When thinking about American cuisine, many things come to mind: from a classic cheeseburger to a humble hot dog, there’s an endless list of foods considered to be American staples. However, one type of food is most common all over the US: the simple sandwich! From the East Coast to West Coast, nearly every state in the United States has a sandwich they claim as their own – it isn’t just a sandwich, though… It’s a symbol that represents deep-rooted local history and pride.
In this article, we’ll take a quick tour across America to look at some of the most iconic sandwiches from each region – and who knows? Maybe you’ll learn about some that you never even knew existed!
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NORTHEAST CELEBRITIES
The Northeastern United States is well known for many iconic sandwiches – perhaps some of the more internationally recognized ones.
New York – The Reuben Sandwich
A deli legend, the Reuben Sandwich is stacked with corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and topped with Russian dressing. These ingredients are then grilled between two slices of buttered rye bread. Sure, it’s a little messy – but it’s crazy satisfying.
Pennsylvania – Philly Cheesesteak
Thinly sliced beefsteak is grilled with onions and melted cheese – the best part is that the cheese is customizable, so you can go classic American or even provolone for a more pungent flavor – and served on a long hoagie roll that you can share with a friend or have alone! (We prefer to be alone.)
Maine – Lobster Roll
Maine’s lobster rolls are all about the fresh, sweet lobster meat, so there’s really no need for additional sauces or toppings. A soft toasted bun is split in half and then dressed lightly with a thin layer of mayo or butter and stacked high with the freshest lobster meat you can get.
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Kentucky — Hot Brown
An open-faced sandwich that’s layered with roasted turkey, bacon, showered in a rich cheese sauce, and finally, broiled until golden.
Louisiana — Po’ Boy
A New Orleans classic, the Po’Boy brags crispy fried seafood (catfish, oysters, shrimp, whatever tickles your fancy) into a fluffy French loaf with crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, tangy pickles, and mayo.
Tennessee — Fried Bologna Sandwich
Never underestimate humble ingredients – this statement is true when it comes to the Fried Bologna Sandwich! Thick slices of bologna are pan-fried until nice and crispy on the edges, stacked with cheese and condiments, and then tucked in between two slices of white bread or a soft bun.
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Illinois — Chicago Italian Beef
Roast beef is thinly sliced and soaked in a deliciously savory au jus (a thin sauce made with the natural juices of roasted meats), shoved into a crusty roll, and topped with sweet peppers.
Minnesota — Jucy Lucy
Okay, so this is technically a burger, but we snuck it onto our list anyway. The Juicy Lucy is as sexy as it sounds – a burger, sure, but cheese is inside the patty, which creates a melted core when you bite into it. Gooey, rich, and oh-so delicious!
Ohio — Polish Boy
Cleveland’s boldest sandwich, the Polish Boy is a smokey kielbasa sandwich stacked with tangy coleslaw, French Fries, and a more than generous drizzle of barbeque sauce shoved into a bun.
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California — French Dip
A sandwich for those who appreciate something simple that can still satisfy that meaty craving. The French Dip has thinly sliced roast beef on a simple roll, and it’s served with a side of warm au jus for dipping.
Oregon — Turkey & Cranberry Sandwich
Ever heard of the Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich? This sandwich combines roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and usually cream cheese of stuffing between two slices of hearty bread. It’s a delicious sandwich no matter what time of the year you eat it!
Washington — Salmon Sandwich
Fresh Pacific salmon is grilled and layered with mixed greens, an aioli of some kind, and pickled vegetables (usually red onion) on a fancy artisan bun. It’s a true nod to the West Coast’s love for seafood and fresh flavors.
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SURPRISE GUESTS
Florida — Cuban Sandwich
The Cuban Sandwich is a delicious blend of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and tangy mustard on Cuban bread – it doesn’t just stop there. It’s also pressed flat until crispy and golden, leaving you with a sandwich that’s crunchy on the outside and melty on the inside.
New Jersey — Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) Sandwich
This breakfast sandwich has slices of griddled ham neatly tucked into a little roll with egg and cheese. The perfect way to start your day! Now we understand why breakfast is the most important part of the day…
Massachusetts — Fluffernutter
A sandwich that’s perfect for your inner child, the Fluffernutter sandwich is just sweet marshmallow fluff and peanut butter in between two slices of white bread. This counts as dessert, right?
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A SANDWICH FOR EVERYONE & ANYONE
Of course, this isn’t a definitive list of every sandwich in the US – we fear you would be reading this article forever if that were the case.
The truth is that the thing that makes these sandwiches so interesting isn’t actually the ingredients inside them, but rather where they come from. In America, the sandwich isn’t just a simple lunch – it’s the story of working-class roots, immigrant influences, local ingredients, and tradition. There’s one thing we know for sure, though – no matter where you go, you’re bound to find a sandwich that suits your taste.