A Definitive Ranking of Classic Sandwiches

Here at Sweety High, we love sandwiches. There's something irresistible about sandwiching tasty ingredients between two slices of bread, and the lunchtime staple is surprisingly versatile.

But just because sandwiches are totally classic doesn't mean that they're all created equal. In fact, while we'd rate some types as our all-time favorites, we find others to be downright boring. Curious about where your favorite might stack up? Keep scrolling to read our definitive ranking of the most traditional sandwiches in the U.S.

12. Ham and Cheese

There's nothing inherently wrong with the humble ham and cheese sandwich, but it simply doesn't inspire us. Maybe we've had too many flavorless pre-made sandwiches from the supermarket, but basic ham and cheese—even topped with veggies, cheese and the right condiments—leaves us cold. Of course, there are twists on the sandwich (which we'll see later) that improve on taste and texture, so if ham and cheese happens to be your favorite, don't get too mad at us.

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11. Club

On paper, club sandwiches sound like they should be super tasty, featuring chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo in a triple-decker sandwich. In practice, however, we find that they're usually underwhelming. The combination of ingredients tends to make the sandwich dryer and blander than it should be—especially with the extra layer of bread. For some reason, removing ingredients from this sandwich makes it more appealing, and that's no good.

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10. Tuna Salad

We're perfectly happy to eat tuna salad sandwiches, but even when they're made precisely to our specifications, they never wow us. The tuna salad can be enhanced with mayo and mustard, celery and onion, and we can add cheese or other veggies, but these things don't need to elevate a tuna sandwich like they can with other varieties.

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9. Philly Cheesesteak

It may shock some to see Philly cheesesteaks rank so low on this list, but that might be because we live nowhere near the East Coast, and we haven't had the pleasure of enjoying the real deal just yet. We've had perfectly tasty Philly cheesesteaks—featuring thinly sliced beef and melted cheese on a hoagie roll—but most of the versions we've found on the West Coast have been lacking in flavor and usually soggy (and it turns out the grilled peppers, onions and mushrooms we like best aren't even traditional!).

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Also read about: 9 PB&J Instagram Captions Delightful as the Sandwiches

 

8. Pastrami Sandwich

Great pastrami sandwiches are top tier, but unfortunately, we've had more experiences with subpar pastrami. The taste of these sandwiches depends entirely on the quality of the pastrami, and whether it's too fatty or stringy, too salty or barely seasoned. We love it when it's sliced thin, full of smokey flavor and extra meaty. Otherwise, we'll pass.

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7. Meatball Sub

Meatball subs are another extremely hit-or-miss sandwich, and it all comes down to the star of the dish. They typically consists of Italian bread containing meatballs coated in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, but depending on the meatballs themselves—whether they're too mushy or too crunchy, or what spices are used to accentuate the flavor—they can either be a delicious complement or a messy addition we fish out before eating the rest of the sandwich.

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6. PB&J

Can you tell we love the classics? Peanut butter and jelly might be seen as childish (or even downright bizarre to folks outside of North America), but we grew up on the staple sandwich, combining just peanut butter and jelly or jam between two slices of bread. We adore the combination of textures and the way the smooth, nutty peanut butter contrasts from the sweetness and other tart or vibrant elements from the fruit in the jam to create something that fills us up while satisfying our sweet tooth. Now, to debate whether grape or strawberry jelly is the go-to for PB&J.

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5. Caprese

We're not sure why the ingredients in a caprese sandwich are so delicious together, but they just work. It's simple—take bread and add tomato slices, mozzarella cheese and basil, pus a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, for an explosion of harmonious Italian flavors and textures. We could eat these all day, every day, but there's no denying that some carnivores are going to find it pretty unsatisfying.

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Also read about: 6 Creative Sandwich Recipes to Transform the Way You See Lunch

 

4. Grilled Cheese

We're not sure how toasting up buttered bread with cheese in the center creates one of the all-time most delicious sandwiches, but grilled cheese is pure magic. The crisp, buttery flavor is equally tasty paired with American cheese or your favorite high-end cheese, and it's oddly satisfying and easy to eat day after day, as well as pairing beautifully with soups. If you're not into cheese or have to have meat in everything, you're missing out.

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3. BLT

The BLT (standing for bacon, lettuce and tomato) is a humble sandwich that somehow adds up to be way more than the sum of its parts. The bacon adds crunch, saltiness and a satisfying meaty flavor, while the lettuce and tomato provide a refreshing contrast, particularly when you're using juicy and flavorful tomatoes and mayonnaise. Perhaps it's that simplicity that we find so irresistible.

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2. Cuban

Not everyone has had a Cuban sandwich, but meat-eaters need to remedy this immediately. It consists of a Cuban bread roll containing ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese and pickles, with mustard and a garlicky citrus sauce called mojo to make every bite juicy and packed with flavor. The pickles offer a nice snap of contrast and tang with the mounds of meat, and it's a super hearty and protein-packed option as well.

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1. Reuben

To us, the Reuben is the king of sandwiches. The deli classic fills rye bread with a combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut, with a layer of Russian dressing, for a flavor that's savory, tangy, smooth and even a little spicy at once. There may be bad Reubens out there, but we've never had one, and though they're rarely among the more cost-friendly options on the menu, we're always willing to pay a little extra for that unforgettable flavor.

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If you're going to take a picture of your sandwich to share with the world, click HERE for some of our favorite captions for every photo.