The Best Things Since Sliced Bread—21 Unexpected Sandwich Recipes

The great thing about sandwiches, well one of the great things, is that they are a complete meal in one easy to eat package. The not so great thing? It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and eat the same sandwich day after day. To remedy your lunchtime boredom, we’ve gathered 21 delicious and surprising sandwich recipes. Dig in!

1. The Ultimate Club Sandwich: If that photo doesn’t make your mouth water, then the ingredient list will. It includes blackened bacon, whole grain mustard, and brie with the rind on. Yum is an understatement. (via Joy the Baker)

2. Mega Meatball Sub: You might not think it, but this sandwich is a great one to take for lunch—just so long as you wrap it well. The juices from the meatballs and the marinara soak into the crusty bread making it even more delicious. (via Spoon Fork Bacon)

3. Grilled PB&J: What’s the fastest way to take this kiddie classic to new heights? Throw it on the stovetop! Just make sure you use unsalted butter since the peanut butter will be salty enough as is. (via Chow)

4. Fried Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches: Are you a fan of chicken and waffles? If so, you’ll love this sandwich. But it’s not the traditional Southern fare you’re used to. The waffles are more savory than sweet. (via The Candid Appetite)

5. Grilled Peach, Brie & Basil Sandwich: Good vegetarian sandwiches can be hard to come by. This fruity version is a refreshing treat in a world of grilled vegetable sandwiches. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

6. Crab Melt: If tuna melts are your version of comfort food, try taking your tastebuds to the next level with this open-face crab melt. We promise it won’t disappoint. (via The Kitchy Kitchen)

7. Bourbon Steak Sandwich: If you’re taking this mouthwatering sandwich for lunch, pop it in the toaster oven in your break room for a few minutes to warm it up. It will completely transform the sandwich. (via Chow)

8. Brocolini Panini: This sandwich is as fun to eat as it is fun to say! Plus, even though there’s lots of melty cheese you can still feel virtuous eating it because of all the green goodness packed inside. (via Shutterbean)

9. Arugula, Apple & Chickpea Salad Wraps: Trying to go low-carb? Choosing a wrap for your sandwich can help you stick with it. Of course the combo of fruit, greens, and beans in this recipe helps, too. (via TheKitchn)

10. Grilled Fontina + Blackberry Basil Smash Sandwiches: Grilled cheese has to be one of the most versatile sandwiches out there. And this berry-filled recipe is an unexpected take on a classic that we’d take right now please. (via How Sweet it Is)

11. Habanero, Rum, and Molasses Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Pulled pork sandwiches are a barbecue classic, but they can be adapted in so many different ways. This spicy, boozy version is poised to become a new favorite. (via Spicie Foodie)

12. French Ham and Gruyere Sandwich: Sometimes you need to stick with the basics. When that’s the case, make it the best basic possible like this French ham and gruyere combo served on a fresh baguette. (via Martha Stewart)

13. The Perfect Roast Beef Sandwich: Now that weekends are filled with football, you need a solid sandwich to enjoy in front of the game. We nominate this roast beef baguette with horseradish cream. (via Herriott Grace)

14. Sautéed Spinach and Turkey Sandwich: Sautéing the spinach is the key to making this sandwich special. Just don’t forget to drain the spinach really well! (via BS in the Kitchen)

15. Grape and Taleggio Grilled Cheese: If you replace the traditional cheddar with a fancier cheese, you can take this off the kiddie table, and serve it at your next dinner party. (via Chow)

16. Tea Sandwiches: If you’re having your book club or just a few friends over to your home, whip up a few versions of these tea sandwiches. They can be a snack or a meal depending on how hungry you are. (via Brit + Co.)

17. French Onion Soup Sandwiches: Yes, you read that correctly. French onion soup…sandwiches. We’ll be making these until it’s cold enough to be considered soup weather. (via Joy the Baker)

18. Sage Biscuit Egg Sandwich: We had to include a breakfast sandwich in the list, and this runny egg version looks divine. The bacon on the side isn’t too shabby either. (via Turntable Kitchen)

19. Turkey Banh Mi: This recipe was designed to be made with Thanksgiving leftovers, but it’s delicious enough to enjoy year round. You can substitute chicken, if you have it on hand. (via Martha Stewart)

20. Avocado, Hard-Boiled Egg & Sriracha Grilled Cheese: It’s true that you can put sriracha on just about everything and make it better. This jam-packed grilled cheese is no exception. (via Grilled Cheese Social)

21. Spicy Lentil Wraps With Tahini Sauce: Give the traditional falafel wrap a rest, and try this version made with lentils instead. But you must have tahini. That’s what ties it all together. (via TheKitchn)

What’s your favorite sandwich recipe? Tell us in the comments!

Is anybody in Hollywood busier than Nicole Kidman? The queen of AMC has been feeding us non-stop since Big Little Lies season 2 ended in 2019. The Perfect Couple, A Family Affair, Nine Perfect Strangers, Babygirl— she never stops! Nicole's latest role in Amazon Prime Video's Scarpetta sets her opposite Jamie Lee Curtis for a mystery thriller adventure that might just rival Jamie's Knives Out.

The story, about a medical examiner who returns to her hometown, and a rocky relationship with her sister, feels like an edgy take on Sullivan's Crossing with the drama and intrigue of Big Little Lies, and I am so locked in. Even if you've never read the books before, this is going to be one show you won't be able to stop watching.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Nicole Kidman's new Kay Scarpetta show, coming to Prime Video soon.

Is there a TV series based on Kay Scarpetta?

Amazon

Yes a Kay Scarpetta TV show is coming to Prime Video! The crime series — which has been greenlit for two seasons — will follow Chief Medical Examiner Kay, played by Nicole Kidman (and reportedly inspired by CME Marcella Farinelli Fierro), who reenters her former position in her Virginia hometown. Not only is she navigating the ins and outs of her work life, but she's also balancing relationships with her sister Dorothy, her coworkers, and all the secrets that come with them.

And apparently, the scripts in and of themselves stopped Nicole in her tracks! She tells Vanity Fair the project is "terrifying" because "it’s so well-written. It’s crazy how I’m frightened reading it. I haven’t done that. I can’t think of a film I’ve done where it was so terrifying. Like what? The Others wasn’t terrifying."

Who's in the Scarpetta cast?

Kevin Winter/Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

The Scarpetta cast is truly incredible, and will be led by Nicole Kidman as Kay Scarpetta and Jamie Lee Curtis as Kay's sister Dorothy. The fact that the show is tentatively called Scarpetta makes me think the series will focus just as much on Dorothy — and their relationship — as it does on Kay.

Nicole is super excited to work with Jamie, and told Vanity Fair that the experience has been "glorious" so far. "I was like, 'I’ll do it with you, but you have to play my sister. You have to go with me.' And she’s like, 'Okay.' So, we’re producing it together and we’re in it together—and that is glorious. That’s what I mean, where you go, 'Okay. Who’s got the same amount of passion and enthusiasm?' Look at her. I mean, she’s unbelievable. She is a force."

Here the full Scarpetta cast:

  • Nicole Kidman as Kay Scarpetta: a medical examiner who returns to her hometown.
  • Jamie Lee Curtis as Dorothy: Kay's sister.
  • Ariana DeBose as Lucy Farinelli-Watson: Dorothy's daughter.
  • Bobby Cannavale as Pete Marino: a former detective.
  • Simon Baker as Benton Wesley: an FBI profiler.
  • Rosy McEwen as younger Kay Scarpetta.
  • Jake Cannavale as younger Pete Marino.

Where can I watch the show?

Koolshooters/Pexels

We don't have an official Scarpetta release date yet, but it'll stream on Prime Video in the near future. Stay tuned for more news!

What order do the Kay Scarpetta books go in?

Amazon

There are 28 books in the Kay Scarpetta series so far.

  1. Postmortem (1990)
  2. Body of Evidence (1991)
  3. All That Remains (1992)
  4. Cruel and Unusual (1993)
  5. The Body Farm (1994)
  6. From Potter's Field (1995)
  7. Cause of Death (1996)
  8. Unnatural Exposure (1997)
  9. Point of Origin (1998)
  10. Black Notice (1999)
  11. The Last Precinct (2000)
  12. Blow Fly (2003)
  13. Trace (2004)
  14. Predator (2005)
  15. Book of the Dead (2007)
  16. Scarpetta (2008)
  17. The Scarpetta Factor (2009)
  18. Port Mortuary (2010)
  19. Red Mist (2011)
  20. The Bone Bed (2012)
  21. Dust (2013)
  22. Flesh and Blood (2014)
  23. Depraved Heart (2015)
  24. Chaos (2016)
  25. Autopsy (2021)
  26. Livid (2022)
  27. Unnatural Death (2023)
  28. Identity Unknown (2024)

What is a Chief Medical Examiner?

Thirdman/Pexels

A medical examiner investigates unusual or suspicious deaths. They perform post-mortem exams, determine the cause of death, and work with the local police.

Read up on Nicole Kidman's other newest project, Margo's Got Money Troubles!

This post has been updated.

Trader Joe’s always knows exactly how to get us excited for new products – and this time, it’s rumored that the grocer is bringing back their viral Mini Canvas Tote Bags in four brand-new colors that are all perfect for spring! Speculated to hit stores around April 8, you’re not going to want to miss this TJ’s drop.

Here’s everything you need to know about the return of Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bags for spring 2025.

@traderjoesobsessed

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed first circulated the rumor that the Mini Canvas Tote Bags are set to return to Trader Joe’s this spring.

“Rumor has it that the pastel mini canvas bags will be here in April. Usually, they do release these on a Wednesday. How excited are you for these colors? I can’t wait to customize them!” the caption reads.

Another source, @zuncola, hinted that the totes could hit stores as early as April 8 or 9.

@traderjoesobsessed

It appears there will be four different colorways in this season’s Mini Canvas Tote Bag drop: pink, blue, green, and purple. But they’re not your ordinary pinks, blues, greens, and purples – per the rumors, they’ll come in pastel hues that all look stunning. From carrying your quick grocery hauls to toting each and every picnic essential you’ll need this spring, these bags get it all done in sheer style.

Trader Joe’s

In the past, the Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bags have been a limited-time item that garnered plenty of attention from shoppers, even sparking a massivefrenzy inside stores with customers racing to snag their own tote. Some TJ’s locations have also placed a buying limit for bags like these, typically 1 per customer. Based on the reception of the rumors for this year, you’ll likely want to plan when and how you’re going to get your hands on one.

Instagram

Tons of Trader Joe’s fanatics sounded off in the comments of @traderjoesobsessed’s post about the rumors of the Mini Canvas Tote Bags’ return:

“Stoppppp no way!! 😱😱” one person wrote.

‘Yes! These will make great bags for Easter gifts,” another said.

“Looks like I need to buy camping gear cause I'll be in that line before sunrise 🤩,” one more fan commented.

Reddit

In previous years, the Mini Canvas Tote Bags went for $2.99 too $3.99, and we expect this pastel-filled drop to cost about the same.

Reddit

Though there’s no official release date for the mini totes, they’re speculated to hit shelves sometime in April 2025, possibly the 8th or 9th. Stay tuned here for more updates!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of all the best Trader Joe's news!

This post has been updated.

After only two episodes of Only Murders in the Building season 4, Hulu renewed the series for season 5! I'm so excited that the show breaks a recent pattern of cancelling shows after the third or fourth season, giving us more time with our favorite characters, and I'm not the only one.

"Here we go again… my favorite set family. I’m coming home!" Selena Gomez says in an Instagram post, while the official Only Murders account made their own post, saying, "We had our lawyers call business affairs. Turned the 4 into a 5. #OnlyMurdersInTheBuilding is coming back for Season 5!!"

In addition to the show entering production, the one and only Renée Zellweger (Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy) just joined the cast. Iconic!

Here's everything you need to know about Only Murders in the Building season 5, coming to Hulu soon.

Who's in the Only Murders in the Building season 5 cast?

Eric McCandless/Disney

The Only Murders in the Building season 5 cast features all our favorites, and some new faces! According to Dan Fogelman, “we can expect more big guest stars that’ll probably be announced sooner rather than later,” he tells The Wrap.

"I am so grateful that I have been surrounded by human beings that make me better, challenge me, remind me day after day that every moment is a gift," Selena Gomez says about working with Steve Martin and Martin Short. "That’s my pure joy. I thank god for the era I’m in. It’s been the best yet."

The Only Murders season 5 cast includes:

  • Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora: a true crime lover who begins her own podcast after getting sucked into a murder mystery.
  • Martin Short as Oliver Putnam: a theatre director and founder of the Only Murders in the Building podcast.
  • Steve Martin as Charles Hayden Savage: an actor and true crime lover who begins the Only Murders podcast with Oliver and Mabel.
  • Téa Leoni as Sofia Caccimelio: a woman who approaches the podcast trio after her husband Nicky goes missing.
  • Renée Zellweger
  • Christoph Waltz
  • Keegan-Michael Key

What is Only Murders in the Building season 5 about?

Patrick Harbron/Disney

We finally got our first details about Only Murders season 5 — and we're going in a direction I totally didn't expect. When Sofia visits Mabel and Charles in the season 4 ending, and asks them to find her missing husband, she's disappointed when they turn her down. And since Téa Leoni just joined the season 5 cast, it looks like she's not taking no for an answer.

“I think she’s the great tease at the end of the finale and a little bit of an intriguing bump forward,” co-creator John Hoffman says in an interview with Deadline. “She’s an extension of the little news report in Episode 9 that Mabel makes note of at the hospital. [Sofia] is the wife of the Dry Cleaning King of Brooklyn, and maybe a couple of dry cleaning outlets in Manhattan, as well, we may come to know...It’s a world opened up potentially that we haven’t talked about too much yet in New York, so she holds a lot of intrigue.”

Patrick Harbron/Hulu

New York's underground is a wild space that we haven't really seen on Only Murders yet so I know we're in for one very interesting season — because if this show is going to go there, they're going to go there.

Executive producer Dan Fogelman told The Wrapwe can look forward to “another big fun mystery the writers have been cooking up," while Hoffman has gone on the record saying the new episodes will “hit on some very current things going on within New York, specifically very relevant things that are happening in the city right now.”

When is Only Murders in the Building season 5 coming out?

Patrick Harbron/Hulu

There's no Only Murders in the Building season 5 release date quite yet, but the show is in production! Considering we've had a new season over the last four years (with season 1 in 2021, season 2 in 2022, season 3 in 2023, and season 4 in 2024), we're expecting to see season 5 in 2025. Stay tuned for the official Only Murders season 5 release date.

How many episodes are there in Only Murders in the Building season 5?

Patrick Harbron/Hulu

Only Murders in the Building season 5 will have 10 episodes total on Hulu.

Check back here for the latest Only Murders in the Building season 5 news and check out the other new TV shows coming in 2025.

This post has been updated.