18 Old-School Sandwiches That Still Hit the Spot

There’s something comforting about old-school sandwiches. They remind us of simpler times, packed lunches, and flavors that just feel right. These classics have stood the test of time for a reason—they’re reliable, satisfying, and downright delicious. Whether it’s the melty goodness of a grilled cheese or the hearty layers of a club sandwich, these recipes bring back all the nostalgia with every bite. So, let’s celebrate these timeless favorites and maybe even inspire you to whip one up today.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A timeless favorite, the Grilled Cheese Sandwich features melted cheese between two slices of toasted bread, offering a crispy exterior and gooey center. To prepare, butter one side of two slices of bread (about 1 tablespoon per slice). Place 1 to 2 slices of your preferred cheese, such as cheddar or American, between the unbuttered sides. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Serve hot for a comforting meal.

BLT Sandwich

The BLT combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato slices layered between toasted bread, delivering a balance of textures and flavors. To make one, toast two slices of bread and spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on each slice. Layer with 3-4 slices of cooked bacon, 2-3 tomato slices, and a leaf of lettuce. Top with the second slice of bread, cut in half, and enjoy this classic delight.

Club Sandwich

A hearty triple-decker, the Club Sandwich includes turkey or chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, often secured with toothpicks. To assemble, toast three slices of bread. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice. Layer the first slice with lettuce, tomato, and turkey or chicken (about 2 ounces). Add the second slice of bread, mayonnaise side down, then layer with bacon (2-3 slices), lettuce, and tomato. Top with the final slice, secure with toothpicks, and slice into quarters.

Reuben Sandwich

Originating from New York, the Reuben features corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. To prepare, butter one side of two slices of rye bread. On the unbuttered side, spread 1 tablespoon of Russian dressing. Layer with 2 ounces of corned beef, 1/4 cup of sauerkraut, and a slice of Swiss cheese. Close the sandwich and grill on medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted.

Monte Cristo Sandwich

A decadent variation of the ham and cheese sandwich, the Monte Cristo is dipped in egg batter and fried, often dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam. To make it, assemble a sandwich with two slices of bread, 2 ounces of ham, 2 ounces of turkey, and a slice of Swiss cheese. In a bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1/4 cup of milk. Dip the sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Fry in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jam.

Croque Monsieur

A French classic, the Croque Monsieur is a baked or fried ham and cheese sandwich topped with béchamel sauce and more cheese, then broiled to perfection. To prepare, take two slices of bread and spread béchamel sauce (about 2 tablespoons) on one side of each. Layer with 2 ounces of ham and a slice of Gruyère cheese. Top with the second slice, béchamel side down. Spread additional béchamel on top of the sandwich and sprinkle with more Gruyère. Broil in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Cuban Sandwich

A flavorful mix of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed between Cuban bread, the Cuban Sandwich is a staple of Cuban-American cuisine. To make it, slice a Cuban bread loaf (or substitute it with French bread) lengthwise. Spread mustard on both halves. Layer with 2 ounces each of roast pork and ham, 2 slices of Swiss cheese, and thinly sliced pickles. Close the sandwich and press on a hot griddle or panini press for 3-4 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.

Tuna Melt

Combining tuna salad and melted cheese, the Tuna Melt is a warm, savory sandwich perfect for a quick meal. To prepare, mix a can of drained tuna with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Spread the tuna mixture on a slice of bread, top with a slice of cheddar cheese, and close with another slice of bread. Butter the outer sides of the sandwich and grill on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until the bread is toasted and the cheese melts.

Egg Salad Sandwich

A creamy and satisfying option, the Egg Salad Sandwich features chopped hard-boiled eggs mixed with mayonnaise and seasonings, served between slices of soft bread. To make the filling, combine 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of mustard, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture onto a slice of bread and top with another slice. Cut in half and serve, optionally adding lettuce for extra crunch.

Meatball Sub

A hearty sandwich, the Meatball Sub includes meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, placed in a sub roll, and topped with melted cheese. To prepare, fill a sub roll with 3-4 cooked meatballs and spoon marinara sauce over them. Top with slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese. Place the sandwich under a broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot for a filling meal.

French Dip Sandwich

The French Dip consists of thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll, served with a side of au jus for dipping, enhancing its savory flavor. To make it, layer 3-4 ounces of thinly sliced roast beef on a sliced French roll. Toast the roll lightly if desired. Warm up 1/2 cup of au jus (beef broth) in a saucepan and season with garlic and onion powder. Serve the sandwich with the warm au jus on the side for dipping. This classic delivers a perfect combination of tender beef and savory broth.

Sloppy Joe

The Sloppy Joe is a saucy, sweet, and tangy sandwich made with ground beef and a tomato-based sauce served on a hamburger bun. To prepare, brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet, then drain the grease. Stir in 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, simmering for 5 minutes. Spoon the mixture onto a hamburger bun and serve hot. This nostalgic sandwich is perfect for casual meals or family dinners.

Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly Cheesesteak is a savory delight, featuring thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, served in a hoagie roll. To make it, sauté 1/2 cup of sliced onions and peppers in a skillet until softened. Add 1/2 pound of thinly sliced beef, cooking until browned, then layer the meat and vegetables into a hoagie roll. Top with 2 slices of provolone or Cheez Whiz, letting it melt before serving. This sandwich is a crowd-pleaser known for its rich, cheesy flavor.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

A childhood staple, the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich is a simple yet satisfying treat made with peanut butter and fruit preserves. Spread 2 tablespoons of peanut butter on one slice of bread and 2 tablespoons of your favorite jelly or jam on another. Press the slices together and cut in half if desired. This timeless sandwich balances nutty and sweet flavors effortlessly. It’s quick to make and universally loved.

Muffuletta

Originating from New Orleans, the Muffuletta is a hearty sandwich filled with layers of cured meats, cheese, and olive salad on a round sesame loaf. To prepare, slice the bread in half and spread 1/2 cup of olive salad on both sides. Layer with 2 ounces each of salami, ham, mortadella, and provolone cheese. Close the sandwich, press it slightly, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This bold, savory sandwich is ideal for sharing.

Patty Melt

A hybrid of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich, the Patty Melt combines a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese on rye bread. To assemble, cook a 1/4-pound beef patty in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Layer the patty with 1/4 cup of caramelized onions and a slice of Swiss cheese between two buttered slices of rye bread. Grill the sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese melts. It’s a flavorful twist on the classic cheeseburger.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

The Chicken Salad Sandwich is a creamy, crunchy favorite made with shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings. To prepare, combine 1 cup of shredded chicken, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of diced celery, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the mixture on a slice of bread and top with lettuce and another slice of bread. Serve fresh for a light and satisfying meal. This sandwich pairs well with soup or chips.

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

A Southern classic, the Pimento Cheese Sandwich features a creamy, tangy spread made with cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. To make the filling, mix 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of diced pimentos. Spread the mixture generously between two slices of bread. Serve as is, or toast the sandwich for added warmth and texture. This nostalgic dish is perfect for picnics and gatherings.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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