17 Must-Try Fast Food Sandwiches Dropping In 2025

Fast food chains are preparing for an epic sandwich showdown in 2025, and the competition is heating up! I’ve got the inside scoop on the boldest, juiciest, most crave-worthy creations set to hit menus nationwide.

From wild flavor mashups—think Korean BBQ meets Nashville hot chicken—to reimagined classics with gourmet twists, this next wave of handheld delights is all about pushing boundaries. Expect artisan buns, unexpected ingredients, and sauces that pack a serious punch.

Whether you’re a die-hard burger fan or a fried chicken purist, there’s something coming your way. Grab your napkins—these are the must-try sandwiches of 2025!

1. The Maple Bacon Breakfast Stack

Breakfast sandwiches will never be the same after this maple-infused monster debuts at McDonald’s! I sampled a test version last month and nearly fell out of my chair.

Thick-cut applewood smoked bacon gets glazed with real maple syrup, then stacked between two buttery waffles instead of the usual English muffin. The sandwich comes loaded with a fluffy egg soufflé and white cheddar cheese that melts perfectly into every bite.

McDonald’s plans to launch this sweet-and-savory creation nationwide in February 2025, making it the perfect morning pick-me-up during the winter months.

2. The Nashville Hot Chicken Melt

Wendy’s is bringing the heat with their Nashville Hot Chicken Melt! My taste buds are still recovering from the preview I scored at a test kitchen in Ohio.

Crispy chicken breast gets dunked in authentic Nashville hot sauce, creating that perfect spicy-tangy coating with a serious kick. Cooling things down is a layer of creamy coleslaw and dill pickles, all sandwiched between thick-cut sourdough bread that’s been toasted with garlic butter.

The sandwich strikes that magical balance between fiery spice and cooling crunch. Look for this regional flavor sensation to hit Wendy’s nationwide in spring 2025.

3. The Mediterranean Veggie Wrap

Plant-based eaters, rejoice! Subway’s Mediterranean Veggie Wrap blew me away during a focus group tasting in Chicago. Who knew veggies could be this exciting?

Herb-roasted eggplant and zucchini form the hearty base, while a generous schmear of red pepper hummus adds creamy protein. Fresh cucumber, tomato, and feta cheese bring Mediterranean flair, all wrapped in a warm spinach flatbread drizzled with tzatziki sauce.

This wrap packs 22 grams of protein without any meat substitutes – just honest-to-goodness veggies. Subway plans to roll this beauty out in April 2025 as part of their new global flavors menu.

4. The Triple Cheese Brisket Bomber

Holy smoked meat heaven! Arby’s is upping their beef game with the Triple Cheese Brisket Bomber, and I’m still dreaming about the sample I tried.

Fourteen-hour smoked brisket gets sliced paper-thin and piled impossibly high on a toasted onion roll. The magic happens when they add three distinct cheeses: smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, and creamy beer cheese sauce. A handful of crispy onion straws and a slather of house BBQ sauce complete this masterpiece.

This sandwich weighs nearly a pound and requires a special reinforced wrapper! Look for it as a limited-time offer starting January 2025.

5. The Korean BBQ Chicken Club

Panera Bread is venturing into bold international flavors with their Korean BBQ Chicken Club! I snagged an early taste at a menu preview event and couldn’t believe this came from a soup-and-salad place.

Grilled chicken breast gets brushed with gochujang BBQ sauce, creating sweet-spicy-umami perfection. Fresh kimchi slaw adds crunch and tang, while avocado slices bring creamy richness. Everything nestles between slices of their famous asiago cheese bread.

The sandwich delivers authentic Korean flavors without overwhelming American palates. Panera plans to introduce this globally-inspired creation nationwide in summer 2025.

6. The Truffle Mushroom Smash Burger

Shake Shack’s upcoming Truffle Mushroom Smash Burger had me literally dancing in my seat during a VIP preview. Fancy meets fast food in the most delicious way possible!

Two smashed beef patties get topped with sautéed wild mushrooms and a truffle-infused Swiss cheese that stretches for days when you take a bite. The pillowy potato bun receives a generous coating of black truffle aioli that elevates this burger to gourmet status.

Despite the luxury ingredients, Shake Shack plans to keep this sandwich reasonably priced when it debuts in March 2025. The umami explosion makes this worth every penny!

7. The Honey Sriracha Chicken Biscuit

Chick-fil-A’s breakfast game is about to reach new heights! Their Honey Sriracha Chicken Biscuit made me question everything I thought I knew about morning meals when I tried it at a test location.

A perfectly fried chicken breast gets drizzled with a house-made honey sriracha sauce that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. The signature buttery biscuit soaks up all that delicious sauce while adding the perfect flaky texture contrast.

Chick-fil-A will offer this breakfast revelation starting in January 2025. Pro tip: ask for extra sauce on the side – you’ll want to dip every bite!

8. The Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla

Taco Bell is breaking all the rules with their Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla, and my taste buds couldn’t be happier! This Mexican-American fusion had me questioning why no one thought of this sooner.

Thinly sliced steak gets sautéed with bell peppers and onions, then folded into a flour tortilla with a blend of queso blanco and provolone cheese. The quesadilla gets pressed until golden and crispy, then served with a side of zesty chipotle cheese sauce for dipping.

This handheld marvel will join Taco Bell’s menu in April 2025 as part of their new “Global Mashups” line. It’s the perfect late-night indulgence!

9. The Lobster Roll Croissant

Dunkin’ is going upscale with their Lobster Roll Croissant, and I nearly fainted when I saw the price-to-value ratio during a New England test launch.

Chunks of real Maine lobster meat get tossed in a light lemon-herb mayo and tucked into a buttery croissant that’s been lightly toasted. A sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning and fresh chives finishes this unexpectedly luxurious fast food offering.

Previously available only in select Northeast locations during summer months, Dunkin’ plans to take this regional favorite nationwide from May through August 2025. At $9.99, it’s their priciest sandwich ever but still a bargain for real lobster!

10. The Smoky Mountain Pulled Pork Melt

Sonic Drive-In’s Smoky Mountain Pulled Pork Melt had me honking my car horn for seconds! This Southern-inspired creation transforms the classic drive-in experience.

Slow-smoked pulled pork shoulder gets tossed in a Tennessee whiskey BBQ sauce (non-alcoholic, of course!) and piled high on Texas toast. Melted pepper jack cheese and crispy fried jalapeños add kick, while a tangy Carolina-style slaw cools things down.

The sandwich comes wrapped in checkered paper that mimics a picnic tablecloth – a cute touch that enhances the Southern comfort vibe. Sonic will launch this regional delight nationwide in summer 2025.

11. The Banh Mi Chicken Sandwich

Popeyes is venturing into Vietnamese territory with their Banh Mi Chicken Sandwich, and my taste test experience left me absolutely speechless!

Their famous crispy chicken gets a makeover with lemongrass-ginger marinade before frying to golden perfection. The baguette-style roll comes slathered with sriracha mayo and topped with quick-pickled daikon, carrots, cucumber, and fresh cilantro.

The sandwich delivers authentic Vietnamese flavors while maintaining Popeyes’ signature crunch. Look for this international creation to hit menus nationwide in February 2025 as part of their new “Global Flavors” initiative.

12. The Breakfast Burrito Grilled Cheese

Jack in the Box is blurring meal boundaries with their Breakfast Burrito Grilled Cheese, and I’m here for this all-day breakfast revolution! My preview tasting had me questioning why we ever separated breakfast and lunch.

Scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, hash browns, and pico de gallo get stuffed between two slices of sourdough bread with melted pepper jack and cheddar cheeses. The sandwich gets grilled until golden and crispy, then served with a side of salsa ranch for dipping.

This morning-meets-midday mashup will be available 24/7 starting in March 2025. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or those 2 AM cravings!

13. The Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Waffle Sandwich

KFC is breaking all the comfort food rules with their Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Waffle Sandwich! I got to sample this carb-loaded masterpiece at a test kitchen and nearly passed out from happiness.

Crispy chicken tenders get tossed in buffalo sauce, then placed on a waffle made with mac and cheese batter – yes, there are actual macaroni noodles in the waffle! A drizzle of ranch and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles complete this over-the-top creation.

KFC plans to release this indulgent sandwich for a limited six-week run in summer 2025. Each sandwich comes with a branded wet wipe – you’ll need it!

14. The Carnitas Cubano Melt

Chipotle is entering the sandwich game with their Carnitas Cubano Melt, and my exclusive first taste has me counting down the days until the official release!

Their famous slow-braised carnitas pork gets a second sear on the plancha for crispy edges. The meat is piled on a pressed telera roll with Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, and housemade pickles. The sandwich comes wrapped in their signature foil with a side of cilantro-lime rice chips.

This Mexican spin on the classic Cuban sandwich will debut in select markets in January 2025 before rolling out nationwide. If successful, Chipotle hints this could launch a whole new sandwich line!

15. The Loaded Baked Potato Grilled Cheese

Five Guys is stepping outside their burger comfort zone with the Loaded Baked Potato Grilled Cheese, and my preview tasting left me wondering if I’d ever order a burger again!

Sourdough bread gets slathered with garlic butter, then filled with melted cheddar, mozzarella, and tiny crispy potato bites. Bacon crumbles, sour cream, and chives complete the baked potato experience in sandwich form.

The bread achieves that perfect golden crunch while the inside remains gooey and indulgent. Five Guys plans to introduce this comfort food mashup in fall 2025 as their first official non-burger sandwich option.

16. The Spicy Mango Chicken Wrap

Tropical vibes are coming to Burger King with their Spicy Mango Chicken Wrap! I got an early taste during a Miami test launch and immediately felt transported to a beach vacation.

Crispy chicken strips get tossed in a habanero-mango glaze that’s both sweet and fiery. Fresh mango chunks, shredded lettuce, and crispy tortilla strips add texture, all wrapped in a warm spinach tortilla with a cooling lime crema drizzle.

The wrap comes in a special carry case that keeps it from unwrapping – genius for on-the-go eating! BK will launch this tropical treat nationwide in June 2025 as part of their summer menu.

17. The Garlic Parmesan Steak Hoagie

Jersey Mike’s is elevating their sandwich game with the Garlic Parmesan Steak Hoagie! My taste test experience had me speaking in Italian hand gestures despite being in suburban New Jersey.

Thinly sliced ribeye steak gets cooked to order on the flat-top grill, then topped with roasted garlic butter and a shower of freshly grated parmesan cheese. The toasted sesame seed hoagie roll comes slathered with herb-infused mayo and loaded with hot cherry peppers and caramelized onions.

This premium sandwich will join Jersey Mike’s permanent menu in April 2025. The company spent two years perfecting the garlic butter spread – and it shows!