67 Easy Lunch Sandwiches That'll Blow All Other "Pool Sandwiches" Out Of The Water
Sandwiches are, arguably, a perfect food. Toss one in your bag for the beach, a road trip, or simply load one up for a quick lunch, you'll very rarely go wrong. Whether you're craving a TikTok-viral "pool sandwich" (essentially a sandwich stuffed with plenty of chips to refuel after all that poolside Marco Polo-ing) or want something way more hearty and exciting than a PB&J, these 75 easy lunch sandwich recipes will convince you that lunch is the most important meal of the day.
We’ve got all the classics you know and love, though we’ve put some extra special spins on them to help elevate your sandwich game. Our BLT, for example, is made with bacon brushed with maple syrup and cayenne and mayo spiced with chili powder and paprika. Our chicken salad sandwich has red onion, celery and green apple for crunch, while mustard, mayo, and red wine vinegar add creaminess with the perfect amount of tang. We take our Cuban next level by marinating our slow cooked pork loin in a citrusy marinade for 2 hours plus—it takes some patience, but believe us, it’s worth it. And don’t even get us started on our grilled cheeses—we’ve got every version you could possibly think of, from sloppy Joe to chicken Parm. If we could dream it, we made it!
And don’t worry, these aren’t all focused on meat. After a particularly heavy dinner or breakfast (we see you bacon, egg, and cheese), sometimes we all could go for some lighter, meatless fare for lunch. So we’ve included some EPIC vegetarian and vegan sandwiches here too, like our tofu bahn mi, our vegetarian Italian sub, or our baked falafel sandwich. We bet you won’t even miss the meat.
Club Sandwich
With ham, turkey, bacon and 3 slices of bread, the club sandwich is one of THE best sandwiches of all time. The order everything gets added is important and traditional, so stick to it!
Get the Club Sandwich recipe.
Egg Salad
While we love our variations, (lookin’ at you, Cobb egg salad), it’s always a good idea to have a tried-and-true recipe up your sleeve. Our standard centers around just 6 core ingredients; use it as a base for creative mix-ins and variations, or enjoy as is for a truly classic recipe.
Get the Egg Salad recipe.
Italian Sub Squares
Like our sheet-pan Italian subs, these are full of your favorite sandwich fillings, this time layered between sweet, golden sheets of crescent roll dough. These savory squares are the perfect app to feed a hungry crowd, to serve for an on-the-go dinner, or eat as a midday snack.
Get the Italian Sub Squares recipe.
Reuben Squares
Is your ideal sandwich a perfect Reuben? Ours too. Corned beef, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese—what’s not to love? It’s why we made these melty Reuben squares: They’re kind of like the giant grilled cheese version (complete with a toasty buttery top) that’s perfect for sharing.
Get the Reuben Squares recipe.
Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich
A lot of Thai dishes are spicy, sweet, salty, and sour all at once, and that’s why Thai food is so easy to love. This fried chicken sandwich has so much more going on than the traditional version. Its marinade is a little spicy and sweet and gets some sourness from the lime juice. The chicken fries up extra crispy and is worth busting out the oil for.
Get the Thai Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe.
Reuben Sandwich
A good reuben should be loaded—and we can assure you that this one is! Not only is built on one of the best of all sandwich breads, rye of course, but it balances the salty, cured corned beef with tart sauerkraut and mild, almost creamy melted Swiss. And don't get us started on Russian dressing.
Get the Reuben Sandwich recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
When it comes to making a quick and delicious meal in minutes, you can't go wrong with a wrap. While there are so many ways to fill and fold a tortilla, this classic Buffalo chicken wrap is one that will absolutely keep you coming back.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe.
BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches
The grill adds subtle smoky flavor to these tempeh steaks, almost bacon-like, but there's no meat in sight. Add a cooling, creamy coleslaw and a toasted buttered bun for the perfect summer sandwich.
Get the BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches recipe.
Gyro Sandwich
Ticket for one to Greece please! What's that? Too expensive? Sigh. We'll have to settle for these epically tasty homemade gyro sandwiches.This lamb sandwich is found in casual shops and restaurants around Greece. Pronounced YEE-roh or ZHEE-roh (it rhymes with hero), they're packed with delicious spiced lamb, crunchy fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy herb-and-cucumber yogurt sauce called tzatziki.
Get the Gyro Sandwich recipe.
Vegetarian Italian Sub
The king of sandwiches is the Italian Hero, a sandwich filled to the brim with all manner of cured meat, cheese, and refreshingly crisp vegetables. They’re also the ultimate party food, perfect to pair with wings, chips, and a cold beer.
Get the Vegetarian Italian Sub recipe.
Ham & Cheese Sandwich
This ham sandwich is great for many reasons. It's got a beautiful golden crust (thanks mayo!), a quick and simple honey mustard sauce, and briny pickles for crunch. Make it with leftover spiral ham, and you've got yourself a prize-winning lunch.
Get the Ham & Cheese Sandwich recipe.
BLT Dogs
Proof that wrapping almost anything in bacon (hot dogs included) makes it infinitely better. Hot tip: To ensure the bacon stays wrapped while the dogs cook, secure ends with toothpicks. (Just remember to remove them before eating them!)
Get the BLT Dogs recipe.
Ultimate Veggie Sandwich
There's something so special and refreshing about a sandwich that is absolutely packed to the gills with veggies. The miso eggplant in here makes this one extra special.
Get the Ultimate Veggie Sandwich recipe.
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Think the crispiest chicken sandwich is only available at the drive-thru? Think again! We can’t believe how golden and juicy these cutlets turn out in the air fryer.
Get the Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Sandwich recipe.
Roasted Vegetable Baked Falafel Sandwiches
Although these shortcut falafel aren’t as crispy as the classic fried variety, they develop a nice golden crust and contain all the key spices. A zippy roasted pepper salad is the perfect foil, and creamy tahini sauce ties it all together.
Get the Roasted Vegetable Baked Falafel Sandwiches recipe.
Best Chicken Salad
When it comes to chicken salad, we'd argue that our balance of add-ins here is the pinnacle, but once you nail the chicken and the dressing, you can feel free to spread your wings and give it your own personal flair. Whatever you add, chicken salad is just as perfect eaten on its own as it is piled on a croissant with a side of pasta salad at a BBQ, or dolloped on a bed of leafy greens at brunch.
Get the Best Chicken Salad recipe.
Sheet-Pan Italian Subs
Need to feed a hungry crew, fast? Nothing better than these packed Italian subs—they're assembled and baked on a sheet pan so everyone can eat all at the same time.
Get the Sheet-Pan Italian Subs recipe.
Sabich Sandwich
This hearty vegetarian dish is based on a traditional Iraqi breakfast, and is popular among Iraqi-Israelis. With flavorful seared and marinated eggplant slices, fresh cucumber salad, and creamy tahini sauce, this juicy sandwich gives our beloved NYC-style bacon, egg & cheese a run for its money. (Okay, we love you both equally. ??)
Get the Sabich Sandwich recipe.
Big Mac Crunchwrap
Craving fast food come lunch time, but trying to avoid the processed foods (and the lines!)? Make a Big Mac Crunchwrap at home instead. It's everything you love about both fast food treats, all in one.
Get the Big Mac Crunchwrap recipe.
Chicken Caesar Wraps
Ask a random Delish employee what they’re going to order for lunch from a deli, and at least half of them will respond with a chicken Caesar wrap. And there’s very little question as to why! It’s one of the all-time best salads, tossed into a wrap. It’s simple yet timeless, like many of our favorite recipes are.
Get the Chicken Caesar Wraps recipe.
Carne Asada Torta
Our Carne Asada Torta is assembled with Mexican telera bread, refried beans, sliced marinated steak, pickled onions, avocado-radish relish and queso fresco. YUM.
Get the Carne Asada Torta recipe.
Classic BLT
A classic BLT doesn't need much to be good, but we added some special ingredients anyway! Here we really elevate the bacon by brushing it with maple syrup and a little cayenne pepper, and spice up the mayo with some chili powder and paprika for a little kick.
Get the Classic BLT recipe.
Char Siu Chicken Sandwiches
Every culture has its own uniquely delicious BBQ sauce, but Chinese char siu sauce is one of our favorites. Classically used to marinate pork belly for steamed buns, this sticky-sweet, umami-packed sauce is absolutely irresistible, no matter what you pour it over.
Get the Char Siu Chicken Sandwiches recipe.
Spicy Fried “Chicken” Sandwich
Crunchy, spicy, creamy, and tart—this "chicken"sammie is total bliss. We replicated spicy fried chicken with protein-packed (frozen!) tofu and added cornmeal to the batter for extra crunch.
Get the Spicy Fried “Chicken” Sandwich recipe.
Steak Sandwich
If there's one steak sandwich recipe to commit to memory, this is it. Our recipe is toasty, juicy, and smothered in melty Provolone and a homemade garlic aioli. It's also the best way to give leftover steak new life.
Get the Steak Sandwich recipe.
Tofu Bahn Mi
In this meat-free Vietnamese classic, the pressed tofu will marinade twice: once quickly before cooking so it doesn’t soak up too much liquid and again after it’s cooked, to flavor it through. A French baguette will do the job, but getting your hands on an airier, lighter, thin-and-crisp-crusted Vietnamese baguette is the ultimate.
Get the Tofu Bahn Mi recipe.
Copycat Popeyes Chicken Sandwich
Recreating a Popeyes chicken sandwich meant mimicking a few key elements in their spicy, juicy, crispy (not to mention) top-secret classic. Their chicken sandwich is a seemingly simple Southern fried chicken breast on a warm brioche bun, with spicy mayo and pickles, but making it wasn't so straightforward as all that. Check out our some non-traditional tricks that we used to achieve it!
Get the Copycat Popeyes Chicken Sandwich recipe.
Hot Dog Cubans
No need to marinate meat for hours for this Cuban sandwich! Cuban is a white, French bread-like loaf made with lard, which makes it incredibly soft. This allows the bread to get super-crispy when pressed without destroying the roof of your mouth when you bite into it. If you can't find it, use a hoagie roll instead.
Get the Hot Dog Cubans recipe.
Chipotle Chicken Grilled Cheese
Grilled chicken meets B.L.A.T (the A stands for avocado) in this killer sandwich—the tangy chipotle honey mayo is next level.
Get the Chipotle Chicken Grilled Cheese recipe.
Perfect Patty Melts
A patty melt is basically a better version of the humble burger. Ground beed gets shaped to fit the rye bread, then it gets topped with plenty of Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. Yum!
Get the Perfect Patty Melts recipe.
Shrimp Po' Boy
If you've never had an iconic Louisiana po' boy, this fried shrimp version is a great place to start. Dressed with crunchy shredded iceburg, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy and briny remoulade sauce, this imposing sandwich will take you to the fern and Spanish moss-lined streets of NOLA in seconds flat.
Get the Shrimp Po' Boy recipe.
Fried Fish Sandwich
This might be a controversial thing to say, but here it goes: Fried fish sandwiches are better than fried chicken sandwiches. Chicken sandwiches can definitely deliver on the flavor but due to the more substantial bite to chicken thigh and breast, it can be a little too much to swallow... and chew. Enter flakey, delicate fish!
Get the Fried Fish Sandwich recipe.
Cuban Sandwich
Our Cuban sandwich is of the South Floridian variety, without salami. But we don't need it in this case: Along with layers of ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard, there's also the super juicy slow-roasted pork loin that we marinate for 2 hours in a citrus blend.
Get the Cuban Sandwich recipe.
Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
Doctoring store-bought barbecue sauce with a little brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices is the easiest way to elevate your pulled chicken game. This recipe calls for using a slow cooker (or the slow cooker function of your Instant Pot), meaning that there's hardly any work for you to do.
Get the Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken recipe.
Classic Croque Madame
Literally meaning "mister crunch," the croque monsieur is a treasure trove of textures; pop a fried egg on top of your sandwich to transform it into a croque madame. Hidden in plain sight is a traditional Mornay sauce: a béchamel sauce that's been upgraded with melted Gruyère.
Get the Classic Croque Madame recipe.
Chicken Pesto Panini
This is our absolute fave panini combo (pesto on everything, please!), but feel free to change it up for whatever sauce you've got kicking around.
Get the Chicken Pesto Panini recipe.
Classic Banh Mi
It's undeniable. banh mi is a PERFECT sandwich. Rich, savory pork combined with bright and crunchy homemade pickles stuffed into a fluffy baguette; what's not to love?! We're fans of this version because it requires minimal ingredients but still packs a powerful punch of flavor.
Get the Classic Banh Mi recipe.
Classic Corned Beef Sandwich
With corned beef, sauerkraut, and relish, what's not to love? We spread ours with a thick layer of mustard for one perfect sandwich.
Get the Classic Corned Beef Sandwich recipe.
Tuna Melt
Tuna lovers! Meet your ultimate sandwich. With just the right amount of crunch, melty cheddar cheese, and a couple good slices of tomato, you might even convert a tuna hater.
Get the Best-Ever Tuna Melt recipe.
Chickpea "Tuna" Salad
A little wary of tunafish? Try this chickpea salad instead! It hits all the same flavor notes, without any fishy smell or taste.
Get the Chickpea "Tuna" Salad recipe.
Ham Sandwich
You're probably thinking, "I don't need a ham sandwich recipe", but this sandwich is worth following a recipe for. Making your own herb mayo—by mixing in a few fresh herbs and some olive oil—makes this sandwich stand above the rest.
Get the Ham Sandwich recipe.
Philly Cheesesteak
Philly cheesesteaks are iconic—and for a really good reason! The combination of thinly sliced ribeye, jammy caramelized onions, and ooey-gooey melted cheese is truly addictive.
Get the Philly Cheesesteak recipe.
Classic Falafel
Although nothing's faster than picking up a sandwich from your favorite falafel joint, we promise that making these falafel balls at home is a cinch. These are herby and savory, and the crispy outside give ways to a perfectly tender and spicy interior.
Get the Homemade Falafel recipe.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
A salty and acidic marinade makes the chicken here flavorful and extra tender. The honey mustard-esque sauce is killer and really makes the sandwich. Grilling the red onions and buns is totally optional, but will take the chicken sandwich to the next level.
Get the Grilled Chicken Sandwich recipe.
Lobster Roll
This lobster roll is Connecticut style, which means absolutely no mayo in sight, just melted butter and some chives for freshness. We think this version really lets the lobster take center stage so, crustacean lovers, this is the sandwich for you.
Get the Lobster Roll recipe.
Best Grilled Cheese
It's all about the crust. Choose a hearty bread, butter it up, and shred your favorite cheddar for the best grilled cheese ever: crispy-crunchy on the outside and a melty, cheddar middle with the world's most impressive cheese pull.
Get the Best Grilled Cheese recipe.
French Dip
Love a French dip? We think this one takes the cake. The secret? That jus! Flavored with plenty of onions, garlic, and thyme, you might wanna make double.
Get the French Dip recipe.
Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
You might never make a sloppy joe without cheese again! We used kid-friendly cheddar, but swap in your favorite if you like.
Get the Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese recipe.
Antipasto Grilled Cheese
This is how to turn your favorite antipasto platter into one of the most amazing grilled cheese sandwiches you'll ever have. Olives and pepperoncinis are surprisingly delightful in here!
Get the Antipasto Grilled Cheese recipe.
Asian Sloppy Joes
An Asian twist on everyone's favorite weeknight dinner, sloppy joes. You can use ground pork or beef here, whatever you prefer.
Get the Asian Sloppy Joes recipe.
Chicken Parm Grilled Cheese
For when you're craving chicken parm, but also can't really be bothered to cook. This grilled cheese has all the flavors you love, for half the effort!
Get the Chicken Parm Grilled Cheese recipe.
Sloppy Joes
This homemade sloppy joe recipe is the ultimate weeknight win and the perfect answer to, how far can I stretch this package of ground beef? Six servings, one skillet, and they're on the table in 30 minutes.
Get the Sloppy Joes recipe.
Bacon Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Granny smith and pink lady apples are the surprise PERFECT complement to smoky bacon and sharp cheddar.
Get the Bacon Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese recipe.
Grilled Cheese Burger
When you can't decide between a grilled cheese and a cheeseburger, have both!
Get the Grilled Cheese Burger recipe.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe
A Philly cheesesteak PLUS a sloppy joe? That's a cheesy, gooey, mess of a sandwich we are SO here for.
Get the Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe recipe.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Who doesn't love a good chicken salad sandwich? It is one of our absolute favorite things to do with a rotisserie chicken or leftovers from a roast chicken dinner. The only thing required in a chicken salad is mayo and chicken, but otherwise the mix-ins are up to you.We add the crispy celery, tart apple and herbaceous dill for a bright and slightly tangy bite, but you could add things like bacon, olives and even kimchi!
Get the Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe.
Grilled Cheese Dogs
If you can't choose between a hot dog or a grilled cheese for lunch, why not both? ??
Get the Grilled Cheese Dogs recipe.
Chicken Parm Meatball Subs
Our love for chicken parm knows no limits. Feel free to swap in any of your favorite meatballs here too!
Get the Chicken Parm Meatball Subs recipe.
Hawaiian Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese is paradise. Try and find Hawaiian sweet bread for the most authentically tropical experience.
Get the Hawaiian Grilled Cheese recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs
When buffalo wings alone won't cut it, make this meatball sub!
Get the Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs recipe.
Italian Stuffed Picnic Loaf
? You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather...? You CAN, however, stuff all your favorite Italian foods into this sandwich, and it'll still be a pretty great day.
Get the Italian Stuffed Picnic Loaf recipe.
Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese
Everything you love about a cheeseburger, in a grilled cheese!
Get the Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese recipe.
French Toast Grilled Cheese
Kind of like a monte cristo meets a grilled cheese, this melty brie sandwich could be breakfast or lunch!
Get the French Toast Grilled Cheese recipe.
Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese
It's basically a cheesier, buttery pressed cheesesteak. Too good.
Get the Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese recipe.
Tater Tot Grilled Cheese
Kids LOVE these, but we gotta be honest, we'll take tater tots over bread any day too.
Get the Tater Tot Grilled Cheese recipe.
Chicken Cheesesteaks
Don't get us wrong, we love the steak in a classic philly cheesesteak. But we heart chicken even more. So we created a semi-lighter version by sautéing thinly sliced chicken breast alongside onions and peppers. Don't worry, the whole thing still gets covered with cheese—provolone, not Cheez Whiz!
Get the Chicken Cheesesteaks recipe.
Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
Craving a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich on Sunday when they're closed? We gotchu.
Get the Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich recipe.
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