69 Great Sandwiches to Bring to Your Tailgate

Bistro Beef Barbecue Sandwiches

These zippy barbecue sandwiches make for fun late-summer dinners and are perfect for potluck gatherings, too. The coleslaw topping adds the perfect tangy crunch. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

Cobb Salad Sub

When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio

Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

My family loves Buffalo chicken wings, but the frying makes them unhealthy. This recipe takes out some of the fat yet lets us enjoy the same amazing taste. —Terri McKenzie, Wilmington, Ohio

Meatball Sliders

These meatball sliders feature pesto-filled meatballs, pasta sauce and two types of cheese, all baked inside Hawaiian sweet rolls. They're a pleasure to eat!

Midnight Caribbean Pork Sandwiches

These easy sandwiches have nice depth of flavor—savory, sweet, piquant, subtle and sublime. They’re worth the wait. —Elizabeth Bennett, Mill Creek, Washington

Chicken Avocado Wraps

I came up with this chicken avocado wrap while trying to figure out what to make for lunch one day. The recipe is now a favorite at my house. —Shiva Houshidari, Plano, Texas

Chicken Parmesan Burgers

A restaurant-quality burger that’s topped with marinara and loaded with cheese—what’s not to love? Fresh basil adds even more flavor if you'd like. —Brooke Petras, Alpine, California

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

Cuban Sliders

These Cuban sliders are packed with ham, cheese and pickles and baked with a buttery, Dijon mustard topping.

Italian Grilled Steak Sandwich

If you need to feed a hungry crowd, you can't go wrong with steak sandwiches. They're easy to make and rich with the flavors of Italy. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

Barbecue Sliders

When guests dropped in by surprise, all I had was sausage and ground beef defrosted. We combined the two for juicy burgers on the grill. —B.J. Larsen, Erie, Colorado

Zesty Italian Beef Sandwiches

It’s so easy to build a zesty sandwich when you pile on the shredded beef, pickles and smoked provolone. Can’t find smoked provolone? I use regular, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota

Special Sandwich Loaves

These satisfying sub sandwiches are a study in simplicity. Try serving the seasoned mayonnaise on the side so guests can customize their hoagies. Look for submarine sandwich dressing in the deli section of your grocery store. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cubano Pork Sandwiches

When a hungry crowd is coming over, we plan to make our juicy pork a day ahead. I call the sauce "Mojo" because it’s loaded with zingy flavors. —Theresa Yardas, Sheridan, Indiana

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sausages

My family loves this recipe. It’s such a good all-around dish, either for sandwiches like these or served with hot spaghetti. —Ilean Schultheiss, Cohocton, New York

Ham and Cheese Pockets

These unique sandwich pockets are filled with ingredients both kids and adults enjoy. —Callie Myers, Rockport, Texas

BLT Tortillas

I first sampled these BLT wraps at a bridal luncheon years ago. Now I frequently make them for our weekly neighborhood dinners. —Darla Wester, Meriden, Iowa

Hearty Italian Sandwiches

I've been making this sweet and spicy sandwich filling for 35 years. It smells as good as it tastes! It's a great reward for a hungry family after a day working or playing outdoors. —Elaine Krupsky, Las Vegas, Nevada

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

Fall Vegetable Sloppy Joes

I make this dish in the fall and sneak grated vegetables into the sloppy joe mixture, which is especially good for children who don’t like to eat their vegetables! Just walk away and let the slow cooker do all the work. Top the filling with a little shredded cheese before serving. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Savory Beef Sandwiches

Before heading to work in the morning, I'll get this going in the slow cooker. Then it's all ready to serve—usually with hard rolls and potato salad or another salad—as soon as my husband and I walk in. When my son moved to another state recently, I cut up a beef roast into smaller portions, repackaged it and sent seasonings for a two-person slow cooker as his housewarming present. —Lynn Williamson, Hayward, Wisconsin

Beef 'n' Cheese Wraps

These make-ahead wraps are delicious, portable and ideal for picnics and tailgates. Enjoy them whole or slice them into 1-inch pieces to serve them as an appetizer. They also make an excellent lunch on the go. —Sue Sibson, Howard, South Carolina

Meat Buns

On the outside, these golden buns resemble ordinary dinner rolls. But one bite reveals the tasty, cheesy beef filling inside. —Sharon Leno, Keansburg, New Jersey

Meatball Sub

Our meatball sub recipe features homemade meatballs that stay moist and tender, thanks to the flavorful combination of ground beef, Italian sausage and Parmesan cheese. Grab a few napkins because these saucy, slow-cooked meatballs make the juiciest sandwiches.

Ground Beef and Pepperoni Stromboli

I've made this delicious Stromboli many times. It is perfect when friends and family get together on game day and always satisfies big appetites. —Shelley Banzhaf, Maywood, Nebraska

Slow-Cooked Turkey Sloppy Joes

This tangy sandwich filling is easy to prepare in the slow cooker, and it goes over so well at gatherings large and small. I frequently take it to potlucks, and I'm always asked what my secret ingredient is! —Marylou LaRue, Freeland, Michigan

Italian Cheese Loaf

Here's a deliciously different sandwich. It's yummy warm from the oven or off the grill at a cookout. The cheesy filling is complemented by a mix of garden-fresh ingredients and crusty bread. I usually serve it with a salad and onion rings. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Sausage Pepper Sandwiches

Peppers and onions add fresh flavor to this sausage filling for sandwiches. It's simple to assemble, and it's always gobbled up quickly. —Suzette Gessel, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Focaccia Sandwiches

Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

Contest-Winning Bavarian Meatball Hoagies

When my husband is not manning the grill, I count on my slow cooker. These meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when I serve them as a party appetizer or spooned over crusty rolls and topped with cheese for irresistible sandwiches. —Peggy Rios, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Stroganoff Sandwiches

This recipe is perfect for a game day, either at a tailgate party or at home. I often make the meat mixture ahead of time and add the sour cream just before serving. — Susan Graham, Cherokee, IA

Italian Meat Stromboli

As a mother of two, I seem to only have time for creativity when I'm in the kitchen. I received a similar recipe from a co-worker but decided to add veggies and spices to give it my own spin. —Denise Tutton, Ridgway, PA

Havarti Turkey Hero

This is not your ordinary sandwich! Everyone loves the combination of chutney and chopped peanuts. I like to make this when I have company in the afternoon or at night after a game of cards. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

Stromboli Sandwiches

Like a sloppy joe with Italian seasonings, these hearty sandwich slices fill the bill at potlucks, reunions and more. Although I've made them dozens of times, I never tire of eating or serving them. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin

Chipotle Beef Sandwiches

A jar of chipotle salsa makes it easy to spice up beef sirloin for these mouthwatering sandwiches. Keep this no-stress recipe in mind the next time you have to feed a hungry crowd.—Jessica Ring, Madison, Wisconsin

Chicken Caesar Wrap

This chicken Caesar wrap may be the best thing to happen to a Caesar salad since croutons. The simple recipe takes the classic salad to new handheld heights.

Sausage & Spinach Calzones

These comforting calzones are perfect for quick meals—or even midnight snacks. My nurse co-workers always ask me to make them when it's my turn to bring in lunch. —Kourtney Williams, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Buffalo Turkey Burgers

Celery and blue cheese dressing help tame the hot sauce on this turkey burger recipe. For an even lighter version, pass on the buns and serve the burgers with lettuce leaves, sliced onion and chopped tomato. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon

Hawaiian Kielbasa Sandwiches

If you are looking for a different way to use kielbasa, the sweet and mildly spicy flavor of these sandwiches is a nice change.—Judy Dames, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania

Spicy Shredded Beef Sandwiches

If you like your shredded beef with a little kick, then this recipe is for you. For an even zestier version of this recipe, add another jar of jalapenos or use hot peppers instead of the pepperocinis. —Kristen Langmeier, Faribault, Minnesota

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

Lobster Roll Recipe

There is only one recipe that fully captures the flavors of the East Coast—and it is easy to make, too.

Brisket Sandwich

Our brisket sandwich recipe features slow-cooked savory brisket and a sweet barbecue-style sauce.

Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches

My famous chicken salad arrives at the party chilled in a plastic container. When it’s time to set out the food, I stir in the pecans and assemble the sandwiches. They’re a hit at buffet-style potlucks. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Machaca Beef Dip Sandwiches

The winning combination of beef, cumin, chili powder and the spicy heat of chipotle peppers makes these sandwiches game-day food at its finest! —Karol Chandler-Ezell, Nacogdoches, Texas

Coffee-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Adding coffee to meat adds such a deep flavor. And this recipe is so easy—I put it in before work, and by the time we all get home, it's ready for us to dig in. —Jacquelynn Sanders, Burnsville, Minnesota

Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

These slow-cooker French dip sandwiches make a standout addition to any buffet line. Make sure to have plenty of small cups of broth for everyone to grab. Dipping perfection! —Holly Neuharth, Mesa, Arizona

Tangy Barbecued Beef Sandwiches

Every year for our church ice cream social, we'd fill six roaster ovens with these ingredients and let them simmer all day. Boy, did that barbecue smell good. If you want a meal that's ready to eat in 30 minutes, but can keep on the stove for late arrivals, this is the one. —Janet Sipes, Monmouth, Illinois

Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork Sandwiches

I threw some always-available condiments into my slow cooker with a pork roast to create this fantastic pulled pork. It has become a staple sandwich filler for large get-togethers. The flavor of the pork goes well with a cold glass of white wine.—Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois

Mini Teriyaki Turkey Sandwiches

Preparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a slow cooker. Serving them on lightly-toasted sweet dinner rolls is perfection made easy.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wraps

I’m a busy stay-at-home mom, so I wing it at mealtime. My wraps loaded with Buffalo wing sauce chicken, lettuce and tomatoes are a snap to make. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

Chicken Fajita Submarine Sandwiches

If you’re a spice lover, my fajita subs get their zip from chili, cumin and pepper jack. The good news is; they’re not too hot for milder tastes. —Jen Haley, Sidney, NY

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

My husband is a huge fan of pulled pork sandwiches, so my sister shared this incredibly easy recipe with me. At potlucks and family dinners, nobody can get enough of this root beer-braised version. —Carolyn Palm, Radcliff, Kentucky

Sausage Bread Sandwiches

I make these sandwiches in my spare time and freeze them so they’re ready when needed, such as for tailgating parties when we attend Kansas State football games. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas

Slow-Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

I have fond memories of my mother in the kitchen preparing her amazing beef dip sandwiches. They always made our house smell like an Old World Italian restaurant. And as good as the aroma was, somehow the taste was even better! Set out a jar of giardiniera for spooning on top. —Kira Vosk, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Asian Pulled Pork Sandwiches

My Asian pulled pork is a happy flavor mashup of Vietnamese pho noodle soup and a banh mi sandwich. It's one seriously delicious slow-cooker dish. —Stacie Anderson, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Mighty Hero Sandwich

My friend Valerie is a gracious hostess. Of all the dishes she's shared over the years, this hero sandwich stands out. It’s easy and colorful, and the marinated veggies give it all kinds of oomph. —Kelley Boyce, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake

I created this dish to fill two pans because these sliders disappear fast. Cut the recipe in half if you want one batch. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Asian Chicken Crunch Wraps

My kids love all kinds of wraps and Asian foods. This is an easy go-to in our house that works for everyone. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona

Sloppy Cheesesteaks

Get ready to savor the ultimate fusion of classic Philly cheesesteak flavors and sloppy joe goodness, all packed into a delicious, melty sandwich. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing treat!

Honey Buffalo Meatball Sliders

These little sliders deliver big Buffalo chicken flavor without the messiness of wings. The spicy-sweet meatballs are a hit on game day with kids and adults alike. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Jimmy's Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

I simmer chicken thighs in a spicy-sweet sauce, shred them and then pile 'em high on pretzel buns to create an incredibly addictive party food. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

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

BBQ Bacon Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

This simple recipe tastes amazing. We prefer putting mayo on the bun and adding cheddar or Muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion. Several of us put ranch dressing on our sandwiches, too. —Jennifer Darling, Ventura, California