Why 14 Sandwiches Bring Smiles When News Gets Rough

Bad news might flood the headlines, but good sandwiches will always flood the table with smiles. These 14 creations prove that when life feels heavy, comfort can be found in bread, meat, cheese, and creativity. Each bite carries joy that no headline can take away.

Roast Pork Sandwich

Philadelphia’s roast pork sandwich is slow-cooked perfection layered with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. It’s bold, it’s flavorful, and it’s guaranteed to bring a grin bigger than the Liberty Bell. Get the recipe here.

Detroit Coney Dog

Detroit’s iconic Coney Dog is more than just a hot dog. It’s a chili-smothered tradition topped with onions and mustard, served with pride in diners across the city. It’s comfort that makes you grin no matter the day. Get the recipe here.

Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

An Indiana classic, the pork tenderloin sandwich features a breaded cutlet so oversized it spills out from the bun. Crispy, juicy, and absolutely cheerful, it’s a sandwich built to chase away any gloom. Get the recipe here.

Seattle Dog

The Seattle Dog takes a hot dog and tops it with cream cheese and grilled onions. Odd? Maybe. Delicious? Definitely. It’s the kind of quirky comfort food that can flip your mood in one bite. Get the recipe here.

Runza

Nebraska’s Runza is a handheld pocket filled with ground beef, cabbage, and onions baked into bread. Warm, hearty, and homey, it’s comfort food that brings a sense of calm on the roughest days. Get the recipe here.

Pastrami Burger

Utah took the classic burger and topped it with pastrami, creating a double-meat masterpiece. Juicy, salty, and indulgent, it’s the kind of food that can turn a frown into a smile fast. Get the recipe here.

Tuna Salad Sandwich

Creamy tuna salad tucked into soft bread is as classic as it gets. Simple, filling, and reliable, this sandwich has been bringing comfort to lunchboxes and kitchens for generations. Get the recipe here.

Fish Fry Sandwich

Wisconsin does Fridays right with their fish fry, and the sandwich version is golden perfection. Crispy fried fish tucked into bread is both hearty and uplifting, perfect for smiling through the week. Get the recipe here.

Italian Beef Sandwich

Chicago’s Italian Beef is juicy roast beef piled on a roll and dunked in au jus. Add peppers and you’ve got a messy, bold bite that delivers pure joy with every mouthful. Get the recipe here.

Pueblo Slopper

Pueblo, Colorado, gave us the Slopper: an open-faced burger drowned in green chile and onions. Messy, spicy, and unforgettable, it’s impossible not to smile with a forkful of this dish. Get the recipe here.

Liverwurst Sandwich

Liverwurst might not be for everyone, but those who love it swear by the creamy, rich spread on bread. It’s bold and old-school, the kind of sandwich that sparks nostalgia and grins. Get the recipe here.

Crab Melt

Maryland’s Crab Melt takes fresh crab meat, tops it with cheese, and broils it to perfection. Warm, creamy, and satisfying, it’s like sunshine served on an open-faced sandwich. Get the recipe here.

Chow Mein Sandwich

Fall River, Massachusetts, is home to the Chow Mein Sandwich, a quirky mix of noodles and sauce piled into a bun. Unexpected, comforting, and fun, it’s guaranteed to draw a smile. Get the recipe here.

Fried Bologna Sandwich

The fried bologna sandwich takes a humble lunch meat and turns it into something magical with a hot skillet. Crispy edges, warm bread, and nostalgia all rolled into one smile-inducing meal. Get the recipe here.