When it comes to dinner, sandwiches often get a bad rep – seen as boring or too casual for a fancy evening meal. But we’re here to challenge that notion! A well-crafted sandwich can be just as satisfying and delicious as any other dish, especially when you add some creative twists. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouth-watering dinner sandwich recipes that will elevate your dinnertime game.
From classic combinations like grilled chicken and avocado to more adventurous pairings like lobster roll with lemon mayo, these sandwiches are sure to impress. Whether you’re a foodie looking for inspiration or just a busy person in need of quick and easy meal ideas, we’ve got you covered.
Stay tuned as we count down our top 20 creative dinner sandwich recipes – your taste buds will thank us!
Grilled Chicken Avocado Sandwich
Elevate your sandwich game with this refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp lettuce come together for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 ripe avocados, sliced
– 1 large head of lettuce, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Assemble sandwiches by spreading avocado slices on the bottom bun, followed by grilled chicken, lettuce, and a dollop of your favorite sauce (optional).
6. Top with top bun and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Experience the iconic taste of Philadelphia with this classic cheesesteak sandwich recipe, featuring tender steak, melted cheese, and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak
– 4 hoagie rolls (Amoroso or similar)
– 8 slices provolone cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: onions, bell peppers, mushrooms for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the steak into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. Meanwhile, butter the hoagie rolls and place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the grilled steak on each roll, followed by a slice of provolone cheese.
6. Place the sandwiches under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey Cranberry Club Sandwich
A twist on the classic club sandwich, this recipe combines the savory flavors of turkey and bacon with the sweetness of cranberries.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices whole wheat bread
– 2 oz. sliced turkey breast
– 4 slices cooked bacon
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
– 2 lettuce leaves
– 2 tomato slices
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions:
1. Lay two slices of bread on a flat surface.
2. Arrange two slices of turkey, two slices of bacon, and one tablespoon of mayonnaise on each slice of bread.
3. Add a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice on top of the meat.
4. Spread one tablespoon of cranberry sauce on each slice of bread.
5. Top with the remaining bread slices.
6. Cut into quarters or halves, depending on your preference.
Cooking Time: None! This sandwich is ready to serve immediately.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Get ready to sink your teeth into tender, flavorful pulled pork smothered in tangy BBQ sauce and piled high on a soft bun.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or pickles, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour in 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce.
4. Cook for 8 hours or overnight.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and stir in remaining BBQ sauce.
6. Split the hamburger buns in half and spoon the pulled pork on top.
7. Serve immediately, topped with coleslaw or pickles if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (or overnight)
Caprese Panini with Balsamic Glaze
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Italy with this simple yet elegant panini recipe, featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves, all held together with a rich balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or Focaccia)
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
– 2 large tomatoes, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar + 1 tablespoon honey)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Assemble the panini by spreading a slice of bread with olive oil, then layering mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, and basil leaves.
3. Place the remaining bread slice on top to complete the sandwich.
4. Brush the tops of the sandwiches with balsamic glaze or a mixture of balsamic vinegar and honey.
5. Cook the panini for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes total
Reuben Sandwich with Homemade Russian Dressing
This iconic sandwich is a staple of Jewish deli cuisine, featuring tender corned beef, crispy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all held together by a rich homemade Russian dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound corned beef, thinly sliced
– 4 slices rye bread
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
– 2 slices Swiss cheese
– Homemade Russian Dressing (recipe below)
– Lettuce and tomato, optional
Homemade Russian Dressing:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish
Assembly and Cooking:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.
5. Place the remaining bread slices, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Blue Cheese Slaw
A classic Buffalo chicken sandwich gets a boost from a tangy blue cheese slaw, adding a refreshing crunch to the spicy kick.
Ingredients:
For the Buffalo Chicken:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1 tablespoon butter
For the Blue Cheese Slaw:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together Frank’s RedHot sauce and butter.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with the Buffalo sauce mixture.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine slaw ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to assemble sandwiches.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing cooked chicken on a bun and topping with blue cheese slaw.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Monte Cristo Sandwich with Raspberry Jam
Elevate your sandwich game with this sweet and savory twist on the classic Monte Cristo. Layers of turkey, ham, and Swiss cheese are complemented by a tangy raspberry jam filling.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of white bread
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 2 ounces of thinly sliced turkey breast
– 2 ounces of thinly sliced ham
– 2 slices of Swiss cheese
– 1/4 cup of raspberry jam
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with turkey, ham, and Swiss cheese.
5. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of raspberry jam on top of the cheese.
6. Place another bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
8. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per sandwich
Portobello Mushroom Sandwich with Garlic Aioli
Elevate your sandwich game with this savory and flavorful recipe, featuring meaty portobello mushrooms smothered in a creamy garlic aioli.
Ingredients:
– 4 Portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or baguette work well)
– Lettuce leaves, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the mushrooms with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the mushrooms for 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re tender and slightly charred.
4. Meanwhile, mix the garlic, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading the aioli on the bread, followed by a grilled mushroom and some lettuce leaves.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich with Remoulade Sauce
A classic Southern sandwich gets a seafood twist with succulent shrimp, crispy bread, and tangy remoulade sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 4 crusty French bread rolls (or Po’ Boy bread)
– Remoulade Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Dredge shrimp in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, toast bread rolls and spread with remoulade sauce.
4. Assemble sandwiches by placing shrimp on top of sauce, then sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs.
Remoulade Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon ketchup
– 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes, including shrimp cooking time.
Grilled Vegetable Panini with Pesto
Elevate your sandwich game with this flavorful and healthy recipe that combines the richness of pesto with the natural sweetness of grilled vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of whole grain bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 small eggplant, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until tender, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Spread a layer of pesto on each bread slice.
4. Top each bread slice with a grilled vegetable, followed by another bread slice to create a sandwich.
5. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
French Dip Sandwich with Au Jus
Experience the rich flavors of France in this classic sandwich recipe featuring tender beef, melted cheese, and a savory au jus.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thinly sliced beef (such as top round or rump roast)
– 4 French bread rolls
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of Swiss cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add beef slices to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the beef to a baking dish and add beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
5. Meanwhile, toast the French bread rolls by placing them on a baking sheet and baking for 2-3 minutes.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a few slices of beef onto each roll, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese.
7. Place the sandwiches under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BLT Sandwich with Avocado Spread
Elevate the classic BLT sandwich with a creamy avocado spread that adds a rich and velvety texture.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 6 slices of cooked bacon
– 2 large tomatoes, sliced
– 1/2 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside.
3. Spread a layer of avocado on each bread slice, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Top with a tomato slice, followed by 2 slices of cooked bacon.
5. Drizzle mayonnaise over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the sandwiches and place in the panini press or grill for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with Marinara Sauce
A classic Italian-American favorite gets a sandwich twist! Crispy breaded chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, and tangy marinara sauce come together for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 4 slices of Italian bread
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg and then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Bake coated chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing a cooked chicken breast on each bread slice, topping with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
6. Garnish with chopped basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich with Mozzarella
Savor the flavors of Italy with this eggplant parmesan sandwich, featuring tender eggplant slices, melted mozzarella cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb coating.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 slices of mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Dip each eggplant slice into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a separate saucepan, warm the tomato sauce over low heat.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing two fried eggplant slices on each plate, followed by a spoonful of tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cuban Sandwich with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Experience the classic flavors of Cuba with this mouthwatering sandwich, featuring crispy ham and melted Swiss cheese on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 4 Cuban-style bread loaves (or similar)
– 4 slices of thinly sliced ham
– 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and pickles for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Butter the bread loaves on the outside.
3. Place a slice of ham on each loaf, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the ham.
5. Spread a small amount of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on top of the cheese.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing another bread loaf on top (toasted side down).
7. Place the sandwiches in the panini press or grill for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Tuna Melt Sandwich with Cheddar and Pickles
A classic comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 slices of white bread
– 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup of pickle slices
– 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, buttered side down, in the skillet.
4. Spread half of the tuna mixture on top of the bread.
5. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and pickle slices on top of the tuna.
6. Top with the remaining tuna mixture, followed by the remaining cheese and pickles.
7. Place the second bread slice, buttered side up, on top of the filling.
8. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Spicy Sausage and Pepper Sandwich
This mouthwatering sandwich combines spicy sausage, crispy peppers, and melted cheese for a flavor-packed treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 4 hamburger buns
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 slices provolone cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cook the sausage for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
3. In a separate pan, sauté the sliced peppers with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until tender.
4. Assemble the sandwiches by slicing the cooked sausage, placing it on a bun, and topping with sautéed peppers and cheese.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lobster Roll Sandwich with Lemon Mayo
Lobster Roll Sandwich with Lemon Mayo Recipe
Get ready to treat yourself to a decadent and flavorful sandwich featuring succulent lobster meat, crispy bun, and zesty lemon mayo.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound lobster meat (chopped)
– 4 hamburger buns
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter the buns and toast until lightly browned.
3. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.
4. Divide the lobster meat among the buns, spreading it evenly.
5. Top with the lemon mayo mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup
This iconic duo is a match made in heaven – crispy, melted cheese sandwiched between two slices of bread, paired with a bowl of warm, tangy tomato soup. The perfect comfort food to cozy up with on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of white or whole wheat bread
– 1-2 slices of cheddar, Swiss, or your preferred cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium tomato, diced (for the soup)
– 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with cheese and second bread slice, butter-side up.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until crispy and melted.
7. Meanwhile, combine diced tomato and broth in a pot. Bring to a simmer.
8. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half, if using. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve grilled cheese sandwich with warm tomato soup on the side.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these 20 creative sandwich recipes! From classic comfort foods like grilled cheese and Philly cheesesteak, to international inspirations like Cuban sandwiches and lobster rolls, there’s something for everyone. Try unique combinations like turkey cranberry club sandwiches or buffalo chicken sandwiches with blue cheese slaw. Or go gourmet with options like caprese paninis with balsamic glaze or portobello mushroom sandwiches with garlic aioli. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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