Top 27+ Forgotten Sandwiches—and a Few Worth Reviving

Some sandwiches were once staples at lunch counters and kitchen tables across the country. They brought comfort, flavor, and a little charm to mealtime. But over time, many of these handheld favorites vanished from the spotlight. Still, they haven’t disappeared from memory. Some deserve a second chance—because honestly, they’re delicious and wildly underrated.

1. Olive and Cream Cheese Sandwich

Savory, creamy, and a little salty.

This simple sandwich layers chopped green olives with cream cheese on soft white or rye bread. It was once popular in tea rooms and ladies’ luncheons. The tang from the olives paired with the rich spread is surprisingly satisfying. It’s great chilled and makes a great snack or appetizer, too.

3. Cucumber Tea Sandwich

Light, crisp, and classy.

Cucumber sandwiches were all the rage at afternoon teas. Thin slices of cucumber, a swipe of butter or cream cheese, and crustless white bread made for a cool, elegant bite. They’ve fallen out of fashion but still offer refreshing simplicity. Perfect for summer snacking or a dainty brunch.

4. Tomato and Mayo Sandwich

Peak summer simplicity.

This Southern favorite needs only three things: fresh tomato slices, mayonnaise, and soft white bread. Salt and pepper are optional but encouraged. It’s juicy, tangy, and incredibly nostalgic. Once the star of summer gardens and front porches, it’s a forgotten treasure waiting for fresh tomatoes to return.

6. Ham Salad Sandwich

More than just leftovers.

Ham salad—ground or finely chopped ham mixed with mayo, pickle relish, and mustard—was a picnic favorite. Piled on soft rolls or white bread, it was tasty, sweet, and savory. It’s one of those sandwiches that tastes like childhood and church potlucks. Often overlooked, but worth rediscovering.

7. Peanut Butter and Bacon Sandwich

Elvis would approve.

Crispy bacon layered with creamy peanut butter creates a crunchy, salty-sweet combo that’s surprisingly addictive. Sometimes banana is added too. Though not common today, it once graced diner menus. It’s bold, rich, and certainly not boring. Try it once—it’ll probably win you over.

9. Deviled Ham Sandwich

Zingy and rich with old-school charm.

Deviled ham spread—canned or homemade—was a pantry staple in mid-century kitchens. Blended with mustard, mayo, and spices, it’s packed with punchy flavor. It was often served on white bread or crackers. Cheap, flavorful, and shelf-stable, it’s a relic of simpler times.

10. Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich

Not just for leftovers.

This combo used to pop up in diners and cafeterias—roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and sometimes stuffing, all layered into a hearty sandwich. It’s the taste of Thanksgiving in a bite. Once a holiday-season hit, it deserves more than just a once-a-year appearance.

12. Liverwurst and Onion Sandwich

Bold and polarizing.

This strong-flavored spread, often topped with raw onions and mustard, was a deli mainstay. Served on rye bread, it was bold, rich, and loved by those with adventurous taste buds. It’s not for everyone, but fans swear by its deep umami punch.

13. Cheese and Pickle Sandwich

Crunchy and tangy.

A British classic that once made its way into American lunchboxes. Slices of sharp cheddar paired with sweet or dill pickles between slices of bread. The contrast of creamy, sharp cheese and vinegary pickle is undeniably tasty. It’s simple, satisfying, and deserves more love.

15. Sloppy Joe Sandwich

Messy but marvelous.

Ground beef in a tangy, sweet tomato sauce, served warm on a hamburger bun—Sloppy Joes were a school cafeteria legend. Cheap and easy to make, they were loved by kids and rushed cooks alike. These days, they’re mostly boxed up in mixes—but they’re worth making fresh again.

16. Pineapple and Cream Cheese Sandwich

A sweet-savory surprise.

Chopped pineapple mixed with cream cheese spread on white bread sounds strange—but it’s light, tangy, and smooth. Popular in the 1940s and ’50s, it offered a tropical escape in lunchbox form. It’s rare now but easy to recreate. Plus, it’s great chilled in summer.

18. Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich

Italian-American comfort food.

Breaded eggplant slices, marinara, and mozzarella cheese packed into a sub roll—this sandwich was a deli and diner favorite. It’s rich, cheesy, and super comforting. Once popular in Northeast cities, it’s now more niche than it should be. Definitely worth a warm comeback.

19. Hot Roast Beef with Gravy Sandwich

Fork and knife required.

Sliced roast beef piled on bread and drenched in hot brown gravy. Usually served open-faced, this hearty dish was diner royalty. It’s filling, flavorful, and pure comfort. Not common today, but perfect on chilly nights—or for retro dinner fun.

21. Hot Turkey Sandwich with Gravy

A diner classic.

Like its roast beef cousin, this hot sandwich is all about comfort. Sliced turkey piled on bread, covered in gravy, and served with mashed potatoes. More of a meal than a snack, but once a staple on diner menus. It’s a hug on a plate—and worth reviving.

22. Cream Cheese and Jelly Sandwich

Sweet, smooth, and nostalgic.

A softer, fancier cousin to the PB&J. Cream cheese gives it a tangy richness, and the jelly adds fruity sweetness. Kids once loved it, and adults often stole bites. It’s fallen off the radar but still makes a great snack or dessert sandwich.

24. Meatloaf Sandwich

Leftovers done right.

Cold or warm slices of meatloaf, usually with ketchup or mustard, between slices of bread. Sometimes even grilled. It was a staple after Sunday dinner. Hearty and comforting, it’s great for lunch or a quick dinner—and deserves a spot in the modern lunch lineup.

25. Chili Dog Sandwich

More than just a hot dog.

A hot dog split and laid into sandwich bread, smothered in chili and shredded cheese. Messy, spicy, and unforgettable. It was a fairground and diner treat once upon a time. Still loved by many but often forgotten in favor of neater meals.

27. Chicken Salad with Grapes Sandwich

Crunchy, creamy, and a little sweet.

Chicken salad made with mayo, celery, and halved grapes, piled on croissants or white bread. It’s light, elegant, and was once a go-to for bridal showers and ladies’ luncheons. Still delicious today—and easy to bring back with a modern twist.