The Most Popular Sandwich in the United States, Ranked

Choose the sandwich you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 24, 2024 07:35
In a nation as diverse as the United States, food acts as a common thread that intertwines various cultures and tastes, reflecting the melting pot that the country represents. Sandwiches, a staple in American cuisine, come in an almost infinite variety of ingredients and styles, each rooted in different local traditions and flavors. By ranking the most popular sandwich, it’s not just about seeing which sandwich tops the list, but about understanding regional preferences and the stories behind these culinary favorites. This dynamic ranking relies on your input to paint a true picture of sandwich popularity across the country. Every vote helps in sculpting a clearer and more accurate national preference, giving curious food lovers insights into what might be their next favorite meal. Furthermore, participating in the voting process connects you with a nationwide community of fellow food enthusiasts, all contributing to a comprehensive guide to America's best-loved sandwiches.

What Is the Most Popular Sandwich in the United States?

  1. 1
    44
    votes

    BLT

    The classic combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato on toasted bread is a favorite across the country.
    The BLT burger at Five Guys is a mouthwatering combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato slices, all layered between two perfectly grilled beef patties. It is a classic yet elevated take on the traditional BLT sandwich, bursting with flavors and textures.
    • Bun: Sesame Seed Bun
    • Patties: Two grilled beef patties
    • Bacon: Crispy bacon strips
    • Lettuce: Fresh lettuce leaves
    • Tomato: Ripe tomato slices
  2. 2
    29
    votes
    This simple sandwich of melted cheese between two slices of bread is a comfort food staple.
    Grilled Cheese is a classic comfort food made by toasting melted cheese between two slices of buttered bread. It is a simple yet delicious dish that is loved by people of all ages. The warm, gooey cheese inside the crispy bread creates a perfect combination of textures and flavors.
    • Bread: Usually made with white bread, but variations with sourdough, whole wheat, or rye bread are also common.
    • Cheese: A variety of cheeses can be used, such as cheddar, American, Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella.
    • Butter: The bread is typically buttered on the outside, giving it a crisp and golden brown exterior.
    • Cooking Method: Traditionally cooked on a stovetop or griddle, though it can also be made in a toaster, sandwich press, or oven.
    • Variations: Many variations exist, including adding ingredients like bacon, tomato, avocado, or ham.
    Grilled Cheese in other rankings
  3. 3
    16
    votes
    Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a childhood favorite that many Americans continue to enjoy into adulthood.
    PB&J, short for Peanut Butter and Jelly, is a classic sandwich widely popular in the United States. It consists of a filling made by spreading peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other, then combining them to create a flavorful and sweet sandwich.
    • Ingredients: Peanut butter, jelly, and bread
    • Bread types: White bread, wheat bread, or multigrain bread
    • Peanut butter variations: Smooth peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter
    • Jelly flavors: Grape jelly, strawberry jelly, raspberry jelly, or other fruit jellies
    • Texture: Combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth jelly
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    This triple-decker sandwich with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo is a go-to at many delis and diners.
    The Turkey Club is a classic and beloved sandwich in the United States. It is a triple-decker sandwich consisting of layers of turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, served between three slices of toasted bread. The combination of tender turkey, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying and flavorful sandwich.
    • Main Ingredients: Turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise
    • Bread Type: Toasted bread
    • Layer Structure: Triple-decker
    • Serving Style: Cold
    • Flavor Profile: Savory, salty, and fresh
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    This hearty sandwich of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread is a beloved staple of Jewish delis.
    The Reuben is a classic cold sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread.
    • Bread: Rye
    • Meat: Corned Beef
    • Cheese: Swiss
    • Topping: Sauerkraut
    • Dressing: Russian
  6. 6
    10
    votes

    Philly Cheesesteak

    Pat Olivieri
    This iconic sandwich of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and onions on a hoagie roll originated in Philadelphia and has since spread throughout the country.
    The Philly Cheesesteak is a popular sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is made with thinly sliced beefsteak, typically ribeye, which is cooked on a griddle along with onions. The meat is then topped with melted cheese, usually provolone or Cheez Whiz, and served on a long roll. It is known for its unique combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and flavorful onions.
    • Bread: Long roll
    • Meat: Thinly sliced beefsteak (ribeye)
    • Cheese: Provolone or Cheez Whiz
    • Onions: Griddled with the meat
    • Cooking method: Griddled
    Philly Cheesesteak in other rankings
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    This classic sandwich of canned tuna mixed with mayo, celery, and onion on bread can be found in lunch boxes and deli cases across the country.
    Tuna salad is a popular American salad made with tuna fish as the main ingredient. It is commonly enjoyed as a sandwich filling or served on top of fresh greens or crackers. The combination of tuna, mayonnaise, and various seasonings creates a creamy and flavorful salad that is loved by many.
    • Main Ingredient: Tuna fish
    • Texture: Creamy
    • Common Seasonings: Mayonnaise, salt, pepper, celery, onion, lemon juice
    • Serving Style: Sandwich filling, salad topping, or served with crackers
    • Optional Ingredients: Pickles, chopped hard-boiled eggs, mustard, relish
    Tuna Salad in other rankings
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    This simple combination of sliced ham and Swiss cheese on bread is a popular choice for deli sandwiches.
    The Ham and Swiss sandwich is a classic favorite in the United States. It is a delicious combination of thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese packed between two slices of bread. The ham provides a savory and salty flavor, while the Swiss cheese adds a creamy and nutty taste. The sandwich is typically served cold, making it a refreshing and satisfying choice for any time of the day.
    • Bread type: Typically uses soft bread like white, wheat, or rye
    • Ham: Thinly sliced ham, often honey or smoked ham
    • Cheese: Swiss cheese, known for its mild and nutty flavor
    • Condiments: Mayonnaise or mustard are commonly added for extra flavor
    • Vegetables: Lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles can be included for added freshness and crunch
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    This hot sandwich of meatballs, tomato sauce, and melted cheese on a hoagie roll is a favorite at Italian-American restaurants.
    The Meatball Sub is a popular sandwich in the United States that consists of meatballs, typically made from ground beef or a combination of beef and pork, served in a long bread roll. The meatballs are cooked in marinara sauce and then placed in the roll, which is often toasted or warmed. The sandwich is typically topped with melted cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, and can be garnished with additional ingredients like onions, peppers, or parmesan cheese.
    • Meatballs: Usually made from ground beef or a combination of beef and pork
    • Marinara Sauce: Used to cook and coat the meatballs for added flavor
    • Bread Roll: Typically a long, soft roll like a sub or hoagie roll
    • Cheese: Melted cheese on top, often mozzarella or provolone
    • Toasting: The roll can be toasted or warmed for added texture and flavor
  10. 10
    2
    votes
    This modern take on the classic Caesar salad combines grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing in a wrap.
    The Chicken Caesar Wrap is a flavorful and satisfying wrap offered by Nando's, a popular casual dining restaurant chain. It features succulent grilled chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. The wrap offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with the savory chicken complemented by the freshness of the lettuce and the richness of the Caesar dressing.
    • Main Ingredient: Grilled chicken breast
    • Additional Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, shaved Parmesan cheese
    • Dressing: Creamy Caesar dressing
    • Wrap Type: Soft tortilla
    • Texture: Succulent and crisp
    Chicken Caesar Wrap in other rankings

Missing your favorite sandwich?

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Ranking factors for popular sandwich

  1. Regional preferences
    Different regions may have distinct sandwich preferences, so it is essential to account for regional popularity. For example, a po' boy sandwich may be more popular in the southern United States, while a lobster roll might be more popular in the northeast.
  2. Survey data
    Surveys and polls conducted by various organizations or online platforms can help gather public opinion on the popularity of different sandwiches, providing valuable insights into consumer preferences.
  3. Restaurant menus and offerings
    Analyzing the types of sandwiches commonly available on restaurant menus can help rank the overall popularity of sandwiches. A sandwich that is a regular offering across a wide array of food establishments is likely to be more popular.
  4. Culture and history
    The cultural and historical significance of certain sandwiches can play a role in their popularity. For example, the PB&J (peanut butter and jelly) sandwich has a long-standing history in American culture and is a popular choice for many.
  5. Ingredients and variations
    The availability and popularity of certain ingredients or variations may contribute to the overall popularity of a sandwich. Additionally, some sandwiches can be easily customized, making them more appealing to a broader range of tastes and preferences.
  6. Nutritional value and health trends
    Health-conscious consumers might prefer sandwiches with nutritious ingredients or those that align with current health trends (such as low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian options). These trends can impact the popularity of specific sandwich types.
  7. Media and celebrity endorsements
    Media coverage and celebrity endorsements can create buzz around specific sandwiches, contributing to their popularity. Sandwiches that have gained attention through TV shows, movies, or famous personalities may rank higher in popularity.
  8. Price and affordability
    A sandwich's price point and accessibility can play a role in its popularity. Sandwiches that are relatively affordable and widely available tend to be more popular among the masses.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular sandwich in the United States. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or sandwich is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1441 views
  • 160 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each sandwich once every 24 hours. The rank of each sandwich is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular sandwich in the united states

When it comes to sandwiches, the options are endless, from classic PB&J to the iconic BLT or the hearty Philly cheesesteak. But which sandwich is the most popular in the United States? According to various surveys and polls, the answer is not so clear-cut. Different regions and demographics have their own preferences, making it difficult to pinpoint a definitive winner. However, some sandwiches have consistently ranked high in popularity, such as the classic turkey and cheese, the savory grilled cheese, and the hearty Italian sub. With so many delicious options to choose from, it's no wonder why sandwiches continue to be a beloved and versatile meal choice for Americans of all ages.

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