12 Mouthwatering Recipes Inspired By Classic Sandwiches

Feb 28, 2012

To kick off sandwich week here at Brit, we got to thinking about how you simply can't go wrong with a classic sandwich. Grilled Cheese, Reuben, Turkey, Club, Monte Cristo, Roast Beef, PB&J, Banh Mi. They're always good, simple to make, and have inspired t-shirts, photo projects, and even have a national day. But, the sandwich game can border on monotonous day in and day out. So, naturally, we took it upon ourselves to scour the web for a dozen creative, delicious, gourmet takes on the classic sandwich. (P.S. There are grilled cheese croutons involved.)

1. Shredded Pork Banh Mi Bites: Definitely the newest classic on the block here in the states, this staple Vietnamese sandwich serves up a surprisingly delicious combination of fresh pickles, daikon, flavorful pork meat and tender sprigs of cilantro all on crusty french bread. Seeing as we love everything in bite form, these are right up our alley. (Recipe and photo: White On Rice)

2. Reuben Egg Rolls: Reuben. Egg. Rolls. The move of putting a sandwich in an egg roll is not done often enough, and we just might have some sandwich-inspired dumplings up our sleeve. On a related note, mac and cheese in an egg roll is also exquisite. (Recipe and photo: Simple Comfort Food)

3. Club Sandwich Salad: The deconstructed club is a delicious somewhat gourmet take on our favorite triangular sandwich. This version includes smoked bacon, heirloom tomatoes, grilled chicken breast and a totally addictive creamy lemon-mustard dressing. (Recipe and photo: Clare Cooks)

4. Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes: Chicken salad gets a healthy bite size update in this cute canapé. This recipe takes texture seriously, and adds refreshing water chestnuts and chopped celery. We'd love to try a take on this using curried chicken salad and cucumber cups. (Recipe and photo: A Zesty Bite)

5. BLT Soup: Your favorite soup you never knew existed. The perfect combination of creamy, smokey, and savory, this soup gets a major (totally unnecessary but awesome) upgrade with a side of grilled cheese for dipping. Sandwich sandwich? Yes please. (Recipe and photo: Soup Addict)

6. Piquillo Peppers Stuffed With Tuna Salad: Tuna salad is one of those things that tends to be a bachelor pad staple. First, tuna comes in a can which makes it invincible. Second, all you really need is mayo and bread to finish the job. But it's time to spice things up, Spanish style. Roast up some spicy sweet piquillo peppers and fill with tuna salad and artichokes. So good! (Recipe and photo: Bitchin' Camero)

7. Cornucopia Turkey Rolls: Employing a pretty genius dixie cup plus aluminum foil method for keeping the roll open, these rolls are ideal for Thanksgiving leftovers. And no, it's never too early to start thinking of creative ways to use turkey day leftovers. ;) (Recipe and photo: Diamonds for Dessert)

8. The Opulent Open Face: Based on the classic diner open-face roast beef sandwich, this 5 star piece of seared bison features potatoes dauphinoise and a rich bordelaise sauce. (Recipe and photo: Tasty Trix)

9. Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Croutons: Talk about comfort food. Nothing makes us feel as cozy and warm as tomato soup with grilled cheese, so it's only obvious that the two should get even closer. We can see grilled cheese croutons becoming fast friends with just about every soup we love. (Recipe and photo: Closet Cooking)

10. Monte Cristo Rolls: I think we can all agree that everything is better when you add puff pastry. These Monte Cristo Rolls are no exception and, paired with raspberry preserves, are a perfect bite for brunch! (Recipe and photo: Better Recipes)

11. PB&J Pie Sticks: Wait, I wonder if we can make that a pop? That's a question that pops (couldn't resist) up here at Brit HQ all the time. Well, these PB&J Pie Sticks do just that but with a warm, rustic, handmade feel. Perhaps pie sticks will be the new cake pops? (Recipe and photo: Spoon Fork Bacon)

12. Elvis Panini: And finally, a sandwich fit for a king. The King, in fact. Known for favoring a good old Peanut Butter and Banana sandwich (also a favorite of our founder, Brit), this panini throws in a few slices of thick-cut bacon grilled to the point of smokey sweetness. Yum. (Recipe and photo: Ezra Poundcake)

Stay tuned for more sandwichery all week! And if you've got a homespun sandwich-inspired recipe we've just gotta hear about, find us on Twitter or say hi in the notes below.

23 Easy Friendsgiving Appetizers To Share With Your Besties

Don’t tell the fam, but Friendsgiving may have topped Thanksgiving as your favorite holiday. There’s no feeling like you have to one-up your cousin, you can have that extra glass of affordable fall wine without judgment, and you get to eat food that you *actually* like (sorry, stuffing). Easy Friendsgiving recipes are easy to come by, so when you’re assigned the appetizer, there’s no excuse not to rock it.

Get the table set and throw your apron on, because these easy and elegant appetizers will be the talk of your squad until Friendsgiving 2025.

Brit + Co

Cantaloupe, Prosciutto and Rosemary on Triscuits

The combo of smooth fruit, salty prosciutto, and fresh herbs (plus the crunch of your favorite cracker) is literally mouth-watering. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Crescent Roll Cornucopia

This isn't your average cheese-board. The DIY cornucopia is easier than it looks and it's both delicious and Instagram-able. (via Brit + Co)

Ron Lach / PEXELS

The Easiest Baked Brie

Brie is a great app because it goes so well with so many other things: veggies, meat, fruit, crackers. You name it, this melty cheese will pair perfectly. (via Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic

Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe a cinch, and there's nothing better than when it's wrapped around melted gruyere with honey, rosemary, and garlic and baked. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Feed Me Phoebe

Warm Butternut Squash Dip with Gruyère and Pistachios

Does anything sound more autumnal than butternut squash dip? Negative. Make it cheesy with gruyère and add a salty crunch with pistachios. (via Feed Me Phoebe)

Creme de la Crumb

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Salad is a necessity for your Friendsgiving meal, and this one makes a great first course. Good luck trying to keep everyone from filling up before dinner. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Reluctant Entertainer

Apricot Ricotta Honey Basil Bites

If you have other dishes to prepare, no-cook appetizers are a great way to keep your guests satisfied without having to make more room in the oven. These ripe apricots are stuffed with honey-sweetened ricotta and topped with basil and tangy balsamic. (via Reluctant Entertainer)

Fit Foodie Finds

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are definitely a love-it-or-hate-it veggie. Pro tip: if you wrap it in bacon, people will be a lot more likely to love them. (via Fit Foodie Finds)

The Mediterranean Dish

French Baked Brie Recipe with Figs, Walnuts and Pistachios

When you’re planning out your perfect Friendsgiving menu, remember that you can’t go wrong with warmed brie. Serve with your favorite multigrain crackers and watch it disappear before your eyes. (via The Mediterranean Dish)

Happy Kitchen Rocks

Baked Figs with Goat Cheese

In just 15 minutes you could be serving your friends this luxurious hors d’oeuvre. Switch things up and stuff with your choice of blue cheese, goat cheese or ricotta. (via Happy Kitchen Rocks)

Macheesmo

Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

Cipollini onions make the perfect miniature alternative to a big ol’ blooming onion. This way, everyone can have as many as they want without having to share. (via Macheesmo)

Snixy Kitchen

Butternut Squash Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Give your traditional deviled eggs a fall twist by adding butternut squash to your filling. Top with crispy bacon to balance the sweetness and add a smokey quality. (via Snixy Kitchen)

Chef in Training

Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

This is *not* your grandma’s cheese ball. Cranberry and orange give it a seasonal flavor and sweetness that’ll rival the meal’s desserts. (via Chef in Training)

Reluctant Entertainer

Honey Crisp and Goat Cheese Ladyfinger Crostini Appetizer

Did you think ladyfingers were only for tiramisu? Think again! Switch from your usual baguette crostini and top the cookies with apples and goat cheese. (via Reluctant Entertainer)

The Pioneer Woman

Perfect Fall Cheese Board

Fruit, olives and gouda — oh my! Building the perfect cheese board is an art you can master. Hint: layering different textures and heights is key. (via The Pioneer Woman)

Parsnips and Pastries

Roasted Grape Crostini With Lemon Ricotta and Honey

Don’t underestimate the power of a honeyed crostini. When that warm grape pops in your mouth… pure bliss. (via Parsnips and Pastries)

Real Simple Good

Mashed Sweet Potato Bacon Cups

If you can boil potatoes, you can make these cups. They require only six ingredients, and your squad is sure to fall in love with them. Winning! (via Real Simple Good)

Neighbor Food

Parmesan Asparagus Tart

You *finally* have a reason to use that puff pastry in the freezer. Between the flaky crust and creamy Parmesan-ricotta topping, this may just be your new favorite starter. (via Neighbor Food)

Gimme Some Oven

Baked Samosas

Traditionally, samosas are made with sheet phyllo dough and folded into triangles. Opt for that if you have more time, or try a quick version using pre-made phyllo cups. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Nutmeg Nanny

Sausage, Spinach and Mushroom Phyllo Cups

These bite-size treats are as easy as sautéing the filling ingredients together and popping the filled cups in the oven to melt the cheese. They’re quick, foolproof and, most importantly, delicious. (via Nutmeg Nanny)

As Easy As Apple Pie

Savory Pumpkin Hummus

Okay, you’re most likely going to have pumpkin pie for dessert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have pumpkin in your appetizer too. This hummus is ultra savory, so even if you don’t like pie, you’ll love this. (via As Easy As Apple Pie)

Mom on Timeout

Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs

Using frozen meatballs and a slow cooker saves you a ton of time come party day. Don’t be afraid of them turning out bland, though. Apples, apple cider and maple syrup make that impossible. (via Mom on Timeout)

The View from Great Island

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread

You can’t go wrong with a classic flavor combination like spinach and artichoke. Stuff in a hollowed loaf of Italian bread and slice to serve. (via The View from Great Island)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy Friendsgiving appetizer recipe ideas.

This post has been updated.

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Um, Did Joseph Quinn Accidentally Tell Us He's Joining Greta Gerwig's 'Narnia'?

My Facebook bio reads "I have a Narnia quote for every occasion," and the sentiment rings true. The hope and wonder found inside The Chronicles of Narnia played a huge role in shaping who I am as a writer and as a human. I'm a part of a Facebook group and keep up with some online forums, which means that I can spot clickbait or a fake poster from a mile away.

After Netflix acquired the rights to The Chronicles of Narnia in 2018, I was on the edge of my seat to see who would be involved. So, as you can imagine, when it was finally confirmed Greta Gerwig (who directed 2019's Little Women, the other story that has heavily influenced my life) would write and direct the next two movies in the Narnia universe, I told everyone.

Although the books are no stranger to controversy, I'm confident Greta Gerwig will handle them with grace and tact because she has a knack for bringing stories into the 21st century while still feeling true to their original heart.

Here's the latest news on Greta Gerwig's new Narnia movies, curated by a Narnia superfan.

Is Joseph Quinn joining Narnia?

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

We haven't gotten an official confirmation that Joseph Quinn is joining the Narnia movies, but near the end of a Vanity Fair game with his Gladiator 2 costars, Fred Hechinger guesses Joe's favorite movie franchise is Narnia — and everyone immediately starts acting suspicious. Making faces at each other, getting quiet, and being super awkward is not the way to act inconspicuous, you guys. It definitely reminds me of the Outer Banks cast trying not to spoil the OBX 4 ending, which doesn't help the situation.

Who else could be in Greta Gerwig's Narnia cast?

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

After a reunion with Brie Larson at the 2024 Golden Globes (they starred in 2010's Greenberg together), X users are hoping the Oscar winner will make an appearance! "She need to get in Narnia somehow," one user said when they retweeted a video of the reunion. The reunion in question features Brie hopping like a bunny over to Greta, who squeals as they hug. That's exactly how I greet my friends IRL.

"When [Brie Larson] gets the Best Supporting Actress nomination for playing the White Witch, wait," one user added.

Saoirse Ronan told The Wrap at the Sundance Film Festival that she's already asked to be in Greta Gerwig's Narnia movies! The actress played the lead in two of Greta's films: Jo March in Little Women and the titular character in Ladybird. "We have that kind of relationship where I’m like 'So I’ll be in the next one!,'" she says. The actress also told The LA Times that "if [Greta] asks me, I’ll be in it."

Phil Bray/Disney Enterprises, Inc./Walden Media, LLC.

However, it looks like we do have an idea of who we won't see in the cast. OG Narnia cast member William Moseley (Peter Pevensie) told Bleeding Cool he doesn't expect a call from Greta Gerwig: "I’m not part of that world anymore, which sometimes makes me sad because I love the world of Narnia and becoming a part of it."

"In terms of what I think about Greta Gerwig directing, I think she’s incredible," he continues. "Barbie was an amazing movie, and Little Woman was brilliant. Everything she touches turns gold, so I think Netflix is lucky to have her, and I’m sure she will embrace the challenge. I hope she enjoys it because it’s an incredible world to create, and I can’t wait to see what she produces."

Which Narnia story is Greta Gerwig adapting?

Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media

The specific Narnia movies the writer-director's making haven't been named, but a TIME interview claims Greta's adapting "the first book" in the series. The only hiccup is that they don't confirm whether they mean the first book chronologically (The Magician's Nephew) or the first book C.S. Lewis published (The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe). I'm thinking it'll be The Magician's Nephew since we've never seen that story onscreen.

“[The films] won’t be counter to how the audience may have imagined those worlds,” Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos tells TIME, “but it will be bigger and bolder than they thought.”

While we don't have official confirmation on which movie Greta Gerwig is adapting, we know she wants it to have even more of an impact than Barbie. "I want to make it feel like magic," she says. “C.S. Lewis said that the goal of writing fantasy — you know, something from his imagination — he’d say, let’s say you wrote about an enchanted forest. The goal would be that then every time you walk into a forest after you read it, you’d say to yourself, ‘maybe this is an enchanted forest.’ So that’s a tall order, but I guess re-enchantment of the world [is my goal].”

It looks like we can expect to come away from Greta Gerwig's The Chronicles of Narnia movies with even more love for the world, more childlike wonder, and more courage and kindness towards each other — and I am totally here for it.

How long has Greta Gerwig wanted to make a Chronicles of Narnia movie?

Chang Ho/Warner Bros. Entertainment

Like the intentional planner she is, Greta Gerwig actually thought about directing a Narnia movie way before her involvement was ever confirmed. "I would say the land of Narnia is equally exciting and terrifying," she says on The Empire Film Podcast. "I have nothing really to report on it other than it’s something I was actually talking about before I made Barbie. So, that’s been sort of in my unconscious working its way through. But that has been a pattern. I wrote a draft of Little Women before I made Lady Bird."

Narnia, Little Women, Barbie — Greta Gerwig has a knack for turning our beloved childhood stories into something complex and emotional that resonates with us even more as adults!

“I’m slightly in the place of terror because I really do have such reverence for Narnia,” Greta tells BBC Radio 4. “I loved Narnia so much as a child. As an adult, C.S. Lewis is a thinker and a writer. I’m intimidated by doing this. It’s something that feels like a worthy thing to be intimidated by."

"As a non-British person, I feel a particular sense of wanting to do it correctly," she continues. "It’s like when Americans do Shakespeare, there’s a slight feeling of reverence and as if maybe we should treat it with extra care. It is not our countryman.”

Are these new The Chronicles of Narnia movies a continuation or a reboot?

Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media

We don't have any info yet on whether this adaptation will pick up where The Voyage of the Dawn Treader left off, whether it will be a remake of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, or if it will be a totally new story within the Narnia universe (similar to Prime Video's The Rings of Power).

I'm personally anticipating that it will be the first option because I would love to see Greta bring something like The Magician's Nephew (which has never been adapted) to life onscreen.

What is The Chronicles of Narnia about?

Disney Enterprises/Walden Media

The Chronicles of Narnia revolves around the fictional land of Narnia, and the children in our world who find it. Time passes differently in Narnia than it does on earth, which means that even though around 50 years pass for the characters, they find themselves in a different decade or century every time they reenter the magical land.

Each book has themes like good vs. evil, family, and identity as the characters face different challenges and adventures. The coolest thing about these books is how open-ended C.S. Lewis wrote them — because your own personal experiences, life lessons, and worldview impact your imagination, you have a different experience every time you read them.

“It’s connected to the folklore and fairy stories of England, but it’s a combination of different traditions,” Greta Gerwig tells TIME. “As a child, you accept the whole thing—that you’re in this land of Narnia, there’s fauns, and then Father Christmas shows up. It doesn’t even occur to you that it’s not schematic. I’m interested in embracing the paradox of the worlds that Lewis created, because that’s what’s so compelling about them.”

Are these new The Chronicles Of Narnia movies for Netflix?

Twentieth Century Fox Fim Corporation/Walden Media

Yes! Netflix acquired the rights to The Chronicles of Narnia (which were previously held by Walden Media) in 2018, but there wasn't much news for the next few years. The New Yorker confirmed that Greta is attached to write and direct these Narnia Netflix films in the near future.

Why did Disney stop making Narnia movies?

Courtesy 20th Century Fox/Walden Media

The final Chronicles of Narnia adaptation for Disney was 2010's The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Even though the film set up a sequel, issues with the rights ended the film series early.

The Chronicles Of Narnia Adaptations To Watch

Pierre Vinet/Disney Enterprises, Inc/Walden Media, LLC

Are you excited for Greta Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia movies? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Facebook for more movie news!

This post has been updated.

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A 'Game Of Thrones' Movie Is Coming — But Can It Fix That Controversial Finale?

Someone alert the Night’s Watch because a Game of Thrones movie is officially coming to the big screen! Yes, you read that right. It’s been five years since the controversial series finale aired on television. And now, fans have a chance to return to the fantasy world created by George R.R Martin. So, when is the movie set to premiere? Are there any former Game of Thrones cast members set to return for the film adaptation?

Here’s everything we know about the Game of Thrones movie, including plot, cast members, release date, and more.

Is there a movie for Game of Thrones?

Game of Thrones Movie News

Why yes, there is! The Hollywood Reporterconfirmed last week that the Game of Thrones movie is in the early stages of production. According to Entertainment Weekly, HBO and Max CEO Casey Bloys first announced that a GOT film was in the works at Warner Bros. during a 2025 preview event, where he told reporters, “When we announce at HBO we're developing this story or that story, keep in mind it's developing.”

Bloys continued, “We’ve got two shows at the moment, including Game of Thrones [prequel House of the Dragon]. I think the movie is the same idea. They’ll develop an idea, we'll see if it's good. We'll read the scripts along with them. I think it could be fun and interesting. That’s the point of development: you see, is there a story that's worthy of being in theaters and a big spectacle? I think it would be fun.” We are sooo excited!

What is the Game of Thrones movie about?

Helen Sloane/HBO

Game of Thrones Movie Plot

As of right now, we know little to nothing about the plot for the upcoming Game of Thrones movie. But according to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros is “keen on exploring the idea of Westeros invading cinemas.” So, back to the continents of Westeros and Essos we go!

Who’s in the cast for the Game of Thrones Movie?

Game of Thrones Movie Cast

Currently, there is no director, writer or cast members attached to the project. It's also too early to report whether or not any former cast members from the original Game of Thrones series (or any of its spinoffs) will make a cameo in the new film. But until then, we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for an Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, or Maisie Williams appearance in the new film.

When is the Game of Thrones movie coming out?

Game of Thrones Movie Release Date

Unfortunately, there is no release date for the Game of Thrones movie...yet. But when we find out, you’ll be the first to know!

Well, is there a trailer?

Game of Thrones Movie Trailer

Nope, no trailer at the moment. But, we’ll report back as soon as it drops :)

Stay tuned for more updates about the Game of Thrones movie and other upcoming films currently in the works — & follow us on Facebook and Instagram!