The average workday for the American worker has changed over the past few years. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, a large majority of employees across the nation have taken to working remotely.
Remote work can have many benefits, but it can come with a few drawbacks and challenges as well. For one, many who work from home struggle to decide what to make themselves for lunch each day.
Those who are getting sick of eating the same meal day after day might be able to benefit from a few smart sandwich ideas that can mix things up. What are some of the best new sandwiches you can make and enjoy at home?
Read on and we’ll walk you through a few favorites that are sure to make you excited for your lunch break to roll around.
1. French Dip Sandwich
If you’ve never had a french dip sandwich before, you’re missing out on one of the most delectable lunch options out there. The classic French dip sandwich is a hot meal that consists most commonly of roast beef and baguette bread.
The toppings might vary from chef to chef, but generally, you’ll find a french dip is topped with swiss cheese, onions, and a little beef broth, hence the name of the sandwich itself.
Despite the name, the french dip is a uniquely American creation, though the exact origin of the sandwich isn’t known. Generally, the accepted way to eat the french dip is to have the sandwich and a bowl of beef broth side by side. You can then dip the sandwich into the beef broth bite by bite.
Spicy mustard is also sometimes paired with the sandwich to a delicious effect. If you’re planning on crafting it at home, it’s recommended you let your baguette toast in the oven for a decent amount of time to get it nice and toasty.
Swiss can also be traded out for provolone cheese depending on your own personal sense of preference.
2. Pineapple Chicken Salad Sandwich
Who doesn’t love a chicken salad sandwich? The classic chicken salad sandwich is a lunchtime staple for homes all across the country. It may have even been something that you grew up on.
However, it should be said that perfecting and updating the chicken salad sandwich is possible. If you’re sick of having the same thing over and over, there’s a way to put a twist on this classic that can turn it into something truly special.
What’s the twist? It’s right there in the name: you can craft a delectable pineapple chicken salad sandwich and you can put it on a croissant.
This is a great summertime recipe that is light, airy, and best of all, good for you. Exactly what you’d want from a cold sandwich.
You can make this sandwich in the same way that you’d make a classic chicken salad sandwich, though if you’d like, you can swap the mayonnaise out for greek yogurt to keep it healthy.
If you’re curious about nutritional standards for common lunch options, you can learn more before crafting your perfect lunch.
Simply mix the pineapple in as you craft your creation and you’ll have a real treat on your hands when you’re done. It’s best to use fresh pineapple chopped up, but if you don’t have any available, canned pineapple can do.
3. Tuna Melt
This is a staple of the sandwich scene, but if you haven’t made it yourself at home you’ll find that you are really missing out.
A tuna melt generally consists of some sort of tuna salad mixture, some vegetables, and some form of melted cheese. These are hot sandwiches that go down great in the cooler winter months and can hit the spot like no other.
Tomatoes and pickles are often used as the vegetables in the mix but you can replace or add to these choices with whatever your favorite choices are.
This is a melt-in-your-mouth choice that comes at you with such a walloping mix of flavors, you can’t help but feel inspired to make it through the rest of the workday.
The tuna melt mixture itself can come together fairly easily, and best of all? It often produces leftovers. You can keep your mix in the fridge during the week and heat it up anytime you want a quick bite during the workweek.
4. Chopped Cheese
This sandwich originated in the bodega scene of New York City, but it’s now a beloved sandwich loved by those all across the country.
It’s a simple sandwich, but it hits the spot like no other and can be an easy, filling, and quick lunch option on your busier days. If you’re lucky enough to live in the city, you may be able to walk to the corner and grab one!
The chopped cheese sandwich is generally made on a grill. It contains ground beef, onions, and melted cheese. Most often, it will be served with lettuce and tomatoes as well, and generally comes on a typical deli hero roll.
The chopped cheese is something of a mix between a sloppy joe and a cheesesteak. If you’re a fan of either of those sandwiches, this option is sure to be a hit in your home. When it comes to sandwich ideas for lunch, this one is hard to beat.
Best Sandwich Ideas for School or Work
If you’re looking to craft a sandwich you can enjoy in the middle of the day, the above options should go right to the top of your list. These are some of the best sandwiches recipes out there and will be sure to become regulars in your weekly rotation.
Need more tips and tricks for the kitchen? Keep scrolling our blog for more.