Best Sandwich Fillings for Lunch

Here are a variety of delicious sandwich fillings to upgrade your sandwich game! Also included are smart tips to keep your sandwiches from getting too soggy and how to make kid-friendly options that your little ones will absolutely love.

Jump to:

• Master List of Sandwich Fillings
• Favorite Sandwich Filling Combinations
• Sandwich Breads
• How to Assemble a Sandwich
• Top Sandwich Making Tips
• Sandwiches for Toddlers and Kids

Master List of Sandwich Fillings

With this comprehensive list, mix and match to your heart's content. You will be able to create unique and unforgettable sandwiches tailored just for you.

Spreads

• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Hummus - store-bought or homemade (try this beet hummus or broccoli humus)
• Pesto - try this homemade ricotta pesto or zucchini pesto
• Guacamole
• Cream cheese
• Peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter
• Ranch Dressing
• Balsamic glaze
• Tzatziki
• Dijon mustard
• Thai peanut coconut sauce
• Tahini
• Chutney

Meats

• Roast beef
• Chicken
• Roasted turkey
• Deli meats
• Meatballs - try these moist baby meatballs or turkey meatballs
• Bacon
• Steak
• Proscuitto
• Pulled Pork
• Sloppy Joes
• Philly cheese steak casserole

Eggs

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Curried egg salad
• Creamy scrambled eggs
• Sheet pan eggs
• Pizza eggs (egg omelette)

Vegetarian

• Tofu scramble
• Miso tofu
• Chickpea patties
• Grilled, roasted, or sauteed vegetables
• Falafel
• Roasted portobello mushrooms
• Salmon Bean salad

Cheese

• Cheddar cheese
• Swiss cheese
• Provolone
• Mozzarella
• Gouda
• Brie
• Feta
• Goat cheese
• Cream cheese

Vegetables

• Lettuce
• Baby spinach or leafy greens
• Tomato
• Cucumber
• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Avocado
• Bell peppers
• Red onion
• Sprouts
• Zucchini
• Sweet potatoes

Favorite Sandwich Filling Combinations

• Caprese: Fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves, a drizzle of balsamic glaze
• Veggie delight: Hummus, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, avocado, spinach, and sprouts
• Hummus grilled cheese
• Classic BLT: crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato slices with mayonnaise
• Curried chicken avocado salad
• Turkey, cranberry sauce, and Brie
• Grilled chicken, pesto, roasted red peppers
• Meatball, marinara sauce, provolone cheese on sub roll or baguette
• Egg salad with avocado
• Italian sub: layers of salami, pepperoni, ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion
• Falafel, shredded lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and tahini sauce
• Peanut butter, apple slices, and honey
• Peanut butter, mashed chickpeas, banana
• Cream cheese and cucumber
• Cream cheese and mashed butternut squash
• Ricotta and strawberries (especially tasty on Hawaiian rolls)

Sandwich Breads

• Sourdough
• Whole wheat sandwich bread
• Ciabatta
• Baguette
• Bagels
• Naan
• Wraps - try these lentil wraps or quinoa wraps
• Pita
• Brioche
• English muffin
• Hawaiian rolls

How to Assemble a Sandwich

It is best to eat sandwiches immediately after assembling. However, that's not always possible and they make such a wonderful addition to school lunchboxes or for work.

Therefore, to avoid sandwiches getting soggy, follow these tips and consider the sandwich assembly order.

1. Bread
2. Condiment - If using condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, or pesto, spread them directly onto the bread, not on the moist fillings. This creates barrier to keep the moisture away from the bread.
3. Lettuce, spinach, or herbs - creates another barrier between the wet fillings and the bread.
4. Cheese
5. Protein
6. Moist ingredients - such as tomatoes, pickles, or cucumbers.
7. Lettuce or greens
8. Condiment, if desired.
9. Bread

Top Sandwich Making Tips

1. Use crusty bread: Opt for bread with a firm crust or dense texture, as it tends to hold up better against moisture compared to softer bread.
2. Toast or grill the bread: If you're using a sturdy bread, lightly toasting or grilling it can create an extra barrier against sogginess.
3. Keep wet ingredients separate: If you're packing a sandwich for later consumption, consider keeping wet ingredients like tomatoes or pickles in a separate container until you're ready to assemble and eat the sandwich.
4. Try serving deconstructed if you want to add a lot of wet ingredients, like a egg or chicken salad. This is especially fun for the kids. Slice the bread into squares or triangles and add the ingredients in separate containers or compartments. It's one of our favorite easy bento box lunch idea!
5. Avoid adding warm ingredients - let them cool completely
6. Wrap in paper towel - it will help absorb excess moisture from the sandwich

Sandwiches for Toddlers and Kids

For toddlers and kids who prefer soft sandwiches and may have difficulty eating crusty or crispy textures, here are some suggestions:

• Soft bread: Choose soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread
• Thinly slice ingredients: Especially vegetables like cucumbers, belle peppers, and tomatoes, to make them easier to bite and chew.
• Creamy spreads: Use peanut butter, cream cheese, or hummus to add flavor and moisture without the need for crispy textures.
• Soft proteins: add thinly sliced or shredded chicken, tofu, mashed beans, canned or cooked salmon, etc.
• Cut into small pieces: For younger toddlers or kids with limited chewing abilities, consider cutting the sandwich into small, bite-sized pieces to make it more manageable.
• Roll-up style: Instead of a traditional sandwich, you can create a soft wrap or pinwheel sandwiches.
• Mix Ingredients: If your child prefers soft textures but still wants some variety, mix soft ingredients, like cheese or avocado, and a protein into a soft, cohesive filling - like chicken salad or egg salad.

The goal is to create sandwiches that are enjoyable and easy for your child to eat while still providing a balanced and nutritious meal.

Hungry for more? here's a master list of easy and nutritious sandwich ideas for toddlers and kids.