14 Exceptional Sandwiches That Define America

These 14 creations define America, each bite representing a place, a people, and a tradition worth celebrating.

Turkey Reuben

The turkey reuben takes rye bread, layers it with roasted turkey, sauerkraut, Swiss, and Russian dressing, then grills it to crispy perfection. Get the recipe here.

Sonoran Hot Dog

From Tucson, this bacon-wrapped hot dog is topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a drizzle of crema. A fiesta in a bun. Get the recipe here.

Spicy Lamb Grinder

Idaho’s grinder gets a bold upgrade with spicy lamb, melted cheese, and crisp veggies stuffed into a toasted sub roll. Get the recipe here.

Shrimp Po Boy

New Orleans serves shrimp po boys loaded with crispy fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a smear of mayo on soft French bread. Get the recipe here.

Crab Melt

A Maryland classic, the crab melt stacks rich crab salad with melted cheese on toasty bread, a seafood lover’s dream. Get the recipe here.

Roast Pork Sandwich

Philadelphia’s roast pork sandwich features slow-cooked pork, garlicky greens, and sharp provolone on a seeded roll. It’s rich, bold, and Philly through and through. Get the recipe here.

Steak Bomb

New England’s steak bomb packs shaved steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese into a toasted sub roll. It’s hearty enough to fuel a whole day. Get the recipe here.

Pastrami Burger

Utah’s pastrami burger layers grilled beef with a pile of pastrami, lettuce, tomato, and special sauce. Beef on beef, and all delicious. Get the recipe here.

Muffuletta Sandwich

Born in New Orleans, the muffuletta is stacked with Italian meats, cheeses, and olive salad on a giant sesame loaf. Get the recipe here.

Hot Beef Sandwich

Minnesota’s hot beef sandwich layers thick-sliced beef and mashed potatoes, all smothered in gravy between bread. Comfort food at its finest. Get the recipe here.

Sloppy Joe

This American lunchroom favorite is ground beef simmered in tangy sauce, piled on a bun. It’s messy, nostalgic, and always satisfying. Get the recipe here.

Runza

Nebraska’s runza is a yeast roll stuffed with seasoned beef, cabbage, and onions. A handheld comfort that warms from the inside out. Get the recipe here.

Polish Boy

Cleveland’s Polish Boy piles kielbasa, fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce on a bun. Messy, bold, and unforgettable. Get the recipe here.

Crab Cake Sandwich

Another Maryland staple, the crab cake sandwich puts a golden, crispy crab cake on a soft bun with lettuce and tomato. Get the recipe here.