17 Best Open-Faced Sandwiches to Try for Lunch

These 17 open-faced sandwiches will have you counting down the minutes till lunchtime.

Each one features tons of flavorful ingredients. Plus, they’re less carb-heavy than standard sandwiches.

But first, let’s back up a step and talk about what open-faced sandwiches are. You probably already know, even if you call them by a different name. 

Some people call them tartines, bread basers, or just open sandwiches. My sweet great-grandma used to call them “fancy toasts.” 

The name isn’t important, but the phenomenal taste and lovely presentation are.

Open-faced sandwiches start with a single slice of bread. Then, you load them up with whatever you like.

And yes, they’re just as delicious as they sound. Now, let’s stop talking about them and start making them instead!

Epic Open-Face Sandwich Ideas

1. Open-Faced Tuna Melts

These tasty treats are cheesy and packed with umami goodness. The recipe showcases them on English muffins.

Of course, you can use whatever bread you prefer.

It takes 30 minutes (or less) to whip up 10 of these veggie- and tuna-packed delights.

They have all the flavor of a loaded tuna melt but only 12 net carbs each.

You can enjoy them for lunch, dinner, or a light snack. Either way, you won’t have to feel guilty about it. They’re as healthy as they are delectable.

2. Open-Faced Chicken Salad Sandwich 

This sandwich is cool and creamy with a little crunch from the pecans. Like all the best chicken salads, it’s both sweet and savory. It’s also super easy to make.

As long as your chicken is pre-cooked, it’ll take just 15 minutes to make four. There’s no cooking involved. Simply mix and assemble it. 

3. Smoked Salmon Mini Bagel Sandwiches

This recipe is a great choice if you need appetizers instead of lunch. You use only six ingredients and can have a dozen ready in less than half an hour.

Each tiny sandwich has a miniature bagel base. However, there’s nothing diminutive about their flavor. 

With savory smoked salmon and tangy cream cheese, these are an automatic hit.

Add the earthy onions and salty capers, and they’ll be a total home run. 

4. Roasted Tomato Tartine with Homemade Ricotta

Check this one out if you’re in the mood for a ton of garden-fresh flavor. 

The dill and homemade ricotta taste so good. Honestly, you’ll want to make sandwiches with nothing more than those two ingredients!

Of course, once you taste the slow-roasted tomatoes, you’ll change your mind. They’re juicy and simply divine.

Together, all those things make one heck of a sandwich. 

5. Kentucky Hot Browns

Kentucky hot browns are so fantastic, they should be illegal.

The hot, buttery, gooey cheese sauce… The fresh juicy tomatoes… The three – yes, three – different meats… (One of which is crisp, salty bacon, by the way.)

Is there anything about this savory sandwich not to love? If there is, I haven’t found it yet.

Just give them a try. I promise you they’ll hook you after the first bite.

6. Obložené Chlebíčky – Czech Open Faced Sandwiches

These colorful sandwiches use fewer than 10 ingredients. Nonetheless, they pack an intense wallop of flavor.

The bread is buttery, and the meat and cheese are tasty and comforting.

Throw on an egg, some chili flakes, and veggies, and you’ll have something extraordinary. It’s a cool, summer sandwich with just a hint of spice. 

Give them a try at your next brunch. Everyone will love them. 

7. Open-Faced Avocado Spread Sandwiches

These are great if you need something quick and easy. They’re just toasts with avocado spreads. 

The crunchy bread and creamy spread are an unbeatable combination.

Plus, you can choose from five different topping options. (Or you can come up with your own!)

The possibilities are endless with these simple sandwiches. I generally have one for breakfast at least once or twice a week.

They’re also yummy for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

8. Crab-and-Avocado Toasts

Here’s another delightful avocado recipe. Only, for this one, you’ll add succulent white crab meat.

Avocado and crab may not seem compatible, but oh, they are.

You can also slice the bread into much smaller options if you like. Doing so gives you an elegant, slightly spicy appetizer.

9. Open-Faced Sloppy Joes

These cheesy, beefy sandwiches are always a hit with the kids. Unfortunately, they’re disastrously messy, too! 

Still, if you’re looking for a saucy, scrumptious summer sandwich, you can’t beat them. Just be sure you eat them outside around a picnic table. 

It makes the cleanup process so much simpler. 

10. Strawberry and Granola Open-Faced Sandwich

Are you more in the mood for something sweet? If so, check out this recipe. Strawberries are always a treat.

And you’ll love the cinnamon sweetness of the rye granola.

The vanilla and cinnamon butter is so incredible, you only have one problem. You’ll want to eat every bit of it before spreading it on your bread.

Despite how decadent these look (and taste!), they’re not that unhealthy, either. Give them a try the next time you want a guilt-free sweet treat.

11. Grilled Avocado Caprese Crostini

These gorgeous crostinis look like something you’d order at a gourmet restaurant. Luckily, they taste that way, too. 

They’re 100% vegetarian-friendly and have a fresh, Italian taste that’s out of this world. You’ll love them if you’re already a fan of Caprese salads. 

That’s pretty much what these are, only with avocado, grilled, and on a baguette.

12. Brown Butter Ramps and Oyster Mushrooms on Ricotta Crostini

These eight-ingredient sandwiches are bold and earthy. They feature the flavors of mushrooms and ramps (or scallions). Plus, they’re supremely buttery. 

The tangy ricotta cheese makes a nice contrast to these ingredients. And you’ll love the satisfying crunch you get from the toast. 

All in all, these are excellent options for formal or informal occasions.

13. 10-Minute White Bean Artichoke Basil Toasts

These sound super fancy, like something you’d get at a five-star hotel brunch.

In reality, they’re super simple to make, taking no more than 10 minutes. 

They’re chunky, garlicky, and zesty. Plus, they’re vegan-friendly and low in fat.

14. Open-Faced Reuben Sandwiches

These sandwiches are everything you’d expect out of a Reuben. You still get the spicy, tangy flavor, corned beef, sauerkraut, etc.

The only difference is that there’s only one slice of bread. 

As a result, they’re somewhat messy to eat. But don’t worry too much about that.

Just break out a knife, fork, and lots of napkins. They’re too tasty to pass up. 

15. Open-Faced Hot Honey and Ham Grilled Cheese

This recipe’s author calls it a “toastie,” and it’s just about the cutest name I’ve ever heard.

The adorable name isn’t the only thing to love about this hot ham and cheese sandwich.

It’s both sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy. The warm honey and zesty Dijon mustard are a mouth-wateringly delicious combo. 

Additionally, the gooey melted cheese is to die for. And did I mention the buttery bread and tender ham? Yeah. This toastie has it all.

16. Fresh Corn and Tomato Open-Faced Sandwich

Have you ever had shoepeg corn salad? If so, you’ll already have an idea of how these sandwiches taste.

They’re just like shoepeg corn salad, only on top of bread. 

These are fresh, cool, and refreshing. They’re the ultimate spring or summer brunch sandwich. Plus, you can have them ready in 20 minutes or less. 

Oh, and that balsamic glaze is phenomenal.

17. Open-Faced Ham And Cheese Sandwiches

Try these if you’re looking for something simple and comforting. These baked ham and cheese sandwiches aren’t as elaborate as the “toasties” above.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t delectable, though. They’re smoky, cheesy, and just a bit spicy.

You make them with only five ingredients, and they practically melt in your mouth.

*Pro Tip: As much as I love the mozzarella on these, sometimes I swap it up. They also taste unbelievably good with gouda or pepper jack.