20 Classic Sandwiches That Will Take You Back in Time

Nothing says comfort like a good, classic sandwich. Each one on this list brings back flavors and memories from another era—simple, delicious, and timeless. From the crispy, buttery warmth of grilled cheese to the hearty layers of a Reuben, these sandwiches capture the best of old-school flavors. Whether you’re craving something savory, spicy, or a bit messy, there’s a sandwich here that’s sure to satisfy. Let’s dive in and bring back the classics that never go out of style.

BLT Sandwich

The BLT is a timeless favorite, combining crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes between two slices of toasted bread. To prepare, cook 4 slices of bacon until crisp. Toast 2 slices of white bread and spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each slice. Layer the bacon, 2 leaves of lettuce, and 2 slices of tomato between the bread. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then slice and serve.

Grilled Cheese

A comfort food classic, the grilled cheese sandwich features melted cheese enveloped in buttery, toasted bread. Butter one side of each of 2 slices of bread. Place 2 slices of your preferred cheese between the unbuttered sides. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted. Serve hot for a gooey delight.

Club Sandwich

The club sandwich is a hearty, triple-decker delight featuring layers of turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Toast 3 slices of white bread. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice. Layer 2 ounces of sliced turkey, 2 slices of bacon, a leaf of lettuce, and a slice of tomato on the first slice. Top with the second slice, add another layer of fillings, and finish with the third slice. Secure with toothpicks, cut into quarters, and serve.

Reuben Sandwich

Originating from New York, the Reuben sandwich combines savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. Butter one side of 2 slices of rye bread. On the unbuttered side, spread 1 tablespoon of Russian dressing. Layer 4 ounces of corned beef, 1/4 cup of sauerkraut, and a slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the other bread slice and grill until golden brown and the cheese melts. Serve warm for a satisfying meal.

Italian Sub

The Italian sub is a flavorful sandwich loaded with various cured meats, cheese, and fresh vegetables. Slice a sub roll lengthwise and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Layer with 2 ounces each of salami, ham, and mortadella, followed by slices of provolone cheese. Add shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, and pepperoncini. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano, then close the sandwich and serve.

Cuban Sandwich

A staple of Cuban cuisine, this sandwich features roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed together. Slice Cuban bread lengthwise and spread mustard on both sides. Layer with 3 ounces of roasted pork, 3 ounces of ham, Swiss cheese, and sliced pickles. Close the sandwich and press on a hot griddle until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts. Enjoy this warm, savory treat.

French Dip

The French Dip is a delectable sandwich featuring thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll, served with a side of au jus for dipping. To prepare, heat 1 cup of beef broth until warm. Place 4 ounces of sliced roast beef on a French roll. Serve with the warm broth on the side for dipping, allowing the bread to soak up the flavorful juices. This sandwich is perfect for a hearty meal

Lobster Roll

A New England classic, the lobster roll combines tender lobster meat with a light dressing, served in a toasted roll. Mix 1 cup of cooked lobster meat with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Butter and toast a hot dog bun until golden. Fill the bun with the lobster mixture and garnish with chopped chives. Enjoy this luxurious sandwich warm or cold.

Egg Salad Sandwich

Creamy and satisfying, the egg salad sandwich is a simple yet delicious option. Chop 4 hard-boiled eggs and mix with 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of mustard, and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped celery. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mixture onto 2 slices of bread, add lettuce if desired, and close the sandwich. Cut in half and serve for a classic lunch.

Philly Cheesesteak

Hailing from Philadelphia, this sandwich features thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions. Sauté 1/2 cup of sliced onions until caramelized. Add 8 ounces of thinly sliced ribeye steak and cook until browned. Place slices of provolone cheese over the meat until melted. Fill a hoagie roll with the mixture and serve hot for an authentic taste.

Muffuletta

Hailing from New Orleans, the Muffuletta is a massive sandwich packed with cured meats, cheese, and olive salad. Cut a round loaf of sesame bread and spread both sides with olive salad (1 cup, made from chopped olives, garlic, and olive oil). Layer with 3 ounces each of salami, ham, and mortadella, plus 2 slices of provolone. Press the sandwich slightly, slice, and serve. Its bold flavors and rich history make it a standout dish.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

A chicken salad sandwich is a light and refreshing choice filled with tender chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy celery. Mix 1 cup of shredded chicken with 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of mustard, 2 tablespoons of chopped celery, and salt and pepper. Spread the mixture onto soft bread and top with lettuce. The mix of flavors and textures creates a timeless favorite for all ages.

Caprese Sandwich

The Caprese sandwich is a fresh Italian-inspired creation featuring mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. Layer slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato on ciabatta bread. Add fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then close the sandwich. This simple yet flavorful dish brings the taste of summer to any meal.

Sloppy Joe

The Sloppy Joe is a nostalgic, saucy sandwich made with seasoned ground beef served on a soft bun. In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 1/2 cup of chopped onions until browned. Stir in 3/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of mustard, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then spoon onto hamburger buns. Its messy, tangy goodness is a childhood favorite.

Tuna Melt

The tuna melt is a warm, cheesy sandwich featuring a creamy tuna filling and melted cheese. Combine 1 can of drained tuna with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and a squeeze of lemon juice. Spread the mixture on a slice of bread, top with a slice of tomato and cheddar cheese, and close with another slice of bread. Toast in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted. It’s the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers.

Chopped Cheese

The chopped cheese is a Harlem classic made with ground beef, melted cheese, and vegetables on a hero roll. Cook 1/2 pound of ground beef in a skillet, chopping it finely as it cooks. Add 2 slices of American cheese to melt into the beef. Layer the beef mixture onto a toasted hero roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. The result is a hearty and satisfying street-food favorite.

Hot Ham and Cheese

Hot ham and cheese is a simple yet delicious sandwich that’s perfect for a quick meal. Butter 2 slices of bread and layer 4 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese inside. Grill the sandwich in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted. The combination of savory ham and gooey cheese is timeless. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with soups or salads.

Shrimp Po’ Boy

The Shrimp Po’ Boy is a New Orleans favorite with crispy shrimp, lettuce, and remoulade sauce on a baguette. Dredge 1/2 pound of shrimp in seasoned flour and fry until golden. Toast a baguette and spread with remoulade sauce (made with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices). Layer the shrimp, lettuce, and tomato inside. Its crispy, zesty flavors are perfect for seafood lovers.

Roast Beef Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich is a hearty option loaded with thinly sliced roast beef, cheese, and horseradish sauce. Spread horseradish sauce on a hoagie roll. Layer 6 ounces of roast beef and 2 slices of Swiss cheese. Toast until the cheese is melted and serve warm. The savory and tangy combination is a classic deli staple.

Banh Mi

The Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that harmoniously blends savory, tangy, and fresh flavors. Start by spreading 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or pâté on a sliced baguette. Fill it with 4 ounces of grilled pork or chicken marinated in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of fish sauce. Add 1/4 cup of pickled carrots and daikon (prepared by marinating in 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt for an hour), 2 slices of cucumber, and fresh cilantro. For heat, include 2-3 thin slices of jalapeño. This sandwich’s perfect balance of textures and flavors makes it a standout fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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