America Has 12 Sandwiches That Prove Happiness Fits Between Bread

When the world feels heavy, a sandwich can remind us how good life really is. These 12 picks prove that happiness fits perfectly between bread, buns, and rolls.

Chopped Cheese

Born in the bodegas of New York City, the chopped cheese is more than a sandwich, it’s a cultural staple. Ground beef gets seared on a hot griddle, chopped together with onions, then topped with melted cheese before being stuffed into a hero roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. It’s messy, handheld, and made for late-night runs when nothing else will hit the spot. Get the recipe here.

Runza

In Nebraska, locals swear by the Runza, a soft bread pocket filled with ground beef, cabbage, and onion. It’s portable comfort food designed for cold winters and long drives across the plains. Each bite is warm and hearty, the kind of food that feels like home even if you’ve never had one before. Get the recipe here.

Detroit Coney Dog

The Detroit Coney Dog is chili-dog royalty. A snappy hot dog is nestled into a steamed bun, covered with rich beef chili, sharp yellow mustard, and diced onions. It’s not fancy, but it packs a bold punch that locals line up for year after year. Eating one is a rite of passage in Detroit, and after the first bite, you’ll understand why. Get the recipe here.

Liverwurst Sandwich

The liverwurst sandwich is pure nostalgia. With its bold, rich sausage spread on rye bread and paired with sharp mustard and onions, this old-school favorite brings back the tastes of a bygone era. It’s hearty, straightforward, and the kind of sandwich that proves simplicity is timeless. Get the recipe here.

Sonoran Hot Dog

In Tucson, Arizona, the Sonoran hot dog reigns supreme. It starts with a bacon-wrapped hot dog tucked into a bolillo roll, then loaded with beans, salsa, jalapeños, onions, and mayo. It’s sweet, spicy, smoky, and absolutely overflowing with toppings. One look at it and you know you’re in for a messy, unforgettable ride. Get the recipe here.

Vermonter Sandwich

Vermont delivers big with the Vermonter, a sandwich that’s all about balance. Thick slices of ham, sharp cheddar cheese, thin apple slices, and a maple-mustard spread come together in a way that captures the state in every bite. It’s sweet, tangy, salty, and crisp, a layered masterpiece that proves regional sandwiches can be as thoughtful as they are filling. Get the recipe here.

Onion Burger

Oklahoma’s onion burger takes the humble hamburger and gives it a crispy twist. Thinly shaved onions are smashed into a ball of ground beef on a hot griddle, creating caramelized edges that infuse the entire patty. Served on a simple bun, this Depression-era creation proves that resourcefulness often leads to the tastiest traditions. Get the recipe here.

Pastrami Burger

Utah’s pastrami burger doubles down on beefy goodness. A juicy burger patty is stacked with smoky pastrami, melted cheese, and tangy sauce, creating a sandwich that’s equal parts burger and deli classic. It’s indulgent without apology, the kind of bite that makes you glad cheat days exist. Get the recipe here.

Loose Meat Sandwich

From Iowa diners to kitchen tables, the loose meat sandwich has fed generations. Unlike a hamburger, the seasoned beef is crumbled and piled loose on a bun, then topped with pickles and mustard. It’s messy, sure, but that’s part of the fun. Every bite feels like the kind of meal you’d get from a small-town lunch counter where everybody knows your name. Get the recipe here.

Crab Melt

Maryland seafood meets diner comfort with the crab melt. Fresh crab meat is mixed with mayo and seasonings, then topped with gooey melted cheese on toasted bread. It’s rich, briny, and completely satisfying. This is the kind of sandwich that makes you want to sit by the bay and just enjoy life. Get the recipe here.

Chicken Spiedie

Upstate New York is proud of the chicken spiedie, and for good reason. Cubes of chicken are marinated in a zesty Italian dressing, grilled until tender, and stuffed into a soft hoagie roll. It’s simple but bold, a sandwich that showcases how the right marinade can transform a few ingredients into something you’ll crave again and again. Get the recipe here.