32 Grown-Up Versions of Classic Sandwiches

Updated: Feb. 10, 2022

When you're tired of all the same, boring sandwich recipes, it's time for a twist. You'll love these upgrades to your classic, standby favorites.

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The Best Ever Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Spreading a mixture of mayo and butter on the bread creates a delightfully crispy crust with the well-loved, wonderful flavor of butter one expects on a grilled cheese sandwich. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

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Blackberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich

If you’re looking for a gourmet grilled cheese recipe, your search is over. With five kinds of cheese and fresh blackberries, this sandwich is impressive enough to serve to guests.—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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PB&J Pork Sandwiches

I came up with this recipe for one of my daughters who loves peanut butter and pork! The result has become a favorite—kids and grown-ups alike often request it for dinner. —Jill Cox, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Rotisserie Chicken Panini

This ooey-gooey, melty delight is packed with bacon, chicken, cheese and just enough lemon to tickle your taste buds. Other chicken panini recipes don't compare!—Terri McCarty, Oro Grande, California
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Grilled Cheese and Avocado Sandwich

Who doesn’t love a grilled cheese sandwich? This version kicks it up a notch with avocado, tons of cheese and extra-crispy bread. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Hot Pineapple Ham Sandwiches

Your trusty slow cooker lets you make these warm, gooey sandwiches without heating up the house on a hot day. The mustard and brown sugar give them such satisfying richness. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
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Big Sandwich

This sandwich will put all other sandwich recipes to shame! One look at this impressive sandwich and your family and friends will know their taste buds are in for a treat. The tall layers prompt people to ask how they're supposed to eat it. I encourage them to simply dig in and enjoy! —Margaret Yost, Tipp City, Ohio
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Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Date-Bacon Jam

This sandwich doubles up on melty cheese, but the star of the show is the sweet and salty date-bacon jam. It makes for a truly grown-up version of grilled cheese. —Kathy Cooper, Tucson, Arizona
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Berry Turkey Sandwich

Sliced fresh strawberries, Swiss cheese and a nutty cream cheese spread make this turkey sandwich different. Try it on whole wheat, oatmeal or sunflower seed bread. It's tasty and easy to put together. —Edward Meyer of Arnold, Missouri
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Makeover Reuben Melt

This twist on a classic Reuben keeps the corned beef and uses a sauce made with Swiss (and plenty of thousand-island flavor). Fresh slaw on top replaces the sauerkraut. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Prosciutto Egg Panini

With mustard, maple syrup, prosciutto and eggs, this is a yummy twist on the usual bacon-and-egg sandwich. Your family will agree that this is one breakfast worth waking up for! —Erin Renouf Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah
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Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas

My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that as good as the pitas taste, they’re good for them too.—Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
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Ham and Brie Melts

Melty cheese, ham and apricot preserves offer a special change of pace from the classic grilled cheese. These quick, crispy sandwiches remind me of baked brie. —Bonnie Bahler, Ellington, Connecticut
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Turkey Sandwich with Raspberry-Mustard Spread

My hearty sandwich has different yet complementary flavors and textures. It's filled with flavor and nutrients, without all the unhealthy fats, sodium and added sugar that many other sandwiches have. And it’s absolutely delicious! —Sarah Savage, Buena Vista, Virginia
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Slow-Cooked Reuben Brats

Sauerkraut gives these beer-simmered brats a big flavor boost, but it’s the special chili sauce and melted cheese that put them over the top. Top your favorite burger with some of the chili sauce; you won't be sorry. —Alana Simmons, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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Cilantro-Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Lime juice and cilantro in tuna salad – who knew? This recipe for avocado tuna salad came to me as a way to have a protein-packed meal with lots of pizzazz. —Heather Waldorf, Black Mountain, North Carolina
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Grilled Hummus Turkey Sandwich

I created this toasted sandwich last summer using homemade hummus and veggies from our garden. We really can't get enough! —Gunjan Gilbert, Franklin, Maine
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Reuben Spread

You'll need only five ingredients to stir up this hearty dip that tastes like a Reuben sandwich. It's requested at all the gatherings we attend. —Pam Rohr, Troy, Ohio
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Roasted Sweet Potato & Chickpea Pitas

Here's a hearty take on Mediterranean food, this time with sweet potatoes tucked inside. These unique pockets are delicious for lunch or dinner. —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Bistro Apple Panini

My family loves panini press recipes. The bacon, apple and tarragon in this recipe go together so well. If you don’t have a panini maker or an indoor grill, you can easily pan-fry or broil these excellent sandwiches.—Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Curried Egg Salad

A curry kick gives this egg salad big appeal. We love it when the weather gets warm. —Joyce McDowell, West Union, Ohio
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Cobb Salad Club Sandwich

Can't decide whether you want a salad or a sandwich? You'll never have to choose again. With generous ingredients piled club-style high, this is a mouthwatering mashup. We affectionately call it the alpha Clobb sandwich! —Carmell Childs, Clawson, Utah
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Buffalo Sloppy Joes for Two

Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
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Basil-Tomato Grilled Cheese

The tastes of summer abound in this easy Italian-style grilled cheese sandwich. Not only is it delicious, it's super-fast, so you can get back to those summer outdoor activities. —Sylvia Schmitt, Sun City, Arizona
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BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
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Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Date-Bacon Jam

Amp up the flavors in your grilled cheese by adding gourmet ingredients. The addition of date-bacon jam goes a long way to making this sandwich fancy!
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Tex-Mex Cheesesteak Sandwiches

We adore cheesesteak sandwiches and anything with southwestern flavor, so I combined the two. If you crave even more firepower, add chopped jalapenos. —Joan Hallford, Fort Worth, Texas
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Grilled Cheese and Pickled Onion Sandwich

If you’re looking to add a little bite to your classic grilled cheese recipe, look no further than pickled onions. We love sandwiching a few inside this sandwich for a touch of acidity and some foodie flair. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Peanut Butter, Honey & Pear Open-Faced Sandwiches

I work a 12-hour night shift at a hospital, and when I come home in the morning, I don't want to cook a big breakfast. I love these sandwiches because they're versatile; sometimes I use apples instead of pears and different cheeses, such as Brie or grated Parmesan. —L.J.Washington, Carpinteria, California
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Blue Plate Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich

Turkey with gravy makes divine comfort food that reminds me of old-time diners on the East Coast that serve open faced turkey sandwiches just like this one. Happily, my gravy is not from a can. —Chris Schwester, Divide, Colorado
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Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich

Take your grilled cheese sandwich to a place it's never been before with crispy bacon and tangy tomatoes and five—yes, five!—types of cheese. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist