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Happy sandwich season, you guys! Is that even a real season? In my house it is, lol!
Lunch around here basically runs on bread, cheese and whatever is left in the crisper drawer.
Last month it was a loaf shaped like a pumpkin and nobody complained, haha!
Since school lunches and weekday dinners are only a couple of short weeks from getting boring again, I’ve gathered 20 sandwich ideas the entire family will love, including sub these ideas, easy these ideas, bagel these ideas and chicken these ideas.
From classic clubs to bagel builds and a few wraps thrown in, there’s at least one idea in here you’ll want on repeat. Don’t fret if you’ve never made anything past a basic PB&J!
Under each one I’ve added the little details you actually want to know, plus a link to the full step-by-step recipe.
SANDWICH IDEAS
1. Caprese Sandwich With Balsamic Drizzle
We’re starting off strong with the caprese one. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato and basil leaves stacked up like they own the place.
A good balsamic drizzle makes the whole thing taste fancier than it actually is. My neighbors think I bought this at a bakery every single time, lol! Fresh basil really is non negotiable here.
- The one that looks bakery bought
- Ready in ten minutes flat
- Basil straight from the porch pots
2. Croissant Ham And Brie Sandwich
This croissant version is pure Sunday morning energy. Ham, brie and a flaky croissant just work together in my house, no arguments allowed!
I warm the croissant slightly so the brie goes soft and a little melty. That’s the whole trick, haha! Ten seconds in the oven does it.
- The lazy Sunday special
- Brie melts in the oven in minutes
- Any deli ham works fine
3. Rainbow Veggie Cream Cheese Sandwich
How cute are these rainbow veggie ones? Thin strips of pepper, carrot and cucumber layered over whipped cream cheese.
The colors alone make kids actually eat their vegetables, which is basically a miracle in my house. A rainbow bagel makes it even more fun for little ones.
4. Grilled Cheese With Tomato Soup
Is it really a rainy day without grilled cheese and tomato soup? Not in my book! Butter goes on the outside of the bread, not the pan, for the crispiest crust.
This combo has been dinner in my house since I was a kid and nothing has changed. Some things don’t need fixing, am I right?
- Rainy day classic, zero updates needed
- Crispy every single time
- Sharp cheddar melts the fastest
5. Italian Sub With Salami
Sub these always start with the Italian one for me. This salami build is the reason. Layers of salami, provolone and banana peppers on a crusty roll.
A good vinegar drizzle right before closing it up changes everything. Nobody ever wants to share this one.
- The deli counter favorite
- Banana peppers give it the kick
- Toasted roll holds up better
6. Meatball Sub With Marinara Sauce
Meatball subs are the ultimate football Sunday food. Marinara soaks into the bread just enough without turning it soggy.
Toast the roll first so it can survive the sauce. This one never lasts through halftime at our place. Who doesn’t love a good meatball sub?
- The halftime disappearing act
- Frozen meatballs work perfectly
- Cheese goes under the broiler
7. Turkey Club Sub Sandwich
Turkey club subs are basically a full lunch stacked into one roll. Bacon, turkey, lettuce and tomato piled higher than seems reasonable!
Nobody in my house has ever finished one in a single sitting. That’s honestly the appeal, lol!
- The three napkin sandwich
- Stacks tall on purpose
- Bacon cooked extra crispy
8. Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich
Peanut butter banana is the fastest thing on this whole easy these list. Two ingredients, a bit of bread and it’s done in seconds flat!
Not that I mind, honestly, they clean their plate every time.
- Two minutes, zero excuses
- No cooking required at all
- Ripe bananas work best
9. Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
These pinwheels are the class party hero every single time. Ham and cheese roll up tight and slice into little spirals.
They travel well and never get soggy in a lunchbox. Nobody complains, ever!
- The class party hero
- Slices in advance without falling apart
- Cream cheese holds the roll together
10. Lox And Cream Cheese Bagel
Bagel these rarely get better than lox and cream cheese. Thin slices of smoked salmon sit over a schmear thick enough to actually taste.
I always add capers and thin red onion to finish it off. This one screams brunch the second it hits my table!
- The brunch table showoff
- Everything bagels work great here
- Capers add the salty punch
11. Bacon Egg Bagel Sandwich
Bacon egg bagels are the reason I actually get out of bed on weekends. Crispy bacon, a fried egg and melted cheese between two toasted halves.
This is the sandwich my whole family fights over on camping trips. Somebody always claims they called it first, lol!
- The one that starts arguments
- Egg fried over medium every time
- Toasted bagel keeps everything sturdy
12. Turkey Avocado Bagel Sandwich
Turkey avocado bagels feel fancy without any real effort. Mashed avocado spreads thick, sliced turkey layers on top.
A squeeze of lemon keeps it green. My lunch routine gets boring fast, so this swap saves me. Same combo, new bread and suddenly lunch feels exciting again!
- Lunch that suddenly feels new
- Lemon keeps the avocado bright
- Plain bagel lets the turkey shine
13. Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich
Crispy fried chicken sandwiches are basically their own food group at this point. The crunch has to be loud or it’s not worth making, haha!
Pickles are non negotiable in my house, no exceptions. Talk about a sandwich worth the mess!
- The loud crunch or nothing
- Buttermilk soak overnight works best
- Pickles are required, not optional
14. Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Chicken these always need a pesto option. This grilled one delivers. The pesto goes on both sides so every bite gets it.
My mozzarella melts right onto the warm chicken every time. This one tastes like a fancy cafe order made at home, lol!
- The fancy cafe order at home
- Pesto on both slices of bread
- Grilled chicken stays juicy inside
15. Buffalo Chicken Wrap Sandwich
Buffalo chicken wraps bring the heat without much cleanup. Shredded chicken tossed in hot sauce, ranch and a big tortilla to hold it all in.
Who doesn’t love buffalo anything, am I right? These get requested for every single game night at my place!
- Game night, no cleanup required
- Ranch cools down the heat
- Rotisserie chicken saves time
16. Everything Bagel Avocado Toast
Everything bagel avocado toast lives in a category of its own among bagel ideas. Smashed avocado, a sprinkle of seasoning and maybe a fried egg finish it off.
I never dress up for this one and it still looks like a coffee shop order. Basically zero effort, all the credit, lol!
- The coffee shop menu at home
- Toasted bagel holds the avocado
- Chili flakes add a tiny kick
17. Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Board
This cinnamon raisin bagel board is a fun weekend spread. Toasted bagels sit surrounded by little bowls of cream cheese, honey and fruit.
That silence alone makes lazy mornings worth it! Same, honestly.
- The quiet twenty minute morning
- Set out a few toppings only
- Honey drizzle is never skipped
18. Egg Salad Bagel Filling
Egg salad might be the most underrated of all the bagel fillings ideas out there. It stays creamy, a little tangy and comes together fast.
My secret is a splash of mustard, it changes the whole flavor. Skip it and you will notice!
- The underrated lunchbox regular
- Mustard adds the tangy note
- Chill it before spreading on bagels
19. Smoked Salmon Dill Filling
Smoked salmon and dill make a filling that tastes fancier than the effort it takes. Fresh dill mixed into softened cream cheese does most of the work.
It disappears before the bagels even finish toasting, how cute is that?
- Fancier than the effort deserves
- Fresh dill beats the dried kind
- Lemon brightens the whole batch
20. Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups
Last but definitely not least, chicken lettuce cups round out these chicken ideas nicely. Cool, crunchy lettuce swaps in for bread.
My shredded chicken, grapes and celery keep every bite fresh. This one disappears fast at any summer lunch, no leftovers in sight!
- The bread free lunch winner
- Grapes add a sweet surprise
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Alessandra
