15 Loaded Sandwiches That Define American Eating

When it comes to American eating, the motto is “the more, the merrier.” These fifteen loaded sandwiches pack in meats, cheeses, sauces, and toppings galore—each one a hearty, over-the-top celebration of everything we love to eat.

Hot Beef Sandwich

Minnesota-style: tender beef and white bread drenched in brown gravy. You’ll need a fork and a nap. Get the Hot Beef Sandwich recipe

Spicy Lamb Grinder

This Idaho favorite loads spicy ground lamb, melty cheese, and crunchy veggies onto a hoagie roll. Every bite wakes up your senses and leaves you wanting more. Get the Spicy Lamb Grinder recipe

Shrimp Po Boy

Crispy fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and remoulade stuffed inside a crusty baguette. It’s New Orleans street food royalty. Get the Shrimp Po Boy recipe

Crab Melt

Chunks of sweet crab meat, gooey cheese, and toasty bread create a decadent open-faced sandwich. This Maryland favorite is a hit from coast to coast. Get the Crab Melt recipe

Steak Bomb

Shaved steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese come together for a legendary New England sub. It’s hefty, cheesy, and perfect for big appetites. Get the Steak Bomb recipe

Pastrami Burger

This Utah classic starts with a juicy burger, adds a layer of smoky pastrami, and melts cheese over the top. Bold and loaded, it’s not your average drive-thru meal. Get the Pastrami Burger recipe

Muffuletta Sandwich

New Orleans knows how to stack it: salami, ham, mortadella, Swiss, provolone, and olive salad on a sesame loaf. It’s hefty, briny, and one-of-a-kind. Get the Muffuletta Sandwich recipe

Sloppy Joe

Ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices spooned onto a bun. It’s messy, sweet, and absolutely timeless. Get the Sloppy Joe recipe

Runza

Nebraska’s classic is a yeasted pocket stuffed with seasoned beef, cabbage, and onions. It’s hearty and perfect for road trips. Get the Runza recipe

Polish Boy

Kielbasa, coleslaw, fries, and barbecue sauce—Cleveland’s Polish Boy goes big on toppings and bigger on taste. Get the Polish Boy recipe

Crab Cake Sandwich

Jumbo lump crab cakes, lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce on a bun. This Maryland classic is fresh, rich, and always a showstopper. Get the Crab Cake Sandwich recipe

Fried Chicken Biscuit

Crispy fried chicken tucked into a warm biscuit. It’s breakfast, lunch, and late-night comfort rolled into one. Get the Fried Chicken Biscuit recipe

Banh Mi

Vietnamese-style: crusty baguette, pickled veggies, pork, herbs, and jalapeños. Layers of crunch, tang, and umami in every bite. Get the Banh Mi recipe

Pepperoni Rolls

West Virginia’s pepperoni rolls are portable, doughy, and stuffed with spicy sticks of pepperoni. The best road snack ever invented. Get the Pepperoni Rolls recipe

Sonoran Hot Dog

A bacon-wrapped hot dog covered with beans, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeño sauce. Tucson’s Sonoran Hot Dog is an explosion of flavor in every bite. Get the Sonoran Hot Dog recipe