Tasty Sandwich Ideas for Lunch at Work and Home

Sandwiches are a lunchtime staple. They range from sweet to savory, hot to cold, and meat-filled to vegan. There are sandwiches for every taste and diet. Here are 20 sandwich ideas that range from easy to more complex and vegan and vegetarian. 

Sandwich ideas for lunch at home

Sandwiches are a great lunchtime food because they’re easy to make and versatile. Some sandwiches require a bit more prep time than you may have on weekday mornings. These sandwich ideas are great if you’re working from home because the extra time spent cooking and eating will give you a nice mental break, and they are also great for weekend lunches.

1. Hot chile grilled cheese

This recipe uses pinto beans, fresh peppers, and salsa for a spicy spin on a classic lunch sandwich. 

1. Chaffle sandwiches

Chaffles are all the rage among people who enjoy the low-carb and Keto ways of eating. They are essentially a waffle made of cheese and egg. You can use them as you would use slices of bread and put your favorite sandwich fillings inside.  

3. Sloppy Joes

This is a sandwich that kids and adults alike enjoy. It’s both tangy and savory, served on a hamburger bun. It contains ground beef, onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and other spices. To save time, use a ready-made Sloppy Joe sauce.

4. BLT sandwich 

Bacon, lettuce, and tomato layered between bread is a winning combination. Use plain sandwich bread or specialty buns or rolls from the grocery store bakery. 

5. Monte Cristo sandwich

Ham and cheese meet French toast in this classic but oft-overlooked sandwich. Pair it with a soup or salad, and you’ve got a filling lunch. 

6. Leftover pancake breakfast-style sandwich 

Put leftover pancakes to work by creating a sandwich for lunch. Top a pancake with eggs, sausage or bacon, and cheese to create a sandwich that tastes good even at noon. 

7. Banh Mi sandwiches

Originating from Vietnam, Banh Mi is a baguette filled with tender pork loin, fresh pickled vegetables, cilantro, and topped with spicy sriracha mayo. It’s a refreshing sandwich, especially in the summer. 

8. Open-faced Philly cheesesteak 

Create this Philadelphia classic at home in just minutes! Fresh steak and sauteed onions and peppers are piled high on a baguette, topped with cheese, and broiled to perfection. 

9. Air-fried chicken sandwich

Fry up a chicken patty in your air fryer to make a fast-food favorite that’s healthier and cheaper. 

10. Chicken patty melts

An alternative to the typical hamburger patty melt, this recipe calls for ground chicken and spices to make a chicken burger. Serve with sauteed onions and cheese on rye bread.

Sandwich ideas for work lunches

Save time and money by taking your own lunch to work. These sandwich ideas for work lunches are inexpensive to make and healthier than restaurant versions.

1. Egg salad

Always a favorite, quick and easy to make. Put your favorite deli egg salad on bread or in a pita. Add lettuce, if desired, and enjoy!

2. Bagel sandwich 

When you’re wanting something different, put your favorite sandwich toppings on a bagel. Onion bagels or everything flavor bagels go well with meats and veggies, while blueberry or wholegrain bagels taste great with almond butter, jam, or cream cheese. 

3. Turkey sandwich 

Deli turkey is a lean meat so it’s a perfect choice when you’re trying to eat healthier. It’s best paired with vegetables, whole wheat bread, and low-fat mayonnaise. 

4. Tuna salad sandwich 

A tuna salad sandwich can be made in many ways. Starting with just a can of tuna and some mayonnaise, you can add anything from tomatoes to dill pickles and your favorite seasonings. 

5. Peanut Butter and jelly sandwich 

You can create this classic sandwich using smooth or crunchy peanut butter with strawberry, raspberry, or grape jelly. You can also get a little fancier by adding apples, marshmallow fluff, banana slices, or even grilling it. 

Sandwich ideas for vegetarians and vegans

There are plenty of delicious sandwich ideas for vegetarians. You can opt for an all-veggie sandwich or use plant-based meat to add extra protein.

1. Coleslaw and Swiss melt

This sandwich has coleslaw, Swiss cheese (or any other cheese that can be melted), and is served on a pretzel bun. Finish it off with some Russian dressing for a satisfying vegetarian-friendly sandwich.  

2. Avocado club

This is a spin on the classic club sandwich. Start with a thicker bread such as sourdough or a nut loaf, add avocado, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, cheese, and coconut or soy-based bacon.

3. Roasted Buffalo chickpea wrap

Chickpeas, carrots, and celery come together with Buffalo sauce to create a vegetarian take on Buffalo chicken. To make it vegan, use non-dairy yogurt. 

4. Mixed veggie

Go wild and make your own creation with a variety of fresh veggies. Layer your favorite vegetables on your choice of bread, and add your favorite sauce and cheese, if desired.  

5. Meatless meatball subs

No one would ever guess that the main ingredients in the meatless meatballs are eggplant and mushrooms. These veggies, with some spices and breadcrumbs, turn out so well that this may be your new go-to recipe for creating meatless meatballs and burgers. 

Stock up on staples for sandwich ideas for lunch

Although sandwiches are lunchtime staples, they can be made for breakfast, dinner, and every snack in between. And sandwiches can really be made with anything, but having some key ingredients on hand is helpful. Are you running low on bread, meat, vegetables, or sauces for sandwich making? Stock up without having to go shopping by placing an order with Instacart. Choose what you want, place your order, and you could have it in as little as two hours. Place your order now!

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