Nothing beats a properly stacked sandwich with all the right fillings.
From classic combinations that bring back childhood memories to gourmet options that elevate the humble sarnie to new heights, the perfect filling can transform two slices of bread into something magical.
Whether you're packing a lunchbox or preparing a quick meal, these fifteen sandwich fillings represent the tastiest options you'll find between bread.
15. Fries
Chip butties, as they're affectionately known in Britain, transform humble chips into a carb-loaded delight that's greater than the sum of its parts. Hot chips, ideally thick-cut and freshly fried, are piled between buttered white bread, creating a sandwich that's crispy, soft, and utterly comforting.
Some add ketchup or brown sauce, while purists insist on butter alone to let the potato flavour shine. The heat from the chips slightly melts the butter, creating a gloriously indulgent experience.
This working-class hero of a sandwich originated in the north of England and remains particularly popular in chip shops across the country. Best enjoyed immediately while the chips are hot and crispy.
14. Peanut Butter And Jelly
Though more American than British, this sweet-and-salty combination has won fans worldwide for good reason. Creamy peanut butter creates a rich, nutty base while fruity jam (or jelly, as our American friends call it) adds a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the savoury notes.
Strawberry or raspberry preserves work brilliantly, but grape jelly is the authentic choice for purists. The bread should be soft and yielding – this isn't a sandwich that benefits from crusty artisanal loaves.
Some toast the bread lightly first to create a warm sandwich with slightly melted peanut butter. For an adult twist, try adding sliced banana or a sprinkle of cinnamon to elevate this childhood favourite.
13. Egg Mayonnaise
Perfectly boiled eggs mashed with mayonnaise create a filling that's simultaneously humble and heavenly. The key lies in getting the eggs just right – firm whites with slightly soft yolks – and seasoning the mixture properly with salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of mustard or paprika.
Cress is the traditional accompaniment, adding a peppery freshness that cuts through the richness of the egg. The bread should be soft but sturdy enough to contain the filling without becoming soggy.
This British classic appears at afternoon teas and picnics across the country, and makes for a brilliant packed lunch that won't break the bank. For extra flavour, try adding finely chopped spring onions or a dash of curry powder.
12. Tuna Mayonnaise
Tinned tuna mixed with creamy mayonnaise creates a filling that's simultaneously practical and delicious. The mild flavour of tuna takes on new dimensions when combined with mayo, especially when enhanced with finely chopped red onion, sweetcorn, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
A proper tuna mayo sandwich should be generously filled but not dripping, with the mixture bound together well enough to stay put between the bread. Crisp lettuce adds a welcome textural contrast to the soft, creamy filling.
This protein-packed option makes an excellent packed lunch, staying fresh for hours. For best results, use tuna in spring water rather than oil, allowing the mayonnaise to provide all the necessary richness.
11. Corned Beef
Tinned corned beef holds a special place in British food culture, creating sandwiches that blend nostalgia with satisfying savouriness. The meat, with its distinctive texture – somehow both firm and tender – slices beautifully and pairs wonderfully with a bit of English mustard or brown sauce.
Add sliced tomatoes or cucumber for freshness, or go traditional with just a spread of butter on soft white bread. Corned beef sandwiches sustained generations through tough times, offering protein and flavour from a store cupboard staple.
Modern variations might include pickled onions or a bit of sharp cheese, but there's something perfectly comforting about the classic version that continues to earn it a place in Britain's sandwich hall of fame.
10. Cheese
The humble cheese sandwich represents comfort food at its most elemental. Whether it's a mild cheddar, tangy Red Leicester, or creamy Wensleydale, a proper cheese sandwich speaks to childhood memories and simple pleasures.
Add a thin spread of butter to create a moisture barrier between bread and cheese, preventing sogginess if the sandwich needs to sit for a while. Some like to add Branston pickle or chutney, while purists prefer their cheese sandwich unadorned.
For an upgrade that maintains the essence of the original, try a mixture of cheeses or go for a mature, farmhouse variety that brings more complex flavours to this beautifully uncomplicated classic.
9. Cheese And Pickle
Quintessentially British, this humble pairing delivers a perfect harmony of sharp, tangy flavours. Mature cheddar provides a rich, creamy base while Branston pickle cuts through with its sweet-sour chutney notes, creating a taste experience that's greater than the sum of its parts.
The key to the perfect cheese and pickle sandwich lies in the ratio – too much pickle overpowers the cheese, while too little leaves you wanting more. Thick-cut farmhouse bread works brilliantly here, providing structural integrity and a hearty chew.
On cold winter days, try toasting this classic for a melty, comforting upgrade that'll warm you right through to your toes.
8. Ham And Cheese
Sometimes the simplest combinations are the most satisfying. Sliced ham and cheese create a perfect partnership that's stood the test of time – salty, savoury ham complemented by the creamy richness of cheese, whether that's a mild cheddar or something more adventurous.
The French elevated this pairing with their croque monsieur, adding béchamel sauce and grilling the sandwich to melty perfection. But even in its basic form, ham and cheese delivers reliable deliciousness that's hard to beat for a quick lunch.
Try adding a smear of wholegrain mustard or a slice of juicy tomato to take this classic to new heights without overcomplicating its fundamental appeal.
7. Prawn Mayonnaise
Delicate, sweet prawns bound in creamy mayonnaise create a sandwich filling that feels like a proper treat. This seaside classic brings a touch of luxury to lunchtime, especially when the prawns are plump and juicy and the mayo is enhanced with a dash of lemon juice and black pepper.
Soft white bread works beautifully here, allowing the subtle flavour of the prawns to shine through. Some add avocado or cucumber for freshness, while purists prefer their prawn mayo sandwich unadorned except perhaps for a bit of crisp lettuce.
For an elevated version, try adding a tiny bit of paprika or dill to the mixture – but be careful not to overwhelm the star ingredient.
6. Sausages
Proper British bangers, with their juicy, herby goodness, create a sandwich that's hearty enough to satisfy the most ravenous appetite. Sliced lengthways and nestled between bread with a smear of brown sauce or ketchup, sausages make for a portable feast that's both comforting and deeply satisfying.
Cold leftover sausages from Sunday breakfast create surprisingly delicious sandwiches, but warm sausages fresh from the grill or pan are the gold standard. Add a bit of fried onion for sweetness or mustard for heat if you're feeling adventurous.
The soft texture of the sausage meat contrasts beautifully with crusty bread, creating a textural experience that's part of what makes this simple sandwich so appealing.
5. Roast Beef And Horseradish
Sunday roast leftovers find their perfect second life between two slices of bread. Thinly sliced roast beef, ideally still slightly pink in the middle, pairs brilliantly with the nasal-clearing heat of fresh horseradish sauce.
Add a handful of peppery rocket leaves and perhaps a sliver of red onion for an extra dimension of flavour. The combination manages to be simultaneously sophisticated and comforting – proper British fare at its finest.
For the ultimate experience, use crusty bread that's soft inside, and don't skimp on the horseradish. The fiery root provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich, savoury meat, creating a sandwich worthy of any high-end café.
4. Pulled Pork
Succulent, smoky, and impossibly tender – pulled pork transforms an ordinary sandwich into a proper meal. The meat, slow-cooked until it falls apart at the slightest touch, soaks into the bread with its rich juices, creating heavenly bites of flavour-packed goodness.
A proper pulled pork sandwich needs the right companions – a tangy coleslaw provides crunch and freshness, while a quality BBQ sauce adds sweetness and depth. Choose a sturdy bun that can stand up to the juicy filling without disintegrating.
Originally an American classic, pulled pork has firmly established itself in British food culture, appearing at street food markets and gastropubs across the country.
3. Beef Brisket
Meltingly tender slices of slow-cooked brisket create a sandwich experience that's nothing short of extraordinary. The meat, with its perfect balance of lean and fatty portions, delivers incredible depth of flavour after hours of patient cooking.
Jewish delis have perfected this sandwich over generations, serving it simply on rye bread with mustard to let the brisket shine. Modern variations might add caramelised onions or a horseradish sauce for extra punch.
The secret to great brisket lies in the cooking – low and slow is the only way, allowing the tough cut to break down into something sublimely tender. Leftovers from Sunday lunch make for Monday sandwiches worth looking forward to.
2. Bacon, Lettuce, And Tomato
The holy trinity of sandwich ingredients creates pure magic when combined. Crispy, salty bacon pairs perfectly with the fresh crunch of lettuce and juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes. Add a smear of mayonnaise, and you've got sandwich perfection.
The BLT originated in British tea rooms during the 1920s, though some food historians trace its roots back to Victorian-era tea sandwiches. What makes it special is the balance – each ingredient plays its part without overwhelming the others.
For best results, use freshly cooked bacon (still warm if possible), chilled lettuce, and tomatoes at room temperature to maximize the delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
1. Pastrami
Spice-crusted, smoked, and tender pastrami creates a sandwich experience that's bold and unforgettable. This New York deli staple features thinly sliced beef brisket that's been cured, seasoned with a pepper-heavy spice mix, and slowly smoked until it reaches a state of sublime tenderness.
The classic pastrami on rye comes with a sharp mustard that cuts through the rich meat. Add a pickle on the side for the full authentic experience. The sandwich should be generously filled – proper pastrami sandwiches tower impressively on the plate.
While traditionally American, quality pastrami has found its way into British sandwich shops and delicatessens, bringing its distinctive peppery, smoky flavour to appreciative UK palates.
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