When it comes to planning a satisfying lunch, several factors can influence our decisions. Perhaps we had a filling breakfast or have grand dinner plans later in the day.
Alternatively, we might be eating late and don’t want to compromise on our evening meal.
In these situations, a full sandwich can feel too substantial for midday, but there’s a clever solution: open-faced sandwiches! This article will explore 20 mouth-watering recipes that are ideal for a lunchtime boost.
Mama’s Best Broiled Tomato Open-Faced Sandwich
This delectable broiled tomato open-faced sandwich is truly Mama’s crowning achievement. Its versatility makes it perfect to enjoy on its own or paired with a warm bowl of fresh tomato soup for a cozy winter meal. Alternatively, the harmonious flavors would also make it an excellent choice for a light and refreshing summer lunch that can be savored al fresco. Whatever the season, this sandwich is sure to please.
Open-Faced Steak Sandwich
A game-changing open-faced steak sandwich that effortlessly serves both lunch and dinner, satisfying even the most discerning steak enthusiasts. The star of the show is undoubtedly the tender rib eye (or choose your preferred cut), luxuriantly resting atop a bed of soft, sweet brioche bread.
The harmonious union of sautéed mushrooms adds an earthy depth, while the addition of crispy bacon and caramelized onions brings a satisfying textural contrast, culminating in a truly sublime dining experience.
Open-Faced Garden Veggie Sandwich
Indulge in a nutrient-dense lunch without sacrificing substance with this versatile open-faced garden veggie sandwich. The versatility lies in the ability to stack an abundance of fresh veggies, using whatever is available in your fridge to minimize waste and maximize nutritional value. This clever creation not only satisfies your hunger but also serves as a dual solution for getting enough vegetables into your diet while reducing food waste, all in one convenient meal.
Open-Faced Hamburgers
For those looking to make healthier choices without sacrificing taste, these open-faced hamburgers are an ideal solution. While they may seem like a burger without its lid, the homemade twist sets them apart from their fast food counterparts, making them a nutritious and satisfying option for lunch or as a weekend treat. The recipe’s kid-friendly nature also makes it a great choice for the whole family to enjoy together.
Open-Faced Grilled Eggplant Sandwich
For a nutritious and filling option, look no further than this open-faced grilled eggplant sandwich. By slicing the eggplant thicker before grilling, you can create a more substantial base for your sandwich. The addition of melted cheese on top will not only add flavor but also provide sustained energy throughout the afternoon.
Open-Faced Crab Salad Sandwich
For seafood enthusiasts, this open-faced crab salad sandwich is a fantastic choice. Not only does it cater to shellfish lovers, but it’s also remarkably low in fat. While the recipe uses imitation crab meat, there’s no obstacle to substituting it with real crab meat for an even more authentic taste experience. The judicious addition of pepper, celery, and onions adds a delightful textural element, imbuing the salad with a fresh and airy quality.
Open-Faced Meatloaf Sandwich
A clever way to repurpose leftover meatloaf from last night’s dinner is by transforming it into an open-faced meatloaf sandwich. This comforting dish can accommodate any type of meatloaf, making it a great option if you’re cooking for the whole family. In fact, you could even make the meatloaf specifically with this dish in mind.
The combination of mashed potato and rich gravy on top adds a satisfying element to this open-faced delight, perfect for warming up on chilly days or as a comforting lunch option. While it may not be the lightest or most diet-friendly recipe out there, its hearty goodness makes it an ideal choice for a cold winter’s day.
Open-Faced Turkey, Cranberry, And Apple Sandwich
Sick of feeling weighed down by heavy holiday leftovers? This open-faced turkey, cranberry, and apple sandwich is the solution you’ve been craving. While it captures all the flavors and festive feels of the season, the crunch and juiciness from the apple add a refreshing twist that’s easy on the stomach. And don’t worry, the melted cheese and honey mustard still deliver that indulgent holiday vibe without the discomfort. Perfect for a lighter take on the traditional holiday sandwich.
Open-Faced Chicken Club Sandwich
The club sandwich – a classic that never goes out of style. Yet, sometimes even the most beloved dishes can feel overwhelming, especially when they’re packed with three slices of bread. That’s why we love this open-faced club sandwich variation. It captures all the flavors and textures of its traditional counterpart without the heaviness of excess bread. Made on a rich sourdough base, it’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly winter’s day.
Open-Faced Roast Beef Sandwich
The notion of repurposing leftovers into satisfying open sandwiches is starting to emerge as a recurring theme in this list. It’s an approach with merit, as these delectable creations truly are worth the effort. Case in point: an open-faced roast beef sandwich crafted from leftover roast beef, particularly when it’s cooked to a tender rare.
By augmenting this foundation with a handful of humble ingredients already stowed away in your pantry, you can transform your lunch break into a culinary highlight.
Open-Faced Shrimp Salad Sandwich
While the open-faced shrimp salad sandwich may appear similar to its counterpart, subtle variations can profoundly impact the overall flavor. One key distinction is the generous application of Gruyère cheese on top, which significantly alters the dish’s character and renders it more indulgent. This transformed creation is particularly well-suited for cozy, ocean-longing lunchtimes on a drizzly day.
Open-Faced Chicken, Bacon, And Cheddar Melts
Indulge in the rich flavors of this open-faced chicken, bacon, and cheddar melt, perfect for a cold winter’s day when you need a comforting treat. This decadent combination of toasted goodness, melted cheese, and savory chicken is sure to hit the spot, even if it’s not exactly diet-friendly.
Open-Faced Grilled Ham And Cheese Sandwich
This grilled ham and cheese sandwich stands out with its vibrant, open-faced design, offering a delightful combination of flavors. The classic duo of ham and cheese is elevated by the addition of fresh tomato and red onion, which add a surprising depth and zing to each bite. This versatile recipe can be effortlessly scaled up to create stunning appetizers for a dinner party or other gathering.
Danish Smørrebrød Recipe
Experience the authentic flavors of Denmark with Smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich that’s been a staple in Danish cuisine for centuries. This recipe takes you on a journey through traditional ingredients like smoked herring, egg yolks, and crunchy radishes. With its unique combination of textures and flavors, this open-faced sandwich is a perfect choice for a quick and nutritious lunch.
Feel free to swap out the herring for another type of smoked fish if you prefer, making it easy to adapt this recipe to your tastes.
Open-Faced Croque Monsieur
Indulge in the flavors of a classic croque monsieur sandwich, reimagined as an open-faced lunchtime delight. This comfort food staple is not only budget-friendly but also offers a clever way to repurpose leftovers from another meal. By transforming a dinner dish into a satisfying and flavorful lunch, you’ll feel like you’re treating yourself without breaking the bank. The best part? You can create this indulgent treat without sacrificing your budget.
Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich With Gravy
Transforming leftover turkey into an indulgent open-faced sandwich, this recipe adds a comforting gravy to elevate the dish from dry to divine. The perfect remedy for a chilly winter’s day, this satisfying and filling lunch combines the savory goodness of turkey with the warmth of melted cheese, all without weighing you down.
Open-Faced Sloppy Joes Sandwich
The open-faced sloppy joes sandwich, recipe number five, offers a healthier alternative to traditional meaty sandwiches while still satisfying those cravings. This creative twist is also an excellent way to get kids excited about lunchtime. The addition of crispy onions on top provides a delightful textural contrast that prevents the sandwich from becoming too soggy.
Open-Faced Pizza Sandwich
When it comes to pleasing a crowd, especially kids, open-faced pizza sandwiches are a surefire winner. And what’s not to love about serving up a slice (or two) of pizza for lunch? The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can get creative with the toppings and even offer different combinations on each slice. Let your imagination run wild and take advantage of the endless possibilities! Go To Recipe
Open-Faced Tuna Melt
Tuna melts are a staple in many lunchboxes, offering a satisfying solution to the three o’clock slump. However, their traditional form can be quite carb-heavy. This open-faced tuna melt offers a lighter alternative, allowing you to enjoy even more cheese while still reaping the benefits of its creamy, crunchy, and tangy textures.
Final Thoughts
Open-faced sandwiches offer a convenient and versatile way to craft nutritious and satisfying lunches with minimal time investment.
Their flexibility also makes them an excellent means of utilizing leftover ingredients or reducing food waste by incorporating excess vegetables into the mix.
For those committed to minimizing their environmental footprint, these sandwiches can serve as a thoughtful solution for weekday meals.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.