Hearty, Yet Haughty, Sandwich Combos

When I was a kid we always had a whole bologna sitting on the middle shelf of the refrigerator, with a five-pound block of government cheese on the shelf right below it. Apparently, one shelf could not support their combined weight. According to my mother, it was a very cost-effective and a convenient trade-off: You just sliced yourself off a hunk of cheese for a snack, and she continued to watch TV. Even today, around our house, lunch is still a sandwich: sandwich with this, sandwich with that... Dullsville. If you eat one almost daily, like we do, it's a challenge to come up with interesting combos that everybody likes but have more snob appeal than bologna and cheese on white. 

With that in mind, here are some sandwich options that will impress your family and friends. The good news is that they are easy to make. Did I mention that you can clean out the fridge at the same time by using up some leftovers? That should give you more than enough room for a five-pound bologna roll.

Grilled Patty Melt on Sourdough with Caramelized Onions and Spicy Ketchup

Instead of burgers, you and the kids will love this retro alternative.

Toasted Tuscan Chicken Sandwich with Roasted Red Peppers, Fontina, and Pesto Mayonnaise 

This is a sure-fire and colorful way to use up that leftover chicken. 

Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella, Lettuce, and Tomato on a Buttered Baguette with Dijon Mustard

Simple, fresh, and tasty, it is a staple for breakfast or a quick lunch in southern France. 

BBQ Brisket Sandwich with Bread and Butter Pickles

This is a great way to use leftover pot roast.