I don’t know about you, but the best part of my workday is all of the eating that happens throughout it. (This, of course, said with total respect for and enjoyment of my coworkers!) Breakfast? I’m thrilled! Snack time #1? I’m elated! Snack time #2? I’m buoyed all over again! But lunch? Lunch is always more disappointing than I think it’s going to be. And while I oftentimes try to jazz up whatever I’m squishing together at 6 a.m. for 11.30 a.m.-2 p.m. consumption, I also oftentimes fail.
But I’ve recently realized I don’t have to fail if I go back to basics. Between a few of the below quick-and-painless (and so very good!) sandwich recipes and our 2024 Starch Madness bracket, I’ve found that returning to the straightforward sandwich can absolutely change the trajectory of a work day. Or any day, for that matter!
Below, you’ll find some quick sandwiches that come together quickly, hold their integrity well, and are deeply satisfying despite the lack-of-lift it takes to create them. Happy lunching!
Classic Mayo-Dressed Tuna Salad Sandwich
An all-time top-performing Serious Eats recipe, this bright and easy tuna salad sandwich should be in your rotation once a week.
Ham & Cheese Sandwich
Yes, like that ham & cheese. But for grown-ups!
Smoked Salmon & Dill Tea Sandwiches
A quick and sophisticated tea time moment…in edible form.
The Best Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich
Another all-time great Serious Eats recipe, this chicken salad sandwich comes through in a hearty, nostalgic way.
PB&J Sandwich
…Yes, like that PB&J. But for grown-ups! Kinda!
The Best Egg Salad Sandwich
You’ve never had a creamier egg salad experience. And paired with bread!? And veggies!? Divine.
Pastrami Sandwich on Rye
Assemble a little, enjoy a lot. You’ll be thinking about this sandwich for days.
Kaya Toast
Once you’ve got kaya jam in your fridge, you’ll exist on it for weeks.
Roast Beef Sandwich
This roast beef sandwich (1) requires two hands and (2) will have you excited for lunch the night before.
Muffuletta Sandwich
Briny, hefty, and filling, muffulettas made at home are always a good idea.