Need to meal prep some sandwiches for lunch tomorrow? Here are a ton of easy make ahead sandwiches to try!
Picnics and school lunches and afternoon parties – there are tons of reasons to want to make sandwiches ahead of time.
But, old sandwiches don’t sound super appetizing. Dry bread? Soggy bread? Gross!
However, you really can make sandwiches ahead of time. You just need to do it the right way!
Can you make sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes – there are many sandwiches that can be made ahead! The best make ahead sandwich ideas are usually cold sandwiches without anything too wet to make the bread soggy. Warm sandwich filling tends to let off condensation which leads to wet, mushy bread.
How do you make premade sandwiches without getting soggy?
The best lunch sandwich is not soggy! To keep the bread from getting soggy, layer something between the bread and any wet ingredients. A large piece of lettuce or slice of cheese work great to separate condiments from bread.
Also, consider buttering your bread. Butter on the inside of the bread can help to keep the bread itself from getting soggy, especially if it sits overnight. Plus, it’s delicious.
How far in advance can you make sandwiches?
Ideally make your sandwiches within 24 hours of eating them. If you are going for make ahead sandwiches for a party, you can possibly make them up to 48 hours in advance.
Store them in an air tight container with moist – but not super wet – paper towels on top to keep the bread from drying out. Keep all condiments on the side if it’s going to be more than 12 or so hours.
If you have less sandwiches, you can wrap them tightly in saran wrap and store them in the fridge or a cooler with ice packs.
Can you prep sandwiches for the week?
I wouldn’t suggest prepping a week of sandwiches at once. They would probably be pretty gross by Friday. Consider instead prepping your filling and assembling the actual sandwiches the night before or morning you plan to eat them.
What sandwiches can be made the night before?
There are plenty of make ahead sandwiches for lunch! For best results, consider making a wrap or using a crusty bread or roll, or at least toasted sliced bread. These breads tend to hold up and get less soggy for make ahead sandwiches for lunch the next day.
How do you keep sandwiches cold for lunch?
If you are packing a lunch, always choose an insulated lunch bag. Add a frozen ice pack. A thermos of ice water can be a great way to add extra ice without wasting room. Of course, whenever possible, stick the lunchbox itself in a fridge to help keep it cold.
Can cold sandwiches be prepared in advance?
Yes, cold sandwiches are some of the best sandwiches to make the night before. This can be especially useful when planning easy sandwiches for a crowd such as a party the next day.
Make ahead sandwiches to make
Here are some of my favorite ideas for cold sandwiches and make ahead sandwiches for a party or for yourself!
Make ahead Sandwich ideas
Looking for good lunch sandwiches? Here are a ton of ideas for make ahead sandwich recipes!
There’s nothing quite like a Muffuletta! This classic New Orleans sandwich consists of sturdy bread, zesty olive salad, and layers of Italian cold cuts and cheese. Its impressive size, appearance, and unique flavor make it a force in the sandwich world.
Piled high with meats, cheese, and a tangy, irresistible grinder salad, this Italian Grinder Sandwich Recipe is perfect for a quick and easy make ahead lunch. Also great for a crowd!
These pin wheel sandwiches are so easy to make! They're perfect to make ahead of time too.
These make ahead breakfast sandwiches are perfect for packing for a camping trip or for busy mornings at home!
Fast and easy, this Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich with Herb Mayo is piled high with juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, fresh whole milk mozzarella, sprouts, and homemade herb mayonnaise.
Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches are an amazing go-to lunch! Made with Greek yogurt, curry powder, and more goodies, this flavorful chicken salad is truly a delight.
Herby mashed avocado finger sandwiches with cucumber and sprouts are a fresh and healthy appetizer for any occasion.
Chicken Salad Sandwich is creamy and crunchy with chopped celery, green onions, and tomes and makes a great make-ahead lunch or picnic sandwich.
These easy and delicious meat sandwiches are grilled in the oven. They are good hot or cold: perfect for picnic or lunch in the office.
Looking for ways to use leftover chicken? Wait until you try this chicken salad with grapes recipe. It’s perfect on its own but even better on a sandwich!
Best chicken salad sandwich ever with diced pickles and red onions. Make ahead on croissants or pita bread for a lunch on the go.
Simple & Easy make ahead sandwich recipe, with Indian style stuffing. recipe has step wise pics and tips.
These easy DIY Uncrustables are easily customized and freezer friendly. Fill with your standard PB&J, nut-free spread, or get creative.
A quick and easy lunch recipe that is creamy and flavorful. Serve as a salad or on a croissant or bread to make a sandwich for a simple, yet satisfying meal.
Simplest is Best: French Ham and Butter Baguette Sandwich (Jambon Beurre)
Make it like the French: only 3 ingredients make one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever make!
Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are just as perfect at a picnic or in a lunchbox as they are for afternoon tea.
This Italian Pressed Sandwich is packed with layers of deli meat, cheeses, tapenade, and fresh herb. It is all sandwiched between two slices of focaccia bread and pressed until the flavors blend.
Chicken Pot Hand Pies are puff pastry pockets filled with rotisserie chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy filling wrapped in a flaky crust. They’re perfect for on-the-go families or easy dinners at home.
This chickpea salad sandwich recipe is completely irresistible for a hearty picnic lunch! It's loaded with fresh goodness and is ideal to make ahead and take along.
Our favorite sandwich pinwheels recipe with flour tortillas, cream cheese, salami, cheese, and green onions. Super easy to make, perfect for picnics or as an easy appetizer.
These turkey pesto sandwiches are delicious and easy to make for a quick lunch or picnic. With fresh or store bought pesto and sliced turkey, you can make these as simple or fancy as you’d like!
These blackened chicken sandwiches on ciabatta bread are a great make-ahead option. They are easy to put together and don't get soggy!
If you're a fan of Panera Bread's Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, then you will love this copycat recipe! This version can be whipped up in just minutes and is perfect for packing in your lunchbox or taking on a picnic.
This smashed chickpea avocado salad makes the perfect sandwich for taking on a picnic or packing for lunch for school or work. With no mayo, it's naturally vegan too!
My favorite Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is loaded with hummus and feta cheese, fresh vegetables and topped with sprouts. You won’t miss the meat in this vegetarian sandwich recipe.
This is a fail-proof method to make the best Air Fryer Grilled Cheese ever!
Cape Cod Chicken Salad is the perfect make-ahead filling for your sandwiches. Sweet and tangy, this is great on a croissant, sliced bread or a roll. It's great for a picnic and you'll have everyone asking for the recipe!
This healthy vegan smashed chickpea salad wrap is loaded with fiber, protein, veggies, and flavor. This easy lunch idea is sure to keep you full and satisfied until dinner! Made with clean, simple ingredients you can feel good about.
Don’t you just love a crisp sandwich with a smoky kick mixed with the smooth, nutty taste of avocado? Then you are going to enjoy this drool worthy Vegan Tempeh BLT Sandwich. It’s a whole lot healthier than your traditional BLT, but you’re guaranteed to be just as satisfied after your plate is polished off.
The sandwich of sandwiches, a New York Club Sandwich is that iconic dagwood or triple decker sandwich that graces the menus of diners across America. The best club sandwich recipe boasts the framework of a BLT, but adds various types of cheese, deli chicken or turkey, sometimes ham, and an additional layer of sliced bread smack dab in the middle.
This healthy yet hearty Tender and Crispy Baked Chicken Sandwich rivals its counterparts, serving up a 'restaurant feel' meal at home. Air fryer instructions also included.
These delicious cheesy grilled chicken sandwiches are wrapped in foil and heated ahead of time for the perfect filling sandwich!
Before you go…
A sandwich is great, but a side dish makes it better! Our list of the best picnic side dishes are all perfect to pair with make ahead sandwiches!
What are your favorite easy sandwiches for lunch?!
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I’m Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I’ve made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈