Cold sandwiches are a lunchtime lifesaver. They’re quick to make, satisfying to eat, and take the stress out of meal planning for the week. No other option comes close to being the MVP of the midday break.
Cold sandwiches are a lunchtime lifesaver. They’re quick to make, satisfying to eat, and take the stress out of meal planning for the week. No other option comes close to being the MVP of the midday break.
But the convenience of cold-cut sandwiches doesn’t end there—they’re also a hit at any gathering. From housewarming parties to potluck dinners, sandwiches always seem to vanish within minutes, making them a surefire bet for happy guests.
There’s just one problem: we tend to stick to the same old cold sandwich recipes—not because we aren’t willing to try something new, but because it’s so convenient to stick to what we already know.
Today, we’re here to change that and reignite your culinary creativity with a list of tasty, quick-to-make cold sandwich ideas. Prepare to shake up your snacking game!
1. Ham and Cheese Sliders
Our Ham and Cheese Sliders are far from ordinary. They’re generously coated in a yummy glaze of poppy seeds, dijon mustard, melted butter, onion powder and worcestershire sauce before being baked until crispy and beautifully golden. Then they’re left to cool down, because while they’re baked to perfection, these sliders are even better served cold!
Whether you’re looking for simple cold sandwiches to take to work or a crowd-pleasing snack to serve to guests, these sliders are an excellent choice. Plus, they keep well in the refrigerator, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them fresh throughout the week.
2. Turkey and Cheddar Cheese
Experience pure savory goodness with this Turkey and Cheddar Cheese recipe. Our soft, sweet bread rolls are topped with tender slices of turkey, rich cheddar cheese, and a crisp, zesty dill pickle for a pop of acidity. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, this straightforward recipe allows the simple, wholesome ingredients to shine through in every bite.
3. Honey Roasted Ham Mini Subs
There are so many types of cold sandwiches to choose from when planning your lunches for the week, but few are more satisfying than a classic honey-roasted ham sub! Our Honey-Roasted Ham Mini Subs are a pint-sized version, so they’re ideal for a light midday meal that won’t leave you feeling cramped or sluggish.
We top ours with crisp, fresh lettuce, cheddar cheese, and a thick slathering of mayonnaise — but feel free to customize to your liking! Ripe tomato slices, thinly sliced red onions, and grainy mustard are some delicious extras you can add.
4. Not Your Grandma’s Italian Sub
As the name implies, this isn’t your traditional submarine sandwich. Our Not Your Grandma’s Italian Sub is loaded with all the fixings — from bold peppery salami to creamy provolone cheese and tangy pickled red onions. It’s like an Italian feast in every bite!
We recommend adding it to your list of easy cold sandwiches for a crowd. There may be a lot of ingredients, but these sandwiches can quickly be assembled in 20 minutes or less. Plus, they’re easy to serve and eat, making them ideal for social gatherings.
5. BBQ Chicken & Mac Salad Sub
What if you could pack an entire BBQ dinner between two soft and fluffy bread rolls? Well, now you can! Our are the handheld version of a fire-frilled main course. It all starts with the sticky, smoky BBQ chicken, which takes center stage and gets the flavor fest started. Then the rich and creamy mac salad cools your palette and provides a nice contrast of texture. The final act is a zip of Italian dressing and the satisfying crunch of fresh lettuce. It’s like an explosion of deliciousness!
6. Curry Me Home Sweet Hawaiian
In need of new and exciting cold-cut sandwich ideas for your next social event? Try our Curry Me Home Sweet Hawaiian sandwiches. They’re vibrant, bright and full of flavor! From the savory slices of smoked ham to the warm, buttery buns and lively zest of lime juice, your guests will be taken on a voyage through sweet, spicy and tangy notes.
We recommend arranging these delicious-looking sandwiches on a tiered serving tray or decorative platter for guests to grab while mingling.
7. Smoked TLC Sandwich
When you’re in a rush and need last-minute lunch sandwich ideas for work, a simple turkey, lettuce, and tomato sandwich is always a convenient and flavorful choice. Our Smoked TLC Sandwich is fuss-free, with just a few fresh ingredients like naturally sweet tomatoes, garden-fresh lettuce, and mild, silky mayonnaise.
Want to kick your sandwich up a notch? Add yellow mustard, cucumber, or a slice of Swiss cheese. It only takes a few simple additions to transform an everyday sandwich into something extra special!
8. PB&J with Strawberries
You can enjoy cold sandwiches and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time with our recipe. Each slider-sized sandwich offers a thick, creamy layer of peanut butter that’s perfectly balanced by the fruity sweetness of strawberry jam. But it’s the fresh, juicy strawberries that add a special finishing touch!
Whether enjoyed as a school lunch, a work snack, or a travel companion, PB&J sandwiches with strawberries will keep you energized and smiling throughout the day.
9. PB & Dave Slider
Everything's better with bananas — including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Our are all the proof you’ll need. As soon as you experience the way creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly are perfectly enhanced by the smooth, buttery texture of ripe banana slices, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Plus, bananas provide a nutritious boost, with high amounts of potassium and fiber that turn this simple sandwich into a wholesome treat!
10. Lucy’s Berry Surprise
Need mini cold sandwiches for party guests or a large family gathering? Whip up a tray of Lucy’s Berry Surprise! They’re chocolatey, decadent, and guaranteed to impress a crowd. After all, who can resist the creamy, roasted flavor of hazelnut spread?
Quick tip: Make these tantalizing treats even more irresistible by adding a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts on top (the crunchy, nutty texture adds a delightful contrast) or by drizzling them with a bit of honey to enhance their sweetness. The honey will also give your sandwiches a lovely, sticky sheen, making them even more appealing.
11. Mega Banana Slammer
This recipe takes cold sandwich ideas for lunch to a whole new level. In fact, maybe we should call this a frozen sandwich idea since it’s made with ice cream! Our Mega Banana Slammer is a cool confection you’ll want to enjoy whenever the weather is warm. From the smooth, sugary chocolate ice cream to the mellow flavor of ripe bananas — there’s no better way to beat the heat.
12. Egg Salad Sandwich
Egg salad sandwiches remain a timeless and popular choice for lunch, and for good reason — they’re delicious! We make our Egg Salad Sandwich with medium hard-boiled eggs, a large dollop of luscious mayonnaise, and just the right amount of tangy mustard. But the savory goodness doesn’t end there. We also add crumbled bits of crispy bacon and finely sliced green onions to give these cold sandwiches a unique burst of flavor.
Quick Tips for Making the Best Cold Sandwiches
Whether you're a sandwich pro or just starting out, these tips will help you achieve tasty and satisfying results every time.
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Don’t Forget to Season: Use a balanced amount of seasoning. Salt, pepper, and herbs can enhance the flavors of your fillings. Try seasoning your vegetables lightly, too!
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Place Heavier Ingredients on the Bottom: It’s difficult to enjoy a sandwich when it’s falling apart or making a mess. This is why it’s important to place sturdier ingredients like sliced meat, cheese, and bacon near the bottom of your sandwich. These items provide a better foundation for lighter ingredients like shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, or black olives.
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Incorporate Different Textures: The best cold sandwiches offer a dynamic mix of crunchy, creamy, flaky, and crisp ingredients. For example, if you are using tender, juicy chicken breast cuts, you can balance out their succulent texture by adding brisk alfalfa sprouts or cool, crunchy-fresh cucumbers. It’s all about creating balance!
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Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: Nothing brightens up a sandwich and makes it more appetizing than a sprinkling of fresh herbs. Whether it’s cilantro for a bright, citrusy kick or thyme for extra earthiness, herbs have the power to take your sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
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Wrap Them Well: Wrapping cold sandwiches in parchment paper or foil keeps the bread from drying out and the fillings from becoming soggy. Additionally, wrapped sandwiches are easier to handle and eat on the go since the wrapping provides a convenient grip.
With these tips and a little creativity, you’ll be making mouthwatering gourmet-style sandwiches in no time. Just remember that every meal is an opportunity to share and experience joy. It’s not about achieving perfection; it’s about learning, experimenting and having fun along the way.
Hawaiian Rolls for the Whole Family
At King’s Hawaiian, we do everything with the Aloha spirit. That means we understand and value the role food has in bringing people together. Whether it’s preparing a family recipe with love, sharing the unique traditional flavors of your culture, or trying a new dish with a sense of wonder and enthusiasm — food is the heart of human connection.
With this philosophy in mind, we create wholesome, original food products that are simple yet satisfying, with no unnecessary additives — because we know our customers value integrity as much as we do.
Whether you’re here to shop or browse our recipes, thank you for trusting us to help you create moments of joy around your table.
