13 Amazing Sandwiches You’ll Want To Make Every Weekend
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a well-made sandwich. When the bread, fillings, and condiments all come together just right, it’s more than a meal; it’s a little bit of magic you can hold in your hands.
Looking for a quick lunch or aiming to elevate your weekend dinner routine? These sandwich ideas are sure to turn the ordinary into something truly delicious.
1. The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Butter-kissed sourdough bread embracing a molten medley of sharp cheddar, creamy gruyère, and tangy gouda creates pure comfort in every bite. The secret? A light sprinkle of garlic powder on the outside before grilling.
I still remember making these with my grandmother on rainy afternoons – she’d always add a thin slice of apple for that unexpected sweet crunch.
The combination of crispy exterior and gooey center makes this classic simply irresistible.
2. Vietnamese Bánh Mì
Crusty baguettes filled with savory marinated pork, bright pickled vegetables, and fragrant cilantro create an explosion of flavors and textures. The key components – daikon, carrots, cucumber, and jalapeños – provide a refreshing crunch against the rich meat.
A smear of pâté and mayo adds creamy depth to this street food legend. Marinate your protein overnight for maximum flavor penetration, and don’t skimp on the pickled veggies – their tangy bite balances everything perfectly.
3. Mediterranean Veggie Stackers
Toasted ciabatta rolls layered with creamy hummus, roasted red peppers, cucumber, feta cheese, and kalamata olives transport your taste buds straight to a Greek island. Fresh spinach adds a nutritious boost while a drizzle of olive oil ties everything together.
Last summer, I made these for a beach picnic, and even my carnivore friends couldn’t stop raving about them! The Mediterranean flavors shine brightest when the vegetables are sliced paper-thin and the bread has just the right amount of chew.
4. Cubano Perfection
Roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed between buttered Cuban bread creates sandwich nirvana. The magic happens when heat transforms these simple ingredients into a crispy, melty masterpiece. The pickle’s acidity cuts through the richness of the pork and cheese.
For authentic flavor, marinate your pork shoulder with mojo sauce before roasting. Use real Cuban bread if you can. It’s slightly sweet with a light texture that crisps beautifully when pressed.
Press the assembled sandwich with a heavy pan to achieve that characteristic flattened look and crispy texture.
5. Loaded Breakfast Bagel
Everything bagels toasted to perfection, then spread with chive cream cheese form the foundation for this morning masterpiece. Add a perfectly fried egg with runny yolk, crispy bacon, avocado slices, and a handful of arugula for a breakfast that’ll power you through any weekend adventure.
I’ve been making these every Saturday since moving to my apartment near a fantastic bagel shop. The contrast between the warm egg and cool cream cheese creates morning magic. Pro tip: toast your bagel just enough to warm it without making it too crunchy.
6. Italian Muffuletta Marvel
Round Sicilian sesame bread loaded with layers of mortadella, salami, provolone, and the star of the show – olive salad. This New Orleans classic gets better as it sits, allowing the olive oil and flavors to soak into the bread.
The olive salad combines olives, giardiniera, capers, and herbs marinated in olive oil. Make it a day ahead for maximum flavor development.
Traditionally served at room temperature, this hearty sandwich easily feeds four hungry sandwich enthusiasts when sliced into quarters.
7. Crispy Chicken Sensation
Golden-fried chicken breast nestled in a soft brioche bun with honey mustard, pickles, and crisp lettuce creates sandwich heaven. The contrast between juicy meat and crunchy coating satisfies on a primal level. Buttermilk-brined chicken ensures maximum tenderness and flavor.
My secret weekend ritual involves making these while watching football games – the combination of savory crunch and sweet bun makes even the worst referee calls tolerable. A light coating of spiced flour before frying creates the perfect crispy exterior.
8. Philly Cheesesteak Glory
Thinly sliced ribeye steak flash-cooked with onions and bell peppers, then topped with provolone on a soft hoagie roll delivers pure satisfaction. The beef’s richness melds perfectly with the sweet caramelized onions and melty cheese.
Freeze the meat for 30 minutes before slicing for paper-thin pieces that cook quickly. Some purists insist on Cheez Whiz instead of provolone, but I’ve found either option creates delicious results.
The key is cooking everything fast on high heat to maintain tenderness.
9. Avocado Caprese Creation
Crusty ciabatta bread layered with ripe avocado, fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, and basil creates a vegetarian masterpiece. A drizzle of balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil elevates this simple sandwich to gourmet status.
During tomato season, I make these almost daily with produce from my garden. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the milky mozzarella.
Salt your tomato slices 5 minutes before assembly to draw out moisture and intensify flavor – just pat them dry before building your sandwich.
10. Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork
Slow-cooked pork shoulder, shredded and tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, piled high on a toasted brioche bun. Topped with creamy coleslaw, the cool crunch perfectly balances the warm, tender meat. The sweet-spicy-smoky combination creates irresistible flavor layers.
For maximum weekend enjoyment, start the pork in your slow cooker Friday night and wake up to mouthwatering aromas. A splash of apple cider vinegar in both the meat and slaw adds brightness that cuts through the richness.
11. Salmon Club Tower
Toasted whole grain bread layered with herb-infused cream cheese, smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, and microgreens creates an elegant twist on the classic club. The salmon’s smokiness pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and cool cucumber.
Adding capers and red onion brings welcome brininess and sharpness. I created this sandwich after a fishing trip to Alaska left me with more salmon than I knew what to do with!
While it doesn’t follow the traditional club sandwich format, the stacked layers still deliver that satisfying double-decker vibe.
The key is using high-quality smoked salmon and slicing the vegetables paper-thin for the perfect texture balance.
12. Spicy Tuna Melt Magic
Chunk tuna mixed with sriracha mayo, diced celery, and red onion spread on sourdough bread, then topped with sliced tomato and melted cheddar creates comfort food bliss. The spicy kick elevates this lunchtime classic to weekend-worthy status.
Broiling the assembled sandwich until the cheese bubbles and browns adds irresistible texture contrast. My college roommate taught me this spicy variation, and I’ve never gone back to regular tuna melts.
For extra crunch, add potato chips directly into the tuna mixture before spreading.
13. Falafel Pita Pocket
Warm pita bread stuffed with crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and tahini sauce creates Middle Eastern magic in every bite. The contrast between the crunchy falafel exterior and fluffy interior makes this vegetarian option utterly satisfying.
Cucumber, tomato, red onion, and lettuce add fresh crunch, while the creamy tahini sauce ties everything together. The key to perfect falafel is using dried chickpeas soaked overnight rather than canned – the texture difference is remarkable.
Add a few pickled turnips for an authentic touch.