The world of sandwiches is more diverse and delicious than most people realize. From simple cold cuts to elaborate multi-layered creations, sandwiches offer a perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and global cultural influence. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or simply someone looking for inspiration for your next meal, this comprehensive list of sandwiches covers everything from timeless classics to international favorites. Discover the many types of sandwiches enjoyed around the world and the bread, fillings, and techniques that make each one unique.
List of Classic Sandwiches
Understanding the classic types of sandwiches helps define the foundation of global sandwich culture. From deli staples to hot comfort food, these categories highlight different preparation methods, fillings, and bread pairings. Below are the most common and recognizable sandwich categories.
Simple Cold Sandwiches
These are the most basic and widely consumed sandwiches, often served without heating. Typically made with two slices of sandwich bread, they're easy to prepare and highly versatile.
Popular examples:
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Peanut Butter and Jelly (PB&J)
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Turkey and Cheese
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Ham and Swiss
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Chicken Salad Sandwich
Common ingredients: sliced meats, cheeses, spreads (mayonnaise, mustard), and fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomato, cucumber)
Grilled or Toasted Sandwiches
A grilled sandwich is assembled with buttered bread and cooked on a skillet or sandwich press. Toasting enhances flavor, texture, and aroma.
Popular examples:
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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Tuna Melt
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Panini (Italian pressed sandwich)
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Monte Cristo (fried sandwich with ham, cheese, and powdered sugar)
These sandwiches are often served warm and are a staple in both home kitchens and cafés.
Toasted Open-Faced Sandwiches
Open-faced sandwiches consist of a single slice of bread topped with various ingredients, then toasted or broiled. They’re typically eaten with a knife and fork.
Popular examples:
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Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame (France)
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Avocado Toast
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Welsh Rarebit
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Smørrebrød (Denmark)
These sandwiches are elegant in presentation and popular in European cuisine.
Layered Sandwiches
Layered sandwiches include multiple fillings stacked between two or more slices of bread. The most famous is the club sandwich, often sliced into triangles and held together with cocktail sticks.
Popular examples:
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Club Sandwich (with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo)
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Dagwood Sandwich (overstuffed deli-style)
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Triple-Decker Sandwiches
Ideal for large appetites and visually appealing, these are commonly served in diners and hotel cafés.
Submarine & Hoagie Sandwiches
Also known as subs, hoagies, or heroes, these sandwiches use long rolls or baguettes and are often filled with deli meats, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and dressing.
Popular examples:
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Italian Sub
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Philly Cheesesteak
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Muffuletta (New Orleans)
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Meatball Sub
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Cuban Sandwich
These hearty sandwiches are associated with American fast food, delis, and lunch counters.
Breakfast Sandwiches
A breakfast sandwich is typically served hot and contains eggs, cheese, and protein like sausage or bacon. They're often eaten on the go.
Popular examples:
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Bacon, Egg & Cheese on a Bagel
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Sausage McMuffin
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Breakfast Croissant Sandwich
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Hash Brown Wrap
Bread options: English muffins, biscuits, bagels, croissants, flatbread
Wraps & Roll-Ups
Wrap sandwiches use flatbreads like tortillas or lavash to roll up fillings tightly. They’re portable, modern, and often associated with health-conscious eating.
Popular examples:
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Chicken Caesar Wrap
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Falafel Wrap
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Shawarma Wrap
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Veggie Hummus Wrap
Wraps are often categorized separately from traditional sandwiches but follow the same filling logic.
Hot Meat Sandwiches
These feature cooked, seasoned meat fillings served warm, often with gravy or sauce.
Popular examples:
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French Dip (roast beef with au jus)
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Sloppy Joe
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Pulled Pork Sandwich
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BBQ Brisket Sandwich
These sandwiches are messy, flavorful, and perfect for comfort food menus.
Seafood Sandwiches
A less common but widely loved category featuring fish or shellfish fillings, usually served cold or lightly grilled.
Popular examples:
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Tuna Salad Sandwich
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Lobster Roll
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Fish Sandwich
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Shrimp Po’ Boy
Seafood sandwiches are especially popular in coastal cuisines like New England and the Gulf South.
Regional & International Sandwich Types
Sandwiches are a universal food, found in nearly every culture with regional variations. Here are some of the most iconic sandwiches from around the world, reflecting unique flavors, ingredients, and traditions.
United States
American sandwiches reflect cultural diversity and regional flavors.
Popular examples:
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BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato)
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Reuben (corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, rye)
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Po’ Boy (Louisiana-style, filled with fried seafood or meat)
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Philly Cheesesteak
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Sloppy Joe
Mexico
Mexican sandwiches are hearty and bold.
Popular examples:
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Torta (stuffed roll with beans, meat, jalapeños)
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Cemita (from Puebla, with sesame roll, avocado, and chipotle)
Cuba
Cuban sandwiches are famous for their bold, pressed structure.
Key types:
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Cuban Sandwich (ham, roasted pork, Swiss, mustard, pickles)
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Medianoche (similar to Cuban, served on sweet egg bread)
Italy
Italian sandwiches highlight rustic bread and cured meats.
Popular examples:
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Panini (pressed sandwich with Italian fillings)
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Tramezzino (triangular soft sandwich, no crusts)
France
France brings sophistication to the sandwich world.
Famous types:
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Croque Monsieur & Croque Madame
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Jambon Beurre (ham and butter on baguette)
United Kingdom
UK sandwiches focus on simplicity and elegance.
Examples:
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Cucumber Sandwich (tea-time classic)
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Egg Mayo Sandwich
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Coronation Chicken Sandwich
Asia Sandwich
Asian-style sandwiches often fuse local ingredients with European bread traditions.
Notable types:
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Vietnamese Bánh Mì (baguette, pickled vegetables, pork or tofu)
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Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando)
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Korean Street Toast (egg, cabbage, sugar, ketchup)
Middle East
These sandwiches are wrapped or folded, not sliced.
Examples:
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Shawarma Wrap
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Falafel Pita
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Sabich (eggplant, hard-boiled egg in pita)
Other Global Favorites
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Choripán – Argentina (chorizo in crusty bread)
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Mitraillette – Belgium (meat, fries, sauces in baguette)
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Smørrebrød – Denmark (open-faced rye bread sandwiches)
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Gatsby Sandwich – South Africa (filled with steak, fries, and sauce)
FAQs About List of Sandwiches
What are 7 types of sandwiches?
Common types include cold sandwiches, grilled, open-faced, wraps, subs, hot meat, and breakfast sandwiches
What defines a sandwich?
USDA defines ≥ 35% meat between bread; broad culinary definitions include cold cuts, open-faced, wraps, and even burritos
Conclusion
Sandwiches are more than just a quick bite, they reflect local ingredients, culinary traditions, and personal creativity. From iconic deli sandwiches in North America to beloved street foods in Asia and Europe, the variety is endless. Whether you’re building your café menu or searching for new lunch ideas at home, this list of sandwiches provides a solid foundation for inspiration. Try something new, revisit a classic, or explore a regional specialty, because the perfect sandwich is always within reach.
