Merriam Webster defines a sandwich as ‘two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between’. Beyond this basic definition, the variety of USA sandwiches runs the gamut from simple snacks to ginormous ‘loaded’ Dagwoods. When it comes to sandwiches, the possibilities are practically endless!
Discover a dozen American sandwich superstars and see if your favorite made the cut.
1. Fried Chicken Sandwich
Simultaneously crispy and juicy, the fried chicken sandwich may be the best sandwich in America based on its satisfyingly savory flavor and crunchy texture. The popular sandwich even has a spinoff – the hot chicken sandwiches invented in Nashville almost a century ago.
2. Po Boy
The po boy reigns supreme in a city filled with great cheap eats. Typically prepared on a Leidenheimer baguette and topped with either crispy seafood or slow cooked roast beef, this New Orleans creation is a king among sandwiches. It’s also a NOLA cheap eats favorite.
Explore More: 5 Best Po Boys in New Orleans
3. Cheesesteak
Famous around the world, the cheesesteak originated in Philadelphia – hence the Philly cheesesteak name and the sandwich’s popularity in the City of Brotherly Love. The iconic sandwich is made with chopped steak, cheese (either Cheez Wiz or provolone) and fried onions. In Philadelphia, the bread is almost always a soft, long baguette-shaped hoagie roll.
4. Italian Beef
Despite its name, the Italian beef sandwich is an all-American sandwich with deep Chicago roots. And, while it sort of looks like Philadelphia’s steak sandwich, this meaty mouthful is its own special thing. And that thing is a long roll filled with thinly sliced roast beef and topped with sweet peppers and/or spicy, pickled giardiniera
Explore More: Where to Eat Tasty Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicago
5. Cubano
Although it sounds like it comes from Cuba, the cubano is an American sandwich invented in Tampa, Florida and popularized by the many Cuban immigrants who live in the Sunshine State. A classic cubano piles roast pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread (a flatter, wider French baguette). The sandwich is then pressed to melty goodness.
6. Grilled Cheese
Ooey and gooey aren’t always good food adjectives except when it comes to describing a grilled cheese sandwich. This is a classic sandwich that tastes best when cheese and butter (and occasionally mayonnaise) are added without concern about calories or cholesterol. It’s the ideal sandwich to pair with a bowl of tomato soup.
7. Bagel and Lox
The bagel + lox is a classic American sandwich that’s super popular in urban cities like NYC. Ironically, two of its three main ingredients come from other countries. While Poland gets credit for inventing the bagel, the concept of smoking salmon started in Scandinavian countries like Norway. But, hey, Philadelphia cream cheese is an American product. There’s that.
Explore More: Best Bagel Shops in NYC
8. Reuben
Wherever you choose to bite into a reuben, expect to encounter a melange of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing stuffed between two slice of rye bread. Also expect to love it – especially if you’re eating your reuben at Katz’s in NYC.
Explore More: Iconic NYC Restaurants
9. Lobster Roll
While the Canadian province of Nova Scotia serves a lot of lobster rolls, the lobster roll is an all-American sandwich invented in Connecticut that’s popular in the Constitution State as well as in nearby Boston and throughout New England. Essentially, it’s a ‘top split’ toasted, buttered, short hot dog-style roll filled with lobster chunks combined with a mixture of mayo, celery, lemon juice and a dash of hot sauce. Yum!
10. Baloney Sandwich
Although Bologna gets credit for inventing mortadella, baloney sandwiches are as American as it gets. This sandwich puts sliced bologna sausage (similar to mortadella) between two slices of plain white bread with optional add-ons like mustard and mayonnaise. Some people grill their baloney sandwiches and others add cheese but these are optional steps.
11. Hamburger
The history of hamburger is as clear as mud with Hamburg in Germany and various American cities including New Haven staking a claim to its origin. Regardless of where the humble hamburger was invented, it’s fair to say that it was perfected in the USA where’s it’s since achieved ‘national dish’ status.
Explore More: 50 Best Burgers
12. Hot Dog
Although hot dogs are ‘as American as baseball and apple pie’, this sandwich’s history traces its roots back to sausages in Germany. History aside, the hot dog is firmly entrenched in the American food culture throughout the country. Families grill them during the summer and street vendors sell them in carts in cities like Chicago and New York. Other American cities broil them and top them wih chili and other tasty toppings.
Explore More: 23 Best Hot Dogs
Read Next: Best Sandwiches in the World
America isn’t the only country that’s embraced the portable sandwich concept. Discover sandwiches around the world that you don’t want to miss.
More Must-Eat American Food
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About the Authors
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.