Do You Still Crave Any Of These 20 Classic Sandwiches?

Once upon a lunch hour, every diner and deli counter had a sandwich that defined the times. But tastes change, and some of those handheld classics have quietly disappeared from menus and memories alike. In this nostalgic look back, we’re unwrapping the flavors that once ruled America’s bread-and-butter scene. Keep reading to discover which retro favorites deserve a comeback and maybe a spot in your kitchen again.

Olive And Cream Cheese Sandwich

You might’ve seen this one make a small comeback online, but it’s actually been around since 1909. Just chopped olives and cream cheese on bread; it was a go-to afternoon snack in the 1970s. These days, though, you’d be lucky to spot this tangy treat anywhere outside vintage recipe books.

Sardine Sandwich

Before “superfoods” became a buzzword, the sardine sandwich was doing the job. Cheap, full of protein, and loaded with omega-3s, it kept families going during the Depression. If you want to try it today, a squeeze of lemon or a bit of mustard can cut through that strong fishy flavor.

Bologna And Ketchup Sandwich

Sure, it’s not exactly gourmet, yet for mid-century families, bologna and ketchup on soft white bread hit the spot. When money was tight, the quick and cheap meal filled plenty of lunch boxes. Today, although fancy sandwich shops might turn up their noses, it once kept America running.

Tongue Sandwich

Yes, it sounds strange now, but the tongue sandwich used to be a deli favorite, especially in New York’s Jewish communities. Only thin slices of beef tongue on buttered bread, no fuss. Over time, people swapped it for simpler meats, and that classic quietly disappeared from most menus.

Chipped Beef On Toast

If you’ve ever heard the term “S.O.S.,” you’ve heard of this dish. It’s just creamy white sauce poured over toast with slices of dried beef. Soldiers ate it during World War II, and it stuck around as a nostalgic diner favorite ever since.

Peanut Butter And Bacon Sandwich

You can thank Elvis for making this one famous. Peanut butter and crispy bacon might sound odd, but together, they hit that salty-sweet spot. Some say it started during the Depression, but The King’s version (with a banana, of course) made it a pop-culture snack legend.

Deviled Ham Sandwich

It’s funny how something as old as deviled ham still shows up in pantries. The blend of ham, mustard, and mild spice first appeared in 1868, carrying a name far hotter than its taste. That mischievous red devil logo has also kept generations curious enough to keep buying.

Fried Bologna Sandwich

Born from thrift but rich in flavor, the fried bologna sandwich has never lost its charm. Thick slices sizzle in butter until crisp, then meet mustard or cheese on white bread. Southerners still celebrate it proudly as their “poor man’s steak.”

Cucumber And Watercress Sandwich

The cucumber and watercress sandwich once ruled the world of proper afternoon teas. It was a sign of fancy tea parties, oozing pure Victorian elegance. Just thin slices, buttered white bread, and no crusts allowed. It’s simple, refreshing, but kind of forgotten now. 

Egg And Olive Sandwich

Back in the ‘30s and ’40s, this was a protein-packed lunch favorite. Chopped eggs, sliced olives, and a creamy mayo dressing. Sometimes, people also added a bit of celery or onion for crunch. It stayed popular in places like the Mohawk Valley. However, outside that, it’s mostly a memory now.

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

You can’t talk Southern comfort food without mentioning pimento cheese—the “caviar of the South.” Sharp cheddar and diced pimentos come together in a creamy, tangy spread that’s perfect between two slices of bread. It’s even a “Masters Tournament” tradition. These days, you’ll find it mostly in dips and snacks.

Chicken Salad With Grapes Sandwich

Have you ever wondered who thought about mixing chicken with mayo and grapes? That genius was Liam Gray, a Rhode Island butcher back in 1863. His idea turned leftovers into a timeless favorite. Sweet grapes and tender chicken still make for one of the most refreshing sandwiches around.

Liverwurst Sandwich

This one’s not for everyone, but if you love bold flavors, a liverwurst sandwich hits the mark. Sliced liver sausage on rye with onions or pickles. It’s a taste of old-school deli tradition that’s packed with nutrients and nostalgia in equal measure.

Pineapple And Mayo Sandwich

Yes, this one is made exactly how the name suggests, and interestingly, it started in Pine Apple, Alabama. When canned pineapple became popular in the late 1800s, people started pairing it with mayonnaise on bread. Sweet and tangy, it was a lunchbox favorite across the South before slowly fading into memory.

Spam And Pickle Sandwich

Spam might’ve been born from wartime necessity, yet it’s stuck around for a reason. Layer that salty, savory meat with tangy pickles on soft bread, and you’ve got a sandwich that’s simple and oddly addictive. Today, it’s beloved in places like Hawaii and South Korea.

Tomato And Miracle Whip Sandwich

Few things scream summer like fresh tomatoes on white bread. Traditionally, Southerners used real mayo (usually Duke’s), but when Miracle Whip came along in the 1930s, it offered a cheaper alternative. Some swear by it; others refuse it. But either way, this sandwich defines hot-weather simplicity.

Creamed Tuna Sandwich

During the Great Depression, families stretched every can of tuna they could find. The result: Creamed tuna. Basically, that has tuna with a buttery white sauce, sometimes with peas, served on toast or bread. It’s comforting, and proof that simple ingredients can create lasting comfort food.

Cheese And Apple Sandwich

Though cheddar and apple might sound fancy, it’s been a go-to pairing since medieval times. In sandwich form, it’s both crisp and creamy, especially when grilled. New England and Midwest homes in the 1940s swore by this simple mix of tangy cheese and tart apple slices.

Ham Salad Sandwich

Got leftover ham? Turn it into ham salad. Sometimes, the simplest meals really do say it all. Chopped ham, mayo, relish, maybe some celery or egg—the definition of old-fashioned goodness. It showed up at potlucks and even funerals, where comfort food mattered most. 

Date And Nut Sandwich

In 1950s New York, you couldn’t walk into Chock Full o’Nuts without seeing one of these. Soft date-nut bread with a layer of cream cheese! This was a lunchtime hit for city workers and even Hollywood stars like Lauren Bacall.