Bag lunches don't have to be boring! With our best cold sandwich recipes, you'll have a work lunch to look forward to. Check out these 40 variations on our favorite paper bag fare.
Our 37 Best Cold Sandwich Recipes
Updated on Sep. 12, 2024
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
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Cranberry Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these simple yet special cranberry walnut chicken salad sandwiches for a birthday party. Tangy cranberries and crunchy celery pep up the chicken. Leftover turkey works well too. —Shannon Tucker, Land O' Lakes, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 411 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
3/37
Cobb Salad Sub
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 233 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
Psst! This is how to make the best sandwich on earth.
4/37
Cranberry Turkey Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruity and flavorful, these hefty grab-and-go handfuls are quick to assemble, easy to handle and low in calories. We often take these sandwich wraps in a cooler to the local stock show and eat them in the stands. Everyone seems to love them! —Bobbie Keefer, Byers, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 374 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1477mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
5/37
Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 295 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein.
6/37
Club Roll-Ups
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with meat, cheese and olives, these roll-ups are always a hit at parties. —Linda Searl, Pampa, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 554 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1802mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
7/37
Muffuletta
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Muffuletta, which originated in New Orleans, is named after the round, crusty Sicilian loaf of bread it's traditionally served on. While I favor my own olive salad, there are several good versions available in most supermarkets. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 762 calories, 59g fat (18g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 2326mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
8/37
California Roll Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the California rolls I get at sushi restaurants and wanted to capture those flavors in a sandwich I could take to work. I started with the standard ingredients, added a few others and came up with a hit. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 365 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
9/37
Peanut Butter, Strawberry and Honey Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Who needs jam when you have fresh strawberries? A drizzle of honey and a bit of mint make this sandwich stand out. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 208 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
10/37
Smoked Salmon Egg Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Served on croissants, these grown-up sandwiches offer a great way to use leftover Easter eggs. Salmon adds smoky flavor. —Cathy Tang, Redmond, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 533 calories, 40g fat (11g saturated fat), 265mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
11/37
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic handheld with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese and chopped Caesar croutons features the perfect amount of dressing for a tasty meal any night. Nancy Pratt - Longview, TX
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 337 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/37
Curried Egg Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A curry kick gives this egg salad big appeal. We love it when the weather gets warm. —Joyce McDowell, West Union, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 273 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
13/37
Chicken Caesar Pitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Hand-held and picnic friendly, these chicken-stuffed pockets pack a double dose of whole grains from brown rice and whole wheat pitas. The chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance for a fast-fix lunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 398 calories, 10 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 65 mg cholesterol, 919 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate (3 g sugars, 5 g fiber), 31 g protein.
14/37
Fresh Veggie Pockets
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One summer I worked at a health food store that sold sandwiches. We were close to a college campus, so I made lots of these fresh-filled pitas for the students. Crunchy with crisp vegetables and nutty sunflower kernels, they're a fast-to-fix lunch when you're on the go.
-Linda Reeves, Cloverdale, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 434 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
15/37
Tropical Beef Wrap
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my finicky little ones, I create fast, tasty recipes like this tropical sandwich wrap. You can even use up leftover roast beef in a pinch. —Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 522 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1211mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
16/37
Turkey, Gouda & Apple Tea Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These fun mini sandwiches are a tasty addition to any fall function. The cranberry mayo lends a unique flavor twist, and the apples add crunch. These sammies will be the life of the party! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 tea sandwich: 59 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
17/37
Turkey Guacamole Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tuck smoked turkey and a creamy avocado spread into tortilla wraps and add a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 506 calories, 27g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 1045mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 20g protein.
18/37
Layered Picnic Loaves
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This big sandwich, inspired by one I tried at a New York deli, is a favorite with our football-watching crowd. Made ahead, it's easily carted to any gathering. Kids and adults alike say it's super. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 341 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 991mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
19/37
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-Up
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a vegan wrap that was similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 235 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
20/37
Mini Rosemary-Roast Beef Sandwiches
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Roast beef sandwiches never last long at a party, especially if you dollop them with mayo, mustard, horseradish and pickled giardiniera relish. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich with about 2 teaspoons mayonnaise mixture and 4 teaspoons giardiniera: 220 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 466mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
21/37
Classic Egg Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunchmeat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 332 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 281mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
22/37
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Blue cheese dressing and hot pepper sauce enhance these yummy tortilla wraps. Filled with chicken, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, these buffalo chicken wraps are colorful, fun to eat...and tote-able, too! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 879 calories, 55g fat (18g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 1589mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
23/37
Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My famous chicken salad arrives at the party chilled in a 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 235 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
24/37
Italian-Style Veggie Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Yummy! There are so many great flavors and textures in these wraps. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients—use mozzarella, pepperoni or any combo you like. —Maria Simmons, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 373 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 1298mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
25/37
Turkey-Jalapeno Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When a turkey sandwich meets modern Thai, it’s a fun mix of classic and trendy food. I love it when my mixing and matching turns out so tasty. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 483 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 1500mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
26/37
Chicken Avocado Wrap
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 329 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
27/37
Quick Taco Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was running late one night, so I shopped in my own fridge and came up with ingredients that became taco wraps. Everybody at the table was a happy camper. —Katie Mitschelen, La Porte, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 533 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1538mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
28/37
Bacon-Turkey Subs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On balmy fall days, this sweet and smoky sandwich is a big treat. When it gets colder, we pull out our countertop grill to make melts. Just switch to pita bread. —Rachel Bindulski, Corolla, NC
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 524 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1202mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
29/37
Lunch Box Chicken Wrap
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This lunchbox-friendly wrap is a tasty way to use leftover chicken and get kids to eat more veggies. Using colorful, thin strips of vegetables adds visual interest when the wrap is cut into slices. Suddenly spinach is too pretty to refuse. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 324 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
30/37
Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 324 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 lean meat.
31/37
Cashew Turkey Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
One bite and you'll be hooked on this slightly sweet turkey salad sandwich. It's protein-packed so you can feel good while you munch! —Mary Wilhelm, Sparta, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 298 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
32/37
Havarti Turkey Hero
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 302 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
33/37
Turkey Lunch-Box Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These wraps taste wonderful cold or warmed in the microwave. They make a great brown-bag treat. —Denise Marshall, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 345 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1450mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
34/37
Loaded Avocado BLT
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband invented this twist on a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. I like to make it with extra slices of bacon; if you want, you can leave the Gorgonzola cheese out of the avocado spread. —Lori Grant, Kingsport, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 420 calories, 29g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 921mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
35/37
Chicken Croissant Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sandwiches are easy to pull together when you need something fun and taste-worthy in a flash. I make them often for occasions like brunches, church youth meetings and impromptu family gatherings. —Cheryl Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 537 calories, 35g fat (11g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
36/37
Focaccia Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 113 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
37/37
Turkey & Apricot Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For these wraps, I combined the traditional Southern appetizer of jam and cream cheese with the turkey, apple and Brie sandwiches we ate at my bridal luncheon. I like to sneak fresh spinach into recipes because it has such a mild flavor. —Kim Beavers, North August, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
