Nov 25, 2024
Some may say sandwiches are simple — just bread, a filling, and maybe a dash of sauce. But in reality, the types of sandwiches you can enjoy today are anything but basic.
From towering, multi-layered creations stacked with meats and cheeses to delicate, veggie-packed bites, sandwiches are as varied as they are delicious.
They’re a favourite among food lovers for their versatility, convenience, and endless customisation.
In this article, we’ll dive into a delicious variety of sandwiches.
You’ll find fresh ideas, classic sandwich recipes, and maybe even a few fun facts along the way.
Speaking of which, did you know that the longest sandwich ever made stretched over 730 metres? That’s about the length of 7 football pitches lined up!
Here’s another one — you can order a wide range of sandwiches through the Bolt Food app!
Or, if you’re feeling creative, you can find fresh ingredients on Bolt Market to make your own homemade version.
The story of the sandwich begins in the 18th century at a rather unusual setting — a gambling table!
The sandwich owes its name to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, an English nobleman known for his love of food and cards.
Legend has it that Montagu didn’t want to interrupt his game, so he asked for his meal — a slice of meat between two pieces of bread — to be brought to him right at the table.
This way, he could eat with one hand and play cards with the other. Word spread, and soon, everyone was ordering “the same as Sandwich.”
And thanks to that little moment of invention, we’re here today, writing about the amazing world of sandwiches!
Some types stand out as all-time favourites. These classics are loved for a reason — they’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Let’s explore!
There’s something magical about a grilled cheese sandwich — golden, buttery bread with gooey, melted cheese in the middle.
It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for a quick meal or a cosy snack.
What makes it so good? The secret is in the balance: the crunch of the toasted bread against the creamy melt of the cheese.
Traditionally, it’s made with cheddar or American cheese, but you don’t have to stop there. The beauty of grilled cheese is its versatility.
Recipe:
National Grilled Cheese Day is on 12 April, but no need to wait! Search for grilled cheese sandwiches on Bolt Food, or grab fresh ingredients from Bolt Market to make your own.
People love the club sandwich because it’s reliable — you always know what you’re getting, and there’s comfort in that.
It’s so popular that you’re likely to find it in almost every spot that serves sandwiches.
What makes it so good? It’s all about the layers. The mix of textures — crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and tender turkey — gives each bite a satisfying crunch and burst of flavour.
Recipe:
Breaded and crispy or grilled and juicy, the chicken sandwich is another favourite found almost anywhere.
It’s typically made with seasoned chicken breast, served on a bun or bread, and topped with fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and a spread of mayo or sauce.
What makes it so good? Chicken pairs perfectly with fresh toppings, creating a balance of flavours and textures that’s hard to beat. Plus, you can make it spicy, tangy, or classic, depending on your mood.
Recipe:
If you had to describe a great sandwich in just 3 letters, it would be BLT. This classic combo of bacon, lettuce, and tomato is simple, satisfying, and easy to make.
Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato on toasted bread with a bit of mayo — it’s everything you want in a sandwich.
What makes it so good? It’s the simplicity. With just 3 main ingredients — bacon, lettuce, and tomato — the BLT still delivers a great flavour.
Recipe:
The ham sandwich is the one you’ll find in most lunchboxes because it’s so simple and always satisfying.
Just a few ingredients — ham, bread, and maybe a slice of cheese or a spread of mustard — and you’ve got yourself a classic.
What makes it so good? It’s endlessly adaptable. Keep it simple with just ham and buttered bread, or add cheese, pickles, lettuce, or even a bit of mayo for extra flavour.
Recipe:
Let’s take a break from all the savoury stuff. Sometimes, you just need a bit of sweetness.
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich — or PB&J — is very popular, especially in the United States.
It’s so iconic that you’ll often see it in movie scenes or even hear it mentioned in songs.
What makes it so good? It’s the perfect mix of salty and sweet. The creamy (or crunchy) peanut butter pairs with fruity jelly for a simple but satisfying sandwich.
Recipe:
It’s as easy as it gets — and you can find all the ingredients you need on Bolt Market to make your PB&J at home.
An irresistible mix of meaty, salty, and tangy flavours — all packed between slices of rye bread. That’s the Reuben sandwich.
What makes it so good? It’s the perfect mix of flavours and textures: salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing — grilled until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted.
Recipe:
Fun fact: The origin of the Reuben is still debated. Some say it was created in a New York deli, while others claim it was invented by a grocer in Omaha, Nebraska.
If you’re looking for a reason to love early mornings, breakfast sandwiches might just be it. They’re the perfect pair for your coffee or tea and add a delicious boost to your morning routine.
They’re the classic breakfast trio — bacon, eggs, and cheese. So it only makes sense to unite them all under slices of bread, right?
What makes it so good? It’s got everything you want in a morning bite: crispy, melty, and savoury all in one. Bacon brings the crunch, the egg adds heartiness, and the cheese melts into every corner.
Recipe:
Fun fact: in New York, the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is more than just breakfast — it’s a cultural icon, often ordered simply as a “BEC.”
Let’s start the morning fresh — how about creamy avocado spread over toasted bread, topped with some extras?
The avocado toast sandwich is a lighter, fresher way to kick-start the day, and it’s packed with flavour and healthy fats.
What makes it so good? It’s creamy and fresh! Avocado adds richness without being heavy, and you can top it with anything from eggs to a sprinkle of chilli flakes for extra flavour.
Recipe:
We can’t end this section without mentioning the smoked salmon bagel (lox bagel).
Cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a few fresh toppings combine on a toasted bagel for a breakfast that feels a little fancy but is easy to make.
What makes it so good? It’s the perfect blend of creamy, salty, and fresh. The cream cheese adds richness, the smoked salmon brings a salty, smoky flavour, and toppings like capers and red onion give it a zesty kick.
How to make it:
Health benefits: smoked salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and brain function and even reduce anxiety. Plus, cream cheese provides calcium for bone health.
The smoked salmon bagel shows us that not every sandwich needs to be toasted or grilled. Sometimes, a cold sandwich is exactly what you need — fresh, crisp, and ready to eat right out of the fridge.
They’re perfect for a quick lunch that’s fresh and easy.
Light, tasty, and packed with protein — the turkey sandwich is a great choice for an easy, satisfying meal.
With slices of lean turkey, fresh veggies, and your favourite condiments, it’s a go-to for lunch that keeps things simple but flavourful.
What makes it so good? Turkey is mild and pairs well with almost anything. Add crunchy lettuce, juicy tomato, and a spread like mustard or mayo, and you’ve got a sandwich that’s light but filling.
How to make it:
Health benefits: turkey is a lean protein that’s low in fat and high in vitamins like B6.
The tuna salad sandwich may have started as a way to use leftovers, but today, it’s a lunch favourite loved by many.
What makes it so good? Creamy tuna mixed with crisp veggies hits the perfect balance of texture and flavour. Plus, tuna’s lean protein and omega-3s make it as nutritious as it is tasty.
Recipe:
Sometimes, meat’s not invited to this party. The veggie sandwich is all about fresh veggies piled high between slices of bread.
It’s a light, satisfying meal that’s full of flavour and packed with nutrients.
What makes it so good? With crisp veggies, creamy spreads, and hearty whole-grain bread, the veggie sandwich is as filling as any meaty option.
Packed with nutrients and full of flavour, it proves you don’t need meat to have a seriously satisfying bite.
Recipe:
For every yin, there’s a yang. While cold sandwiches keep it fresh and light, hot sandwiches bring warmth and comfort.
With melted cheese, toasty bread, and hearty fillings, these sandwiches are perfect when you need something a little extra cosy and satisfying.
A classic you can’t resist!
The Cuban sandwich, or “Cubano,” is packed with flavour: roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between slices of crusty Cuban bread.
What makes it so good? The roasted pork is the real star here. Slow-cooked and seasoned, it adds a rich, juicy layer that sets this sandwich apart.
Recipe:
Fun fact: the Cuban sandwich has sparked a friendly rivalry between Tampa and Miami, with both cities claiming to have the original recipe.
The Philly cheesesteak is proof that, sometimes, simple ingredients can make a big impact.
Thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all loaded into a long roll — it’s a warm, messy, and satisfying sandwich that’s hard to beat.
What makes it so good? It’s the way the juicy beef and melted cheese soak into the roll. The bread softens just enough to hold all the flavours together without falling apart, creating that perfect balance of tender and chewy.
Recipe:
Fun fact: The Philly cheesesteak was invented in the 1930s when a hot dog vendor in Philadelphia decided to cook some beef on his grill.
Italy is not just known for pizza and pasta — it also invented the delicious panini!
Pressed between a hot grill, this sandwich is loaded with layers of Italian meats, melted cheese, and fresh toppings.
What makes it so good? The magic happens when the panini is pressed and grilled. The bread becomes perfectly crispy on the outside, while the heat melts the cheese and infuses all the flavours together.
Recipe:
Some sandwiches are known for their specific fillings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mix things up!
Add a little twist, switch things up, or create something completely new with these popular fillings.
These fillings are perfect for creating your own sandwich recipes.
For many, the filling starts with the meat. The right meat can set the tone for the whole sandwich. Here are some favourites to consider:
Vegetarian fillings remind us that a great sandwich doesn’t need meat to be delicious. Here are some favourites that work great on their own or combined:
No wonder people smile when they say cheese — it adds richness, flavour, and texture to any dish, and sandwiches are no exception.
A sandwich without condiments? Unthinkable! Condiments and spreads add moisture, flavour, and that final touch that brings everything together. Here are some go-to options for boosting taste and texture:
Time to put all those delicious fillings between the perfect slices! The right bread can take a sandwich from good to great, adding texture, flavour, and structure.
Now you’re a sandwich expert — you know the types, the best fillings, and the ideal bread. While reading about sandwiches is great, nothing beats having one in your hand and taking that first delicious bite.
Feeling hungry now? Get these tasty sandwiches delivered right to your door with Bolt Food!
And if you’re feeling inspired to make your own creation, Bolt Market has all the fresh ingredients you need to craft the perfect sandwich at home.
The 7 major types of sandwiches are open-faced, closed, finger sandwiches, wraps, pinwheel sandwiches, grilled sandwiches, and subs or hoagies.
The most popular sandwich is grilled cheese, with a 79% likeability rating. Turkey and grilled chicken come next at 75%, followed by BLT and ham at 69%.
A deli sandwich is typically made with quality meats, cheeses, and fresh bread. Classics include the Reuben, pastrami on rye, club sandwich, Italian sub, and the turkey and swiss.
The oldest known sandwich is the Rou Jia Mo from China, dating back to the Zhou dynasty (1045–256 BC). It’s made with stewed meat stuffed into a flatbread called ‘mo’.
