18 Sandwiches That Will Make You Rethink Your Next Meal
Sandwiches have a way of surprising us. Sometimes they’re simple, sometimes they’re extravagant, but the best ones always shake up your expectations. This list features 18 sandwiches from all over the country that push the limits of what a sandwich can be. From unique ingredient combinations to unforgettable textures, these sandwiches will make you reconsider what you want for lunch or dinner next time.
Spicy Lamb Grinder
Idaho’s spicy lamb grinder features peppery lamb, melted cheese, and peppers on a hoagie roll. This bold combination of spices and textures creates a sandwich that will make you rethink lamb’s potential in everyday meals.
Burnt Ends Sandwich
Kansas City’s burnt ends sandwich features smoky, caramelized pieces of brisket packed into a soft bun with barbecue sauce. The intense, smoky meat combined with tangy sauce will make you rethink traditional barbecue sandwiches.
Alabama Chicken Sandwich
This Southern favorite brings pulled chicken coated in white barbecue sauce, stacked on a bun. Its creamy, tangy sauce combined with tender chicken offers a flavor profile that stands out among typical fried chicken sandwiches.
Olive Burger
The Olive Burger from Michigan surprises with juicy beef and salty green olives melted with cheese. It’s an unexpected yet balanced bite that challenges the standard burger experience.
French Dip Sandwich
Thin slices of roast beef served on a soft roll with a side of au jus make this Los Angeles classic anything but ordinary. The dip into the beef broth transforms every bite into a juicy, rich experience that will redefine your sandwich standards.
Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich
Crispy fried steak, creamy gravy, and fresh toppings served on a bun make this Texas sandwich unforgettable. The combination of crunch and rich sauce sets it apart from your average sandwich fare.
Chicken Spiedie
Hailing from Binghamton, New York, the Chicken Spiedie features marinated grilled chicken served on Italian bread with sauce. Its tender, well-seasoned meat offers a lighter yet deeply satisfying sandwich option.
Hot Brown Sandwich
Louisville’s hot brown is an open-faced sandwich loaded with turkey, bacon, tomato, and a creamy Mornay sauce. Its rich layers make it a decadent meal that challenges traditional turkey sandwich ideas.
Pueblo Slopper
This Colorado specialty is an open-faced cheeseburger covered in green chili sauce and onions. The combination of spicy sauce and melty cheese is a game-changer that will alter your perception of cheeseburgers forever.
Steak Bomb
New England’s steak bomb sandwiches roast beef, peppers, onions, and melted cheese in a toasted hoagie roll. Its bold, hearty ingredients challenge the ordinary sandwich and elevate your lunch game.
Jucy Lucy
This Minneapolis burger is stuffed with melted cheese inside the patty, creating a juicy surprise in every bite. It’s a creative twist on the burger that makes you reconsider classic cheeseburgers.
Chicago Dog
Chicago’s famous hot dog is topped with mustard, onions, pickles, tomatoes, sport peppers, and celery salt on a poppy seed bun. The layering of fresh and tangy toppings makes it a sandwich worth reconsidering whenever you crave a hot dog.
Crab Melt
Maryland’s crab melt sandwiches thick crab cakes and melted cheese on grilled bread. Its combination of seafood richness and toasted bread texture gives a fresh perspective on melts.
Lobster Roll
Maine’s lobster roll features tender lobster meat lightly dressed and served in a buttery toasted bun. Its luxurious seafood taste will make you rethink what a sandwich can be.
Tomato Sandwich
A Southern staple, the tomato sandwich layers thick slices of ripe tomato with mayo and salt on soft white bread. Its simplicity and freshness will have you rethinking how good a basic sandwich can be.
Polish Boy
Cleveland’s Polish Boy features a kielbasa sausage topped with fries, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw on a bun. Its over-the-top ingredients combine to create a sandwich experience unlike any other.
Tomato Sandwich
Simple but delicious, this sandwich layers ripe tomatoes, mayonnaise, and fresh bread. It’s a reminder that sometimes less is more and will make you rethink the basics.
