10 Sandwich Recipes That'll Revolutionize Your Sad Lunch Routine

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By
Tess Koman
Tess Koman headshot.
Tess Koman
Executive Editorial Director
Tess is the Executive Editorial Director at Serious Eats. She previously was the digital director at Delish and a senior editor at Cosmopolitan.com. Her work has appeared in ELLE, Esquire, and more.
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The Serious Eats Team
The Serious Eats Team
At Serious Eats, we’re a team of self-proclaimed food nerds who are ever-curious about the “why” behind cooking. The staff has worked in restaurants, test kitchens, bakeries, and other notable publications, bringing extensive culinary and editorial expertise to the table.
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Updated April 16, 2024
Sideview of Roast Beef

Serious Eats / Kevin White

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!

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