Easy Toppings To Make Any Sandwich Better

sandwiches with salami, ham, cheese, and tomatoes on parchment paper on white background
Easy Toppings To Make Any Sandwich BetterClaudia Totir - Getty Images

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a classic combination—with other favorite simple matches like BLTs and ham and cheese. However, these iconic sandwich mash-ups can get basic and boring rather quickly. There is no need to say so long to your beloved lunchtime sandwich. After all, sandwiches are incredibly easy to make, economical, and not to mention super delicious. Plus, they pair well with everything. Whether it be a cup of soup, a piece of fresh fruit, or a side salad, sandwiches play well with others. If you are looking for creative, simple, and tasty ways to take your lunchtime sandwich game to the next level, try these twelve toppings that can give any sandwich a five-star rating.

Avocado

Do you have any ripe avocados you need to put to good use? Mash them up for a homemade sandwich spread or slice them up for an easy topper. Avocados offer a savory and smooth texture and are a great way to load up on more mindful fat sources instead of piling on store-bought condiments.

vegetable sandwich's on a rustic wood background
JMichl - Getty Images

Apple Slices

Although a fresh apple is a delectable complement to any sandwich as a side, fresh apple slices are delightful atop your handcrafted sandwich. Apple slices provide a crisp crunch that offers a fresh flavor and a subtle sweetness or tartness depending on your choice. Apples also balance out strong flavors such as goat cheese and provide a well-balanced taste to even out your sammie’s flavor profile. You can also opt for other fresh fruits like cantaloupe, honeydew, pears, and watermelon.

chicken apple sandwich
mitchellpictures - Getty Images

Kimchi

Looking to add a spicy kick to your sandwich? Try a scoop or two of kimchi. Made with Chinese napa cabbage, Korean radish, and scallions, as well as some other veggies depending on the brand, kimchi delivers a powerful punch of flavor to any homemade creation. Spicy Korean Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich, anyone?

spicy korean kimchi grilled cheese sandwich's
LauriPatterson - Getty Images

Apple Slices

Although a fresh apple is a delectable complement to any sandwich as a side, fresh apple slices are delightful atop your handcrafted sandwich. Apple slices provide a crisp crunch that offers a fresh flavor and a subtle sweetness or tartness depending on your choice. Apples also balance out strong flavors such as goat cheese and provide a well-balanced taste to even out your sammie’s flavor profile. You can also opt for other fresh fruits like cantaloupe, honeydew, pears, and watermelon.

chicken apple sandwich
mitchellpictures - Getty Images

Avocado

Do you have any ripe avocados you need to put to good use? Mash them up for a homemade sandwich spread or slice them up for an easy topper. Avocados offer a savory and smooth texture and are a great way to load up on more mindful fat sources instead of piling on store-bought condiments.

vegetable sandwich's on a rustic wood background
JMichl - Getty Images

Crispy Bacon

Bacon just makes everything better and if you are looking for an easy topping to improve your sandwich, start with the basics—crispy pan-fried bacon. Not only does bacon provide an addictive crunch, but it also gives that sammie an irresistible savory flavor. Cue mouths drooling everywhere.

preparing a blt sandwich
LauriPatterson - Getty Images

Herbs and Herb-Infused Oils

Want to take that sandwich from drab to fab? Try a handful of fresh herbs or herb-infused oils. A few basil leaves, oregano leaves, or sprigs of rosemary from your garden or kitchen window sill can easily add depth to any sandwich. High-quality oil like chili oil, extra virgin olive oil, maybe something infused with garlic and herbs, will add phenomenal flavor to that lunchtime sandwich.

fresh salad dressing with rosemary, garlic and lemon
Burcu Atalay Tankut - Getty Images

Crispy Bacon

Bacon just makes everything better and if you are looking for an easy topping to improve your sandwich, start with the basics—crispy pan-fried bacon. Not only does bacon provide an addictive crunch, but it also gives that sammie an irresistible savory flavor. Cue mouths drooling everywhere.

preparing a blt sandwich
LauriPatterson - Getty Images

Herbs and Herb-Infused Oils

Want to take that sandwich from drab to fab? Try a handful of fresh herbs or herb-infused oils. A few basil leaves, oregano leaves, or sprigs of rosemary from your garden or kitchen window sill can easily add depth to any sandwich. High-quality oil like chili oil, extra virgin olive oil, maybe something infused with garlic and herbs, will add phenomenal flavor to that lunchtime sandwich.

fresh salad dressing with rosemary, garlic and lemon
Burcu Atalay Tankut - Getty Images

Kimchi

Looking to add a spicy kick to your sandwich? Try a scoop or two of kimchi. Made with Chinese napa cabbage, Korean radish, and scallions, as well as some other veggies depending on the brand, kimchi delivers a powerful punch of flavor to any homemade creation. Spicy Korean Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich, anyone?

spicy korean kimchi grilled cheese sandwich's
LauriPatterson - Getty Images

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables are another easy topping to make any sandwich better. They offer a great crunch and bring a bright acidity that can liven up any sandwich while bringing out other mellow flavors and really making them shine. Popular pickled options are, of course, pickled cucumbers, and also pickled jalapeño peppers and pickled red onions are so tasty.

sandwich with pickles and ham
BRETT STEVENS - Getty Images

Potato Chips

Potato chips are a classic accompaniment to almost any homemade sandwich, but instead of enjoying a bag of chips on the side, why not add them as a crunchy and salty topping? There's pretty much no simpler and easier improvement to your bite than some chips.

pastrami sandwich
LauriPatterson - Getty Images

Roasted Vegetables

Some of the best sandwiches can consist of mainly veggies, but if you prefer a protein-heavy lunch, still add some roasted veggies leftover from dinner last night as an easy topper. Anything goes, but some easy and delicious options include butternut squash, caramelized onions, roasted cauliflower, and sweet potato slices.

roast chicken breast sandwich
Lara Hata - Getty Images

Sautéed Vegetables

Sautéing is a cooking method that delivers a savory depth of flavor that can easily brighten up the most boring of vegetables. Plus, sautéed veggies are a great way to add some flavor and nutrition to your sandwich. Open the fridge and do a clean sweep of whatever you have on hand. Think of things like carrots, celery, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and spinach. Simply sauté and you have a super simple sandwich topping. *Chef’s kiss.*

healthy vegan roasted vegetable sandwich
haoliang - Getty Images

Something Sweet

A good sandwich is all about balance, and depending on your sandwich fillings, you may need a layer of something sweet to round things out. Jam is not just for PB&J sandwiches, it can also add some refreshing brightness to sandwich creation making it a complete sensation. Bacon jam, pepper jelly, raspberry jam, strawberry jam, the options are endless. Go on and get your jam on!

peanut butter and jam on toast
LauriPatterson - Getty Images

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Garden fresh tomato slices are a boost to almost any sandwich, but why not try something different like sun-dried tomatoes? Chewy, yet full of flavor, sun-dried tomatoes are another way to put a spin on a classic sandwich ingredient in order to upgrade your sandwich, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

ham, egg and sun dried tomato sandwich
BlakeDavidTaylor - Getty Images

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