Best Sandwiches, Burgers, and Sliders

The best sandwiches are crowd pleasers: they satisfy kids and adults equally. With seven children and frequent drop-in visitors, I’ve whipped up every kind of sandwich you can imagine–from a fried egg breakfast sandwich to pb&j wraps, and from roast pork sliders to venison meatball rolls.

tuna melt in best sandwiches - half sandwich on cutting board with bunch of red grapes — This mouthwatering tuna melt is one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever bite into.

As a wild game hunting family, we eat plenty of venison sandwiches and burgers. In fact, you can adapt any beef burger recipe to make a venison burger. I’m including both burger and slider recipes in this list.

Click here to jump straight to the recipes.

What are the Best Sandwiches?

In short, the best sandwich is the one that tastes great to you! A sandwich is the world’s most flexible and customizable meal. If you have a big family like I do, I’m sure you’ve done a buffet style lunch where you lay out a variety of deli layers and fixins. A sandwich assembly line is easy on the cook and sure to please everyone. So before I get to my recipes, here are some build-your-own-sandwich ideas.

The Foundation: Choosing Your Bread

The bread is the base of any great sandwich. Storebought is quick and easy, but it’s really not that hard to make your own bread for a fresh, thick slice. You can find all my bread recipes here, including a super easy no-knead version.

Horizontal Picture of No Knead Artisan Bread - a base for the best sandwiches — This no-knead artisan bread recipe makes homemade bread easy.

On the other hand, slices of bread are far from the only options to hold together your fixins.

White Bread: Sometimes you can’t beat a couple of slices of plain old white bread!
Sourdough: With its tangy flavor and chewy texture, sourdough is perfect for hearty fillings.
Ciabatta: Its airy, holey structure soaks up sauces and oils beautifully.
Whole Grain: A healthy option that adds a nutty flavor and hearty bite.
Rye Bread: Essential for an authentic Reuben sandwich.
Baguette: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, ideal for robust fillings.
Wraps and Pitas: Great for a lighter option or for packing in a variety of ingredients without too much bread. You can also find low-carb and gluten-free wraps.

Layering Your Ingredients: Building the Perfect Bite

Creating the best sandwich involves balancing flavors and textures. Here’s a guide to layering your ingredients.

venison meatball rolls with horseradish mayo on cutting board with pickles, peppers, and fresh basil

1. The Spread

Mayo and Mustard: Classic choices that add creaminess and tang. Mix the mayo with horseradish for a spicy bite.
Pesto: For a burst of herby flavor.
Hummus: A smooth, rich option that’s also vegetarian-friendly.
Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
Nut Butters: For sweet sandwiches, try almond or peanut butter.
Russian Dressing: A favorite for deli sandwiches on rye.
Remoulade Sauce: A creamy remoulade sauce like the one with my black pepper burgers is elegant and easy to make.

2. Protein Options

Cold Cuts: Ham, turkey, roast beef, corned beef, or salami for traditional deli sandwiches.
Grilled Chicken or Chicken Salad: Versatile and can be seasoned in countless ways.
Eggs: Hard-boiled, scrambled, or in a creamy egg salad for a protein-rich filling.
Tofu or Tempeh: Marinated and grilled for a vegetarian option.
Seafood: Tuna salad, salmon fillets, or fried shrimp for a coastal twist or a New Orleans style po’boy.
Ground Beef, Turkey, and/or Venison: A mixture of beef and venison makes an excellent burger.

Stacy Lyn Harris Quarter-Pound Turkey Burger — Stacy Lyn Harris’s Quarter-Pound Turkey Burger

3. Cheese Slices and Crumbles

American Cheese: Mild in flavor and popular with kids.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and versatile.
Swiss Cheese: Mild and nutty, perfect for melting.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and great for Caprese-style sandwiches.
Provolone Cheese: Tender with a smoky flavor.
Goat Cheese: Tangy and creamy for an upscale feel.
Blue Cheese: Bold and tangy for a punch of flavor.

4. Fresh Vegetables

Lettuce and Spinach: Fresh and crisp.
Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, but make sure they’re not too watery.
Cucumbers: Crunchy and refreshing.
Banana, Chili, or Bell Peppers: Add crunch and a sweet or spicy kick.
Red Onion Slices: Add color, crunch, and bite.
Caramelized Onions: Add sweet and savory depth.

5. Sandwich Extras

Bacon: Crunch-chewy bacon improves almost any sandwich.
Sauerkraut: Serve with Russian dressing for that tangy-creamy Reuben flavor.
Pickles: Crunchy and tangy, perfect for cutting through rich flavors.
Olives: Salty and savory olives are a great extra to offer.
Fresh Herbs: Basil, cilantro, or dill for a burst of freshness.
Nuts and Seeds: For added crunch and nutrition, because why not?