The 11 Best-Ever Sandwich Recipes Developed in Our Test Kitchens

Pan-Fried Pretzel Chicken

Instead of breadcrumbs, coat your chicken in salty pretzel crumbs. Grind up pretzel twists, then mix with a few pantry staple seasonings. Dunk the chicken in mustard, cover in the pretzel blend, then sizzle up the pan-to-oven-fried chicken sandwich recipe until crispy and cooked through. Serve on pretzel buns with a drizzle of honey.

Italian Sausage Grinders

When we're in the mood for a sandwich recipe for dinner, we often turn to grinders or other fully loaded, saucy sammies. Fresh basil, oregano, and a spoonful of balsamic vinegar take these Sloppy Joe-like sandwiches on a trip to Italy. Top with peppers and onions, melt on some provolone, and dig in (once you have plenty of napkins ready).

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

A standard spicy chicken sandwich recipe is fried. But we like to switch things up—especially come tailgating season—with this Buffalo chicken variation. It's simple to set and forget in your slow cooker. Then you can keep it warm for slider-sized snacks all party long. Of course, any slider buns will do, but we're partial to Hawaiian rolls for a sweet-spicy pairing.

Buy It: Crock-Pot 4-Quart Slow Cooker ($42, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Coffee-Rubbed Salmon Sandwiches

Cod or pollack is a more common choice for fish sandwich recipes, but we're wild about this riff that allows frozen or fresh salmon to take center stage. The rub makes this stand out from the seafood competition; sweet, smoky, and spicy all at once, you'll want to use it to coat every salmon filet you serve. Sandwich or otherwise!

Chicken Cobb Pitas

This mash-up meal gives a new meaning to "chicken salad sandwich recipe." Instead of a mayo-based chicken salad, these fresh pitas combine aspects of a cobb salad with a grilled chicken pita. Hard-boiled egg, bacon, blue cheese, avocado, and tomato all get tucked inside each pocket alongside the leftover or rotisserie chicken.

Pesto Chicken Sandwiches

This is one of the best sandwich recipes to turn to when you anticipate a hectic day. Set and forget in the morning, then come home to herbed chicken and vegetables, all ready to devour thanks to a big assist from your slow cooker. Serve as an easy sandwich atop crusty French bread with pesto mayo and fresh basil.

Steak and Tomatoes on Toast

An open-faced format allows the steak sandwich recipe filling to take center stage— as it should! Here, seared flank steak and tomatoes are piled high on a piece of ciabatta slathered with herb butter. This is summer entrée perfection.

Pulled Roast Chicken Sandwiches

"It's a keeper!" That's one BH&G home cook's description of this easy pulled chicken or pulled pork sandwich recipe. This twist makes it possible to enjoy summer barbecue fare any time of year—simply start with rotisserie chicken or leftover pork roast. Amplify either with a kick of serious sweet and spicy flavor by heating the meat in a skillet with serrano peppers and a little molasses, and you can have this best-ever sandwich recipe on the table in just 30 minutes.

Avocado Ranch Tuna Melts

Why decide between avocado toast, a tuna melt, or a tuna salad sandwich recipe when you can dig into all three at once? This open-faced sandwich also adds an awesome bonus element: ranch dressing mixed in with the avocado and slaw. We call for rye bread and cheddar cheese but feel free to choose your favorite slices of any variety.

Smoked Turkey Panini

Wait. Walnuts in a deli sandwich recipe?! Stick with us here. A refrigerated bruschetta topper and chopped walnuts give this turkey and mayo sandwich a burst of fresh, nutty flavor and a delightful crunch.

Mediterranean Breakfast Sandwiches

Upgrade your go-to breakfast with this bagel sandwich recipe. You deserve better than cold cereal every day. This easy, breezy breakfast sandwich is ready to devour or pack in just 20 minutes. As the rosemary-seasoned bagel thin toasts up in the oven, cook the egg, then sandwich that together with fresh tomato, spinach, and feta cheese.