Ultimate Sandwich Showdown: Delicious and Easy Main Dish Sandwich Recipes
Sandwiches are often relegated to the role of a quick lunch or a simple snack. However, with a little creativity and the right ingredients, sandwiches can easily transform into satisfying and impressive main dishes. This article is dedicated to elevating the humble sandwich to its rightful place as a culinary star. We’ll explore a variety of delicious and easy-to-make main dish sandwich recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or any occasion where you want a flavorful and convenient meal.
Why Sandwiches Make Great Main Dishes
Before diving into the recipes, let’s discuss why sandwiches are an excellent choice for main courses:
* **Versatility:** Sandwiches are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with an endless array of fillings, sauces, and breads to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
* **Convenience:** Sandwiches are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Many recipes can be assembled in under 30 minutes.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Sandwiches can be very economical, especially when you use affordable ingredients and leftovers.
* **Portable:** Sandwiches are easily portable, making them perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or on-the-go meals.
* **Satisfying:** When loaded with hearty fillings and flavorful toppings, sandwiches can be surprisingly filling and satisfying.
Essential Sandwich-Making Tips
Before we get to the recipes, let’s cover some essential sandwich-making tips to ensure your sandwiches are always delicious:
* **Choose the Right Bread:** The bread is the foundation of any great sandwich. Select a bread that complements the fillings and can withstand the moisture without becoming soggy. Options include sourdough, ciabatta, brioche, rye, whole wheat, and even bagels or croissants.
* **Spread Wisely:** Spreads add flavor and moisture to your sandwich. Use a variety of spreads like mayonnaise, mustard, pesto, hummus, aioli, or flavored cream cheese. Spread them evenly to prevent dry spots.
* **Layer Strategically:** Layer your ingredients in a way that maximizes flavor and prevents the sandwich from falling apart. Start with a layer of spread, followed by lettuce or other greens to protect the bread from moisture. Then, add your protein, cheese, and other toppings.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Resist the urge to overfill your sandwich. Too many fillings can make it difficult to eat and cause the sandwich to fall apart.
* **Press it Right:** If you are planning to pan fry your sandwich, applying enough pressure is important to make all the components stick together and to brown all sides evenly.
* **Consider Texture:** Incorporate different textures into your sandwich for added interest. Crunchy vegetables, crispy bacon, or creamy cheese can elevate your sandwich to the next level.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t forget to season your fillings with salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance their flavor.
* **Wrap it Tight:** If you’re taking your sandwich on the go, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent it from falling apart.
* **Toast or Grill (Optional):** Toasting or grilling your sandwich can add warmth, flavor, and a satisfying crunch.
Main Dish Sandwich Recipes: A Culinary Adventure
Now, let’s explore a variety of main dish sandwich recipes that are sure to impress. These recipes offer a mix of flavors, textures, and ingredients to suit every palate.
1. The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food, but this recipe takes it to the next level with gourmet cheeses, caramelized onions, and a touch of balsamic glaze.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of sourdough bread
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
* 1/4 cup caramelized onions
* 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
**Instructions:**
1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. In a bowl, combine the Gruyere and cheddar cheese.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over the bread.
5. Top with caramelized onions and balsamic glaze.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture over the onions.
7. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
8. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
9. Slice in half and serve immediately.
2. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw
This sandwich is a flavor explosion, combining tender pulled pork with tangy barbecue sauce and creamy coleslaw.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 hamburger buns
* 2 cups cooked pulled pork
* 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
* 1 cup coleslaw
**Instructions:**
1. Warm the pulled pork in a skillet or microwave.
2. Mix the pulled pork with barbecue sauce.
3. Divide the pulled pork mixture among the hamburger buns.
4. Top with coleslaw.
5. Serve immediately.
3. The Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)
A classic Cuban sandwich featuring roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed to perfection.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Cuban bread or Italian bread loaf (about 12 inches long)
* 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
* 4 ounces roasted pork, thinly sliced
* 4 ounces ham, thinly sliced
* 2 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
* 4 dill pickle slices
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
**Instructions:**
1. Slice the bread horizontally.
2. Spread mustard on both cut sides of the bread.
3. Layer the roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles on the bottom half of the bread.
4. Top with the other half of the bread.
5. Brush the top of the sandwich with melted butter.
6. Press the sandwich in a panini press or skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Slice in half and serve immediately.
4. Caprese Sandwich with Balsamic Glaze
A simple yet elegant sandwich featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of ciabatta bread
* 2 tablespoons pesto
* 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
* 1 ripe tomato, sliced
* Fresh basil leaves
* 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
**Instructions:**
1. Spread pesto on both slices of ciabatta bread.
2. Layer the mozzarella and tomato slices on one slice of bread.
3. Top with fresh basil leaves and balsamic glaze.
4. Place the other slice of bread on top.
5. Slice in half and serve immediately.
5. Chicken Pesto Panini
Grilled chicken, pesto, provolone cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes come together in this flavorful panini.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of focaccia bread
* 2 tablespoons pesto
* 4 ounces grilled chicken, sliced
* 2 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
* 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
**Instructions:**
1. Spread pesto on both slices of focaccia bread.
2. Layer the grilled chicken, provolone cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes on one slice of bread.
3. Place the other slice of bread on top.
4. Press the sandwich in a panini press or skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Slice in half and serve immediately.
6. The Reuben Sandwich
A classic sandwich featuring corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of rye bread
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 4 ounces corned beef, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup sauerkraut, drained
* 2 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
* 2 tablespoons Russian dressing
**Instructions:**
1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Spread Russian dressing on the other side of each slice of bread.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Layer the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on the bread.
5. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
6. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Slice in half and serve immediately.
7. Muffuletta Sandwich
A New Orleans classic featuring Italian cold cuts, provolone, and olive salad on a round sesame seed bread.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 round muffuletta bread (or a large round Italian bread)
* 1/2 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade)
* 4 ounces mortadella, thinly sliced
* 4 ounces salami, thinly sliced
* 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
**Instructions:**
1. Slice the bread horizontally.
2. Spread the olive salad on both cut sides of the bread.
3. Layer the mortadella, salami, and provolone cheese on the bottom half of the bread.
4. Top with the other half of the bread.
5. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Slice into wedges and serve.
8. Falafel Sandwich with Tahini Sauce
A vegetarian delight featuring crispy falafel balls, hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables in pita bread.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pita breads
* 1/2 cup hummus
* 8 falafel balls, cooked
* 1/4 cup tahini sauce
* 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
* 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* Lettuce leaves
**Instructions:**
1. Warm the pita breads.
2. Spread hummus on the inside of each pita bread.
3. Place the falafel balls inside the pita bread.
4. Drizzle with tahini sauce.
5. Top with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce.
6. Serve immediately.
9. French Dip Sandwich
Thinly sliced roast beef served on a French roll with a side of au jus for dipping.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 French rolls
* 4 ounces thinly sliced roast beef
* 1 cup beef broth (au jus), heated
**Instructions:**
1. Warm the French rolls.
2. Divide the roast beef among the French rolls.
3. Serve with a side of hot au jus for dipping.
10. Lobster Roll
A decadent sandwich featuring succulent lobster meat tossed with mayonnaise and celery, served on a toasted New England-style roll.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 New England-style hot dog rolls
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 8 ounces cooked lobster meat, chopped
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon chopped celery
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Butter the outside of the hot dog rolls.
2. Toast the rolls in a skillet or on a griddle until golden brown.
3. In a bowl, combine the lobster meat, mayonnaise, and celery.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Divide the lobster mixture among the toasted rolls.
6. Serve immediately.
11. Salmon Burgers with Avocado Crema
These aren’t your average burgers! Flaky salmon patties topped with creamy avocado crema make a delicious and healthy sandwich.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound skinless salmon fillet, chopped
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon chopped dill
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 hamburger buns
* 1 avocado, mashed
* 2 tablespoons sour cream
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* Lettuce leaves
* Tomato slices
**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, combine the chopped salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, and dill.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
4. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the mashed avocado, sour cream, and lime juice to make the avocado crema.
6. Toast the hamburger buns.
7. Place lettuce leaves and tomato slices on the bottom buns.
8. Top with the salmon patties and avocado crema.
9. Place the top buns on and serve.
12. Sloppy Joes
Ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, served on hamburger buns. A classic comfort food sandwich.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 hamburger buns
**Instructions:**
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the hamburger buns.
8. Serve immediately.
13. The Monte Cristo Sandwich
A decadent sandwich dipped in egg batter and fried, filled with ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, often served with jam.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 slices of white bread
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 4 ounces ham, thinly sliced
* 4 ounces turkey, thinly sliced
* 2 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Powdered sugar (optional)
* Jam or jelly (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Spread Dijon mustard on two slices of bread.
2. Layer the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese on one slice of bread.
3. Top with the other slice of bread.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Dip the sandwich in the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
6. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
7. Fry the sandwich for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
8. Slice in half and serve immediately.
9. Optionally sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with jam or jelly.
14. Avocado Toast with Everything Bagel Seasoning
Simple, quick, and customizable. Mashed avocado on toast topped with everything bagel seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a fried egg.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole wheat, etc.)
* 1 ripe avocado, mashed
* Everything bagel seasoning
* Red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fried egg (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Toast the bread to your desired level of crispness.
2. Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toast.
3. Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.
4. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat (optional).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Top with a fried egg for extra protein (optional).
7. Serve immediately.
15. Tuna Melt Sandwich
A classic, comforting sandwich featuring tuna salad and melted cheese on toasted bread.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 can (5 ounces) tuna in water, drained
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons chopped celery
* 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 slices of bread (rye, sourdough, or your favorite)
* 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)
* Butter, for spreading on the bread
**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and red onion.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
4. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Top with half of the tuna salad and a slice of cheese.
6. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
7. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
8. Slice in half and serve immediately.
Tips for Making Sandwiches Healthier
Sandwiches don’t have to be unhealthy. Here are some tips for making them more nutritious:
* **Choose Whole Grain Bread:** Whole grain bread is higher in fiber and nutrients than white bread.
* **Load Up on Vegetables:** Add plenty of vegetables like lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sprouts, and bell peppers to increase the fiber and vitamin content.
* **Use Lean Protein:** Opt for lean protein sources like grilled chicken, turkey breast, lean roast beef, or tofu.
* **Go Easy on the Spreads:** Use spreads sparingly or choose healthier options like hummus, avocado, or light mayonnaise.
* **Skip the Processed Meats:** Limit your intake of processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meats, which are high in sodium and saturated fat.
* **Add Healthy Fats:** Include healthy fats like avocado, nuts, or seeds for added nutrients and satiety.
Conclusion: The Sandwich Renaissance
Sandwiches are no longer just a quick and easy meal; they’re a canvas for culinary creativity. With the recipes and tips outlined in this article, you can transform the humble sandwich into a satisfying and impressive main dish. So, unleash your inner chef and start experimenting with different flavors, textures, and ingredients to create your own signature sandwich masterpieces. Happy sandwich-making!