Grayson West
Trends come and go, but some sandwiches disappear completely—no viral comeback, no nostalgic revival, just gone. Ever heard of a peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwich? Revolting! But it was a thing. So was the liverwurst special. These sandwiches once graced American lunchboxes and diners, but today, they’re relics of the past. Here’s what they were.
Peanut Butter & Mayonnaise—The Depression-Era Oddity
People willingly ate this? Yes. During the Great Depression, peanut butter and mayo sandwiches were a cheap, protein-packed meal. Some even swore by the creamy, tangy combination. Now, it sounds like a cruel dare rather than a lunch option. If someone offers you one, question their motives.
The Liverwurst & Onion—A Sandwich With A Cult Following
Liverwurst and onion had to be a commitment! Back in the day, deli counters sliced up this pungent, iron-rich spread without hesitation, and folks actually lined up for it. But let’s be honest—liverwurst smells like something you forgot in the back of the fridge, and raw onions don’t exactly tone it down. Today, you’ll only find it in old-school German delis or on the plate of someone who grew up being told, “It’s good for you.”
The Radish & Cottage Cheese—A Crunchy Misstep
In an attempt to be both nutritious and filling, they thought piling radish slices onto cottage cheese-covered bread was a good idea. The result? A sharp, peppery crunch clashing with a lumpy, bland base. It was marketed as a wholesome snack, but the combination lacked any real appeal. Over time, people opted for more balanced flavors, and this odd creation joined the dusty recipe books.
The Olive & Cream Cheese—A 1950s Cocktail Party Favorite
A piece of white bread, a thick layer of cream cheese, and an unsettling number of green olives. In the ‘50s, this was the height of sophistication—something you served guests while sipping martinis. Recipes even recommended arranging the olives in decorative patterns to impress your guests. Now, it just looks like a misguided attempt at gourmet toast.
The Pineapple & Miracle Whip—A Sweet & Tangy Disaster
Imagine heading to a family picnic, craving a simple ham sandwich, only to unwrap this monstrosity. It’s got canned pineapple and a thick layer of Miracle Whip, all stuffed between two slices of soft, flavorless bread. You take a bite, and as confusion sets in, it suddenly clicks—this is why you have trust issues. No surprise, this sandwich didn’t make it past the ’80s.
The Beef Tongue Sandwich—It’s Exactly What It Sounds Like
The beef tongue was once a sign of resourcefulness, a way to use every part of the animal and appreciate its rich flavor. However, telling someone to try it today is like handing them a “Fear Factor” challenge. Although it’s still beloved in certain traditional cuisines, both the name and the chewy texture made it a tough sell for future generations.
The Deviled Ham—Canned Meat At Its Most Questionable
A tiny metal can, a key you had to twist, and inside—a soft pink paste labeled “ham.” It had a spiced, smoky kick, but the texture? Suspicious at best. While some spread it on toasted bread, others questioned if it belonged in the food pyramid at all. Even though canned food is still popular, this sandwich option quietly faded away.
The Banana & Mayonnaise—A Southern Experiment Gone Wrong
Here’s another mayo-based creation that’s sparked its share of debate. Bananas and mayonnaise were inexplicably paired together on white bread in the South for decades. Some claim it’s sweet and creamy. Others claim it’s an insult to both bananas and mayonnaise. The sandwich has mostly faded from menus, and perhaps that’s for the best.
The Chipped Beef on Toast—A Military “Delicacy”
Also known as “S.O.S” (you can guess what it really stood for), this dish was a military staple. Dried, salted beef smothered in thick white gravy and dumped onto toast. It was cheap, filling, and often the only option. Soldiers ate it out of necessity, but thankfully, modern military meals have come a long way since then.
The Mock Ham—The Great Depression’s Greatest Lie
No ham? No problem. Just dye bologna pink, smear it with mustard, and if you squint hard enough, maybe it will look like the real thing. This budget-friendly sandwich was common during tough times, but the mock version vanished once people could afford actual ham again. Rightfully so.