Sandwiches are a staple of American cuisine. Some of these iconic eats demonstrate the diversity of flavors found across the United States.
Here, we explore the most popular sandwiches in the country, revealing the history and popularity behind each one.
Let’s jump headfirst into the world of American sandwiches, where bread and filling come together to create more than just a meal.
BLT
The BLT combines bacon, lettuce, and tomato between two slices of toasted bread, typically spread with mayonnaise. This classic American sandwich owes its popularity to the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and savory flavors. It surged in popularity post-World War II with the rise of supermarkets that made its ingredients easily available year-round.
Grilled Cheese
A grilled cheese sandwich features melted cheese between buttered, toasted bread. It’s beloved for its golden, crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy center. Often paired with tomato soup, it’s a comfort food staple across the United States, especially popular in children’s menus.
Reuben
The Reuben sandwich is a grilled delight comprising corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all nestled between slices of rye bread. It was purportedly invented by Reuben Kulakofsky in Omaha, Nebraska, during the 1920s. Its tangy flavor profile makes it a favorite in delis nationwide.
Philly Cheesesteak
Originating from Philadelphia, the cheesesteak is a sublime concoction of thinly sliced sautéed ribeye beef and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll, often topped with onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Pat and Harry Olivieri are credited with the creation of this iconic sandwich in the 1930s. It embodies the heart and soul of Philly’s street food scene.
Club Sandwich
The club sandwich, a double-decker delight, stacks turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise between three slices of toast. Its origins trace back to exclusive gambling houses of the 19th century, where it was a quick meal for card players. This sandwich’s layered architecture makes it a satisfying meal on its own.
Po’ Boy
A staple in Louisiana, the po’ boy features meat or fried seafood, such as shrimp, crawfish, fish, or roast beef, served on baguette-like New Orleans French bread. It’s dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise. This sandwich originated during a 1929 streetcar strike, coined for the “poor boys” who ate it.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
The pulled pork sandwich, prevalent in the Southern U.S., involves slow-cooked pork shoulder, shredded and often smothered in barbecue sauce, served on a soft bun. This sandwich is a highlight at Southern barbecues and embodies the region’s love for tender, flavorful pork. It’s traditionally accompanied by coleslaw either on the side or directly on the sandwich.
Cuban Sandwich
The Cuban sandwich layers roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, pressed until crisp. It’s thought to have originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Key West and Ybor City, Tampa, in the late 1800s. A staple in Florida, it represents a fusion of Cuban and Floridian flavors.
Sloppy Joe
The Sloppy Joe is a hot sandwich made from ground beef, onions, and a sweetened tomato sauce, served on a hamburger bun. This American creation became popular in the 20th century as an easy, quick dinner option for families. Its messy nature is part of its charm, hence the name “Sloppy.”
Turkey Sandwich
A turkey sandwich is simple yet versatile, often made with sliced turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on whole wheat or white bread. It’s a popular choice for a wholesome lunch and especially common after Thanksgiving, using leftover turkey. This sandwich’s appeal lies in its simplicity and the lean protein it provides.
French Dip
The French dip sandwich, consisting of thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll, is served with a side of beef jus for dipping. Originating from Los Angeles in the early 20th century, it offers a juicy, flavorful eating experience. Variants might include melted cheese or sautéed onions for additional flavor.
Meatball Sub
The meatball sub is an Italian-American favorite, featuring meatballs drenched in marinara sauce, sprinkled with melted Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, and served on a toasted sub roll. It originated from Italian immigrants who modified traditional recipes to appeal to American tastes. This hearty sandwich is a staple in pizzerias and sub-shops around the country.
Lobster Roll
A New England classic, the lobster roll involves lobster meat soaked in butter or mixed with mayonnaise, served inside a grilled hot dog bun. It’s particularly popular along the East Coast, especially in Maine, where lobster is most plentiful. This sandwich is a summer staple, embodying the essence of New England seafood cuisine.
Monte Cristo
The Monte Cristo is a unique sandwich made with ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between slices of French toast, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with jam for dipping. This sweet and savory combination originated in Southern California in the 1950s as a variation of the French croque-monsieur. It’s often found in diners and American brunch menus.
Italian Sub
The Italian sub-layers include various Italian types of meat like salami, pepperoni, and capicola, along with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and Italian dressing on a long Italian roll.
This sandwich is a derivative of the submarine sandwich, developed by Italian immigrants in the Northeastern United States. Its robust flavors and hearty fillings make it a satisfying option for any meal.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
A chicken salad sandwich includes cooked, diced chicken mixed with mayonnaise and often crunchy add-ins like celery or nuts, served on bread or a croissant. It’s a staple in American cafes and delis, loved for its creamy texture and mild flavor. This sandwich is perfect for leftover chicken, making it a practical and delicious choice.
Roast Beef Sandwich
The roast beef sandwich features thin slices of roast beef piled on a hamburger bun or rye, often garnished with horseradish, mayonnaise, or mustard. It’s a common offering in delis across the United States, known for its flavor and satisfying texture. Roast beef sandwiches can be served cold or hot, with au jus or gravy.
Veggie and Hummus Sandwich
A veggie and hummus sandwich offers a healthy, flavorful option loaded with vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and sprouts, spread with creamy hummus on whole grain bread.
This sandwich has gained popularity as a nutritious alternative to traditional meat-based sandwiches. It’s often customized with various veggies and seasonings, catering to personal tastes and dietary preferences.
Peanut Butter and Jelly
The peanut butter and jelly (PB&J) sandwich is an iconic American classic, combining creamy or crunchy peanut butter with grape or strawberry jelly on soft sandwich bread.
Its invention dates back to the early 20th century, becoming a staple due to its simplicity and the satisfying mix of sweet and salty flavors. PB&J remains a beloved comfort food and a go-to choice for children’s lunches.
Corned Beef on Rye
A staple in Jewish delis, the corned beef on rye sandwich features thinly sliced corned beef piled on rye bread, often accompanied by mustard. It’s celebrated for its savory, tender corned beef, which is cured with a distinctive spice mix for deep flavor. This sandwich is a testament to the culinary traditions brought to the U.S. by Eastern European immigrants.
Tuna Salad Sandwich
The tuna salad sandwich mixes canned tuna with mayonnaise and other ingredients like celery or onion, spread between slices of bread. It became popular in the United States as an inexpensive protein source during the early 20th century. Its popularity is due to its nutritional value and ease of preparation.
Egg Salad Sandwich
An egg salad sandwich includes chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and often accents like celery, onion, or paprika, served on soft sandwich bread. It’s a classic American lunchbox staple, known for its creamy texture and mild, comforting taste. This sandwich is both economical and satisfying, making it a favorite for picnics and quick lunches.
Banh Mi
The Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that has become hugely popular in the U.S., featuring a crispy baguette filled with savory ingredients such as pork, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and spicy condiments.
Its fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions makes it uniquely delicious. Banh Mi is celebrated for its contrasting textures and explosive flavor profile, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
