spices. Nobody would guess the beef didn’t braise for ages on your stovetop!

19/39

Cuban Sandwich

Total Time:2 hours 5 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you want a hearty sandwich that won't "overstuff" you, then the Cubano is for you. Tangy pickles, tender pork, savory ham, gooey melted Swiss cheese and a hint of mustard are layered between two toasty pieces of bread for the ultimate panini. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 726 calories, 40g fat (16g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 2153mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 54g protein.
20/39

Creamy Eggplant & Mushroom Monte Cristo

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: As a child, I wouldn’t eat veggies. As a parent, I try to include them in creative ways. I'm proud to say this eggplant sandwich is a hit with my son. —Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 573 calories, 36g fat (13g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 939mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein.

Eggplant is a surprisingly versatile veggie. When thinly sliced and cooked, it becomes silky and dense, the perfect filling for a vegetarian Monte Cristo.

21/39

Meatball Sub

Total Time:4 hours 25 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is one of those recipes you always come back to. A flavorful tomato sauce and mildly spiced meatballs make a hearty sandwich filling, or they can be served over pasta. I broil the meatballs first to quickly brown them. —Jean Glacken, Elkton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 501 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 1410mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.

Savory, hearty meatball sandwiches make a cozy fall or winter dinner. Serve them on top of a bun squishy enough to absorb the tasty tomato sauce.

22/39

Basil-Tomato Grilled Cheese

Total Time:20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The tastes of summer abound in this easy Italian-style grilled cheese sandwich. Not only is it delicious, it's super-fast, so you can get back to those summer outdoor activities. —Sylvia Schmitt, Sun City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 467 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 723mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.

Grilled cheese is delicious, and it doesn’t just have to feel like an item on the kid’s menu. This recipe jazzes it up with basil and fresh tomatoes.

23/39

Slow-Cooked Turkey Sloppy Joes

Total Time:4 hours 15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This tangy sandwich filling is easy to prepare in the slow cooker, and it goes over so well at gatherings large and small. I frequently take it to potlucks, and I'm always asked what my secret ingredient is! —Marylou LaRue, Freeland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 264 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 lean meat.

Don’t forget sloppy joes! The sandwich gets associated with cafeteria food, but when made fresh, the saucy sliders are packed with flavor and a great family meal. Serve with snappy green beans or lightly steamed broccoli.

24/39

Chicken Bacon Swiss Sandwich

Total Time:25 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 410 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.

Chicken sandwiches are secretly vehicles for your favorite condiments. Honey mustard lovers, this one is for you! Also, check our sampled and ranked eight different restaurants list to find out once and for all who makes the best fast-food chicken sandwich.

25/39

Ultimate Pastrami Sandwiches

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This peerless pastrami sandwich was adapted from a menu favorite at Primanti Bros. Restaurant in Pittsburgh. The marketing office graciously shared the basic ingredients: grilled cold cuts, cheese, fried potatoes and tomatoes—all stacked between slices of chewy Italian bread. From there, we created the spot-on copy, which includes our version of the secret coleslaw topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 586 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1655mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 6g fiber), 36g protein.

Some sandwiches are a labor of love, but worth every bit of preparation. Take this restaurant-inspired pastrami sandwich with its perfect balance of fillings. Homemade cabbage slaw adds a fresh crunch, waffle fries add savory crispness, and the provolone and pastrami are pure comfort. Before you move ahead, get to know the difference between pastrami and corned beef.

26/39

Grilled Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: To create a more “grown-up” grilled cheese sandwich, I threw in tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula. I enjoy a similar combination on pizza, and it worked here, too! —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 499 calories, 30g fat (17g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1438mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.

Gooey, cozy grilled cheese can absolutely be elegant, and this recipe proves it. Serve this grown-up grilled cheese alongside a bowl of tomato soup (cold in summer, steaming in winter).

27/39

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Total Time:4 hours 10 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 402 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1181mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
28/39

Chipotle Roast Beef Sandwiches

Total Time:25 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Rustic ciabatta bread is the perfect match for tender roast beef and bold blue cheese and chipotle in this easy, tasty recipe. —Andre Houseknecht, Feasterville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 727 calories, 40g fat (8g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 1487mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.

These savory, slightly spicy sandwiches taste restaurant-worthy, but they’re made with simple deli roast beef! The trick is to toast the buns, which primes them to absorb more of the yummy sauce (which is just jazzed-up mayo). It’s a great summer sandwich recipe for warm nights eating out on the patio.

29/39

Cranberry Turkey Wraps

Total Time:15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Fruity and flavorful, these hefty grab-and-go handfuls are quick to assemble, easy to handle and low in calories. We often take them in a cooler to the local stock show and eat them in the stands. Everyone seems to love them! —Bobbie Keefer, Byers, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap: 374 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1477mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.

It’s easy to make a rich sandwich taste great, but lightening up a sandwich recipe without ending up with a bland, sad sammie is the real trick. This wrap is packed with alternative (and tasty) ideas. Low-fat condiments are an easy switch, and you can add accents to milder meats like dried cranberries, sliced oranges and chopped pecans.

30/39

BLT Waffle Sliders

Total Time:30 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Craving a BLT for breakfast? Try a deliciously different version that features crisp bacon and fresh tomatoes between two golden cornmeal waffles. Prepare the waffles ahead of time and reheat in the toaster for quick assembly. —Stacy Joura, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 224 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.

It’s hard to beat a good BLT sandwich, but here’s one way: Serve them on waffles! BLTs as the new breakfast food is definitely something we can get behind.

31/39

Chicken Caesar Wrap

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:6 wraps
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This classic handheld with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese and chopped Caesar croutons features the perfect amount of dressing for a tasty meal any night. —Nancy Pratt, Longview, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap: 337 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
32/39

Cuban Sliders

Total Time:30 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Bake till these wonderful little rolls are lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftovers keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. People go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 191 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.

Cuban ham sandwiches get the slider treatment in this top-rated, crowd-pleasing recipe. The sliders are a great example of easy dinners made in a 13×9 pan; you don’t even need to separate the package of rolls! Simply slice across, layer on the fillings and bake under a buttery sauce.

33/39

Chicken Sub

Contest Winner
Total Time:25 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I've been part of the Food Services staff at Appalachian State University for 33 years. One summer we created this flavorful sandwich that combines seasoned grilled chicken, Swiss cheese and sauteed mushrooms and onions. Thousands of students have enjoyed this wonderful sub since then. —Jane Hollar, Vilas, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 709 calories, 29g fat (9g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 1478mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.

If you’re tired of throwing chicken on a bun, try this inspired sub sandwich. Cook mushrooms and onions until they’re brown and fragrant, then add the chicken, which you’ve dusted with Ceasar salad seasoning. To finish it up, slide the open sandwiches under a broiler to melt cheese on top.

34/39

Makeover Reuben Melt

Total Time:25 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This twist on a classic Reuben keeps the corned beef and uses a sauce made with Swiss (and plenty of thousand-island flavor). Fresh slaw on top replaces the sauerkraut. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 open-faced sandwich: 293 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1172mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.

Love Reubens but not the indulgence? Try these simple sandwiches, which are also quicker to prepare. They swap fresh slaw mix for the sauerkraut, and a homemade thousand island dressing made from low-fat milk. It’s one of our favorite lightened-up comfort foods.

35/39

Chicken & Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese

Contest Winner
Total Time:55 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My grilled cheese sandwich combines chicken with sweet caramelized onions, red peppers, Swiss cheese and sourdough bread. It’s oh-my goodness. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 675 calories, 36g fat (12g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 1189mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.

Everything is better with caramelized onions! The trick is to go nice and slow, letting the onions cook until they’re truly melted and super-sweet, which takes a good half-hour at least. Go ahead and make more than you need: they keep well in a jar in the fridge, and taste good on sandwiches, salads, burgers, pastas and pizza.

36/39

Turkey & Swiss Biscuit Sliders

Total Time:45 min
Servings:16 sliders
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: One of my favorite things to whip up in the kitchen is homemade buttermilk biscuits. Simple sandwiches are a wonderful way to showcase these melt-in-your-mouth treats. —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 198 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.

Another overlooked sandwich base? Biscuits! This recipe calls for making from-scratch biscuits, but of course you can use leftover or store-bought biscuits.

37/39

Cashew Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Total Time:15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I think this is the best chicken salad recipe around! It’s good for you and quick to make, and it has wonderful flavor. —Peggi Kelly, Fairbury, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 463 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 720mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.

You can’t have enough chicken salad recipes! The secret ingredient in this mix is chopped cucumber, which adds a fresh, summery flavor. Serve with a simple one-step summer sides.

38/39

Barbecue Chicken Sandwich

Total Time:35 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 284 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.

A quick homemade barbecue sauce makes these chicken sandwiches extra special. As a bonus, you can adjust the seasonings to suit your appetite, upping the salsa for extra spice, the ketchup for extra sweetness or adding smoked paprika for heat.

39/39

Cashew Turkey Salad Sandwiches

Total Time:15 min
Servings:4 sandwiches
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: One bite and you'll be hooked on this slightly sweet turkey salad sandwich. It's protein-packed so you can feel good while you munch! —Mary Wilhelm, Sparta, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 298 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.

So-called salad sandwiches aren’t especially healthy, despite their name, but this recipe lightens things up. Tossing cubed turkey (or chicken) in low-fat mayo and plain yogurt maintains all the flavor but less fat. Dried apricots and cashews add pleasant crunch and chew to the mix.

Sandwich Recipes FAQ

What are some easy sandwich recipes for beginners?

The easiest sandwich recipes for beginners don’t involve cooking and have minimal chopping, like simple egg salad sandwiches or a caprese sandwich that stacks tomato, mozzarella and basil between bread. These recipes don’t require advanced kitchen skills and often use simple pantry staples or deli items. You can also try open-faced sandwiches, like smoked salmon on rye or hummus and veggies on sourdough, where you can eyeball the amount of toppings.

What are the must-have ingredients for a gourmet sandwich?

A gourmet sandwich starts with high-quality ingredients, from the bread and condiments to freshly sliced meats and cheeses. Vegetables should be fresh and ripe so that a lettuce leaf offers a crispy texture and avocado slices are creamy and rich. Artisan breads like ciabatta, focaccia or sourdough are sturdy and flavorful, while spreads like pesto, aioli or tapenade add an herbal or briny taste. For a cheese-forward option, try a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich with a blend of feta and Swiss.

Can I prepare sandwiches ahead of time?

Many sandwiches can be made in advance, and some even improve with time. Layered options like muffulettas, filled with olive salad, salami, ham, mortadella and provolone on crusty Italian bread, are meant to rest so that the flavors mingle and the ingredients compress for easy slicing. Pressed Italian subs with roasted peppers and cured meats or wraps with roast beef, cheddar and horseradish mayo also hold up well. These sturdy, flavor-packed choices would make great sandwiches to bring to your tailgate and are perfect for prepping a few hours or even a day ahead.