The 20 best sandwich recipes
![](https://culturalenlinea.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sandwich-e1604766473178.jpg)
By Allan Jenkins│theguardian.com│3 min
![Halloumi and apricot jam sandwich by Georgina Hayden. Prop styling Kate Whitaker. Food styling India Whiley-Morton.
Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F469b3268f98dffd4a5a3ab6826ceadf74e8bcdf7%2F0_1536_4080_2446%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3D423ce42a5ac00bb3f7a2bb3b1b0219b2)
A bold boast maybe, but we proudly stand by it. Presenting 20 of the world’s best sandwiches by some its best food writers and cooks. Maybe start here: Pierre Koffmann’s croque monsieur! The definitive recipe for France’s finest sandwich by one of her greatest chefs. Add James Cochran’s buttermilk chicken, Rick Stein’s grilled mackerel baguette, Giorgio Locatelli’s Milanese panini and Claridge’s posh tea selection. We humbly offer Uyen Luu’s crispy pork belly bahn mi, Georgina Hayden’s halloumi, Signe Johansen’s fish finger sandwich, and the sweet perfection that is Claire Ptak’s peanut butter and jelly. Trust us. Your working-from-home lunch will never be the same again.
Halloumi and apricot jam sandwich by Georgina Hayden (pictured above)
Salty tang marries sweet tartness to produce an irresistible combination
Crab sandwich by Calum and Tracey Greenhalgh
The freshest ingredients are all that’s needed, and it’s best eaten immediately
![Crab sandwich by Calum and Tracey Greenhalgh. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F8c8aafb89d2467f41d5cf9d1324f815fee71d54c%2F0_2036_4080_2446%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3Dcd8bc8ad8627d5d3040895c0ec4bf1f7)
Uyen Luu’s banh mi with five-spice crispy pork belly, pickled carrot, chilli, coriander and cucumber
This Vietnamese baguette has a satisfying mix of flavours and textures
![Vietnamese banh mi with five spice crispy pork belly by Uyen Luu. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F168e6842024b73334dc9e1a6c3fc5c3fa0792896%2F0_308_4080_4077%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3Df743778955e706c2a46dac34754e01b3)
Roasted beetroot, carrot, spiced nuts and whipped feta by Rebecca Oliver
An earthy, sophisticated sandwich filling that’s also good eaten as a salad
![Roasted beetroot, carrot, spiced nuts and whipped feta by Rebecca Oliver. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F28d1e9dd7178bae04434e4c04297f01fb6ded36b%2F0_2143_4080_2446%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3D9c1e9b276f5e8d1dd2735b75dd82687d)
Sausage and egg sandwich by Max Halley
Breakfast like a champion on this winning combination, which can also be made with giant crumpets
![Sausage and egg sandwich by Max Halley. Photograph: Max Halley](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F1a6464a394dcb84baf96dad3718e194c055ce2f4%2F172_2067_5005_5005%2Fmaster%2F5005.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3Ddc14ee47f736505dd9d1f7c94ecfb4af)
Smoked salmon deluxe by Mark Ogus
A deli classic that’s taken up a notch with freshly baked bagels and lean fish
![Smoked Salmon Deluxe by Mark Ogus. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2Ff1bcefb067f2ef24cb977445f15cc7715f85524c%2F0_1374_4080_2446%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3D11156cacca7888b245258cd8cab7d64d)
Ham sandwich in a French bar by David Tanis
A simple, but flawless, baguette that’s not so easy to find outside of Paris
![Ham sandwich in a French bar by David Tanis. Photograph: Christopher Hirsheimer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2Fc69163e357f0464a4490b29c5aea71357508232b%2F0_167_4279_2566%2Fmaster%2F4279.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3D7f46bb8a9999846677a62edfede33885)
The Highway Dan by Gabriel Pryce
A Chinese twist gives the devilled egg sandwich a spicy, umami-laden hit
![The Highway Dan by Gabriel Pryce. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2Fa58ae82e989f30261995c9011369b86bd39b19e4%2F0_614_4062_4059%2Fmaster%2F4062.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3De854b452720f19101c8209f70f81e20c)
Kiwi & Roo’s ‘lucky beef’ steak sandwich by Lara Lee and Fiona Hannah
A flavour mashup that’s a tribute to Antipodean and Asian heritage
![Kiwi & Roo’s ‘lucky beef’ steak sandwich by Lara Lee and Fiona Hannah. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2Fbf0ffbb12a01ed61d1214e3b331feb5dcbfe837b%2F0_680_4080_4077%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3Dc58ba1c21c6800c0ceeacc3924367a7b)
Bombay sandwich by Nik Sharma
An iconic street food of India that’s best served hot and buttery
![Bombay sandwich by Nik Sharma. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F9dc42322bbd994b6fb96c057192818052be40f7b%2F0_2281_4080_2446%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3D0ffbacc064020abc8afacdfaa72690d4)
Buttermilk chicken, scotch bonnet jam, pickled cabbage and crispy shallots by James Cochran
Yin and yang come together harmoniously in this doorstopper, with extras that last forever
![Buttermilk chicken, scotch bonnet jam, pickled cabbage and crispy shallots by James Cochran. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2Fa59afcac09277f84d4d3b08f7a83c67f4fb6ee24%2F0_919_4080_4077%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3D01189459da98920f3ca49acee8a78f35)
Rick Stein’s balık ekmek – griddled mackerel in a baguette with tomato, lettuce, onion, chilli and sumac
A delicious sandwich that’s ubiquitous along the shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul
![Rick Stein’s balık ekmek - griddled mackerel in a baguette with tomato, lettuce, onion, chilli and sumac. Photograph: James Murphy](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F7449ba15091738b928447ac1a59c0120794a55e1%2F0_195_3543_3543%2Fmaster%2F3543.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3Df6e40918d98de83b2b4436986caaae0d)
Giorgio Locatelli’s Milanese and gremolata panini
Savour a taste of Milan, and the Italian chef’s childhood, with this brilliant focaccia sandwich
![Milanese and gremolata panini by Giorgio Locatelli. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F953ba583ccbaff466476cd7a99fcbdee62a5adec%2F0_2059_4080_2446%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3D54350577a7b17f8df9f95ec3e810fd64)
Pierre Koffman’s croque monsieur
Memories of toasting this bistro classic over coals at his grandmother’s house still make the French chef’s mouth water
![Croque-monsieur by Pierre Koffmann. Photograph: David Loftus](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F35a1a9c8153b9e6970ca9be4ce1650796bdfbd52%2F0_1625_3475_2085%2Fmaster%2F3475.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3D84a91c26241b121ac0a845c085f5bee1)
Fish finger sandwich with Nordic dill salsa by Signe Johansen
A fresh green sauce takes this humble sandwich to the next level
![Fish finger sandwich with Nordic dill salsa by Signe Johansen. Photograph: Patricia_Niven/Patricia Niven](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F601dfbb75c44ba220e52899e253c7d331d7efa23%2F0_934_3768_3767%2Fmaster%2F3768.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3Da0690304d5ef574cf5a6332f7d747ca0)
Claire Thomson’s grilled cheddar and jalapeño popper sandwich
A kick of heat and a touch of spice – plus bacon – turbo-charges this old classic
![Grilled cheddar and jalapeño popper sandwich by Claire Thomson. Photograph: Sam Folan](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2Fe331d2502df79164f0f000bf2a21f5140b962a78%2F0_3317_4375_2625%2Fmaster%2F4375.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3Ddb9bcfb3ceefccedc7a6c209aa2da844)
Chicken S+Dwich by James Ramsden and Jaqueline Barbosa
Crispy chicken, herby sauce, miso mayo: this is one to eat all by yourself, not share
![Chicken S+Dwich by James Ramsden and Jaqueline Barbosa. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F023d4471a3b1b072834629baa0a152feb3caa286%2F0_1984_4080_2446%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3D0c7adb50c3a2459de114b881f552ced0)
Claire Ptak’s peanut butter and jelly sandwich
A quintessential American combination that works just as well with smooth peanut butter as it does with crunchy
![Peanut butter and jelly sandwich by Claire Ptak. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2Ff98ff0c2b585759d76d38678e03e4f206feb08d0%2F0_543_4080_4077%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3Dda4be64a1bcb64ceae6ff65a4b4f49bf)
Simon Hopkinson’s bacon du bedat
The idea of a toasted sandwich with bacon, smoked salmon and mango chutney is curious, but surprisingly delicious
![Bacon du bedat by Simon Hopkinson. Photograph: Kate Whitaker/The Observer](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2F1b112ce452d81876352393c7afac701c9ddb3b05%2F0_2105_4080_2446%2Fmaster%2F4080.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3Dac66c1013c46f9c92a8c129529853204)
Claridge’s tea sandwiches by Martyn Nail and Meredith Erickson
The luxury hotel reveals its five golden rules for perfect sandwiches, and shares a recipe for its cream cheese filling
![Claridge’s tea sandwiches. Photograph: Claridge](https://pocket-image-cache.com//filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fi.guim.co.uk%2Fimg%2Fmedia%2Fb1532e688b0076d233bdf5b34a4ef659c629039f%2F159_947_1070_642%2Fmaster%2F1070.jpg%3Fwidth%3D300%26quality%3D85%26auto%3Dformat%26fit%3Dmax%26s%3Dc8ab1c38bc519c05906da81e78b132f4)
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