There is something so satisfying about a good sandwich. You don’t need an overcomplicated recipe, just a well executed classic. But did you know that sandwiches can also be a great option for feeding a crowd? By making these delicious potluck sandwiches, , you can produce a whole batch of sandwiches quickly and easily for your next event! It's one of my favorite easy Friendsgiving food ideas!
This recipe includes 4 of my favorite hot sandwich ideas that you can easily prepare by the loaf for your next event. I chose caprese, meat lovers, meatball, and chicken bacon ranch. You can tweak them to reflect your own favorites, if you like!
Why You'll Love These Sheet Pan Sandwiches
- Potluck Sandwiches - This is a great choice for potlucks, because it serves as an entree, but you can also cut it into smaller portions. These are a definite crowd pleaser!
- Mix and Match - Since you prepare these by the loaf, you can make as many of the recipes as you like, depending on how many loaves you plan to prepare. Since the portions are smaller than a regular sandwich, you can try a piece of each type!
Ingredients for Sheet Pan Sandwiches
- French Bread - You will need one loaf of demi french bread for each sandwich recipe. The rest of the ingredients follow by sandwich type.
Caprese - Vegetarian
- Pesto - You will need about ¼ cup pesto to give your caprese sandwiches their signature flavor.
- Tomato - It will take one large tomato to make these sandwiches. Since the tomato will make up the bulk of the sandwich, it is okay if you slice it slightly thicker than usual.
- Mozzarella - You will need about ½ cup shredded mozzarella. If you plan to make the meatball sandwiches too, don’t forget to account for the mozzarella they will need as well.
- Basil - Fresh basil is key to a great caprese. One bunch will be enough.
Meat Lovers
- Mayonnaise - For lunch meat sandwiches, it is usually best to keep it fairly simple when it comes to dressings. I opted for just a little mayo. You can offer mustard and other sauces on the side for guests to add to their plates.
- Provolone - It takes about 3 slices of provolone for your meat lovers sandwich. You will also need provolone for the chicken bacon ranch recipe. If you forget the mozzarella, provolone will work nicely on your meatball sandwiches too, but don’t sub it on your caprese.
- Lunch Meats - Your sandwich will be equal parts turkey, ham, and salami. You will need about 4 oz of each.
Meatball
- Meatballs - For this easy meatball sub, you will need about 1 cup of meatballs. Make sure you get meatballs that are already precooked, as they will not fully cook in the oven.
- Marinara - You will need 1 cup of marinara. Your favorite jarred brand will work just fine!
- Mozzarella - This sandwich gets ½ cup of shredded mozzarella. In a pinch, if you have extra sliced provolone, that can work nicely too.
Chicken Bacon Ranch
- Provolone - You will need 3 slices of provolone for the chicken bacon ranch sandwich!
- Chicken - Make sure to get pre-cooked chicken, as you will simply be warming it in the oven, and not fully cooking it. You will need 1 cup, shredded.
- Bacon - Before you begin assembling your sandwiches, you will want to prepare and chop 4 slices of bacon.
- Ranch - You will need ¼ cup ranch. You can use your favorite store bought ranch, or it is also easy to prepare your own ranch at home!
How to Make Sheet Pan Sandwiches
- Preheat oven 350F and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment or non-stick cooking spray.
- Start by slicing the French bread in half and lining the tray with the bottom halves.
- Spread the condiments first on the bread followed by the meats, veggies and cheeses. Set the basil aside for later.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese and sauces are bubbly and melted.
- Remove sandwiches from the oven and add basil to the Caprese. Place the tops onto each sandwich and, if desired, lightly spray cooking spray or a light brush of butter onto the tops. Place back into the oven and bake for 2-3 minutes.
- Take the tray out of the oven and cut into several pieces. Serve warm or room temp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray with nonstick spray. While the oven heats up, I like to go ahead and set out all of my meats, veggies, cheeses and dressings.
Next, slice your French bread loaves in half horizontally, as if each loaf is one giant sandwich. Place the bottoms of the loaves on the sheet pan. Set the tops aside for now.
Now it is time to assemble your sandwiches. Start with your condiments, spreading your mayo, ranch, pesto, or marinara on the bread first. Next add your meats or vegetables, finally placing your cheese on top. Do not add your basil yet.
Place your open-face sandwiches in the oven to bake for 8-10 minutes. After your cheese melts, remove the sheet pan from the oven.
Add your basil to the caprese sandwiches. Replace the tops of the loaves onto your sandwiches. Give the tops a light spray of cooking spray, or a little brush of melted butter. This step is optional, but it helps them achieve a nice golden crisp, and adds a little extra flavor. Bake your assembled sandwiches for 2-3 minutes.
Remove your sandwiches from the oven, slice, and serve! These sandwiches are delicious warm or at room temperature.
Cook's Tips
- Adding basil too soon can cause it to wilt, and edges to crisp which will result in an unpleasant texture. Be sure to wait to add it until after you toast them for the first time.
- Leftover sandwiches will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
- If you are serving these sandwiches at a potluck, you may choose to add fancy toothpicks after slicing. You may also enjoy offering some extra fixings on your spread. Some great options include red pepper flakes, parmesan, balsamic glaze, mustard, pickles, vinegar, or salt and pepper.
Looking for more Friendsgiving Food Ideas? Try these:
FAQ
A sheet pan meal is a recipe that enables you to prepare the entire meal on one sheet pan. In this instance, we are producing a big batch of sandwiches all on one pan! It is convenient, quick, and fun!
350F is the perfect temperature because it will allow your fillings to get hot and melty, without burning your bread.
Your meatball subs will turn out perfectly according to these instructions, however if you have a long wait between preparing and serving your meatball subs, you can prevent them getting soggy by lightly toasting the bread before your assemble them.
Looking for more Friendsgiving Food Ideas? Try these:
Potluck Sandwiches
Ingredients
The Caprese Sandwich- Vegetarian
- 1 Loaf Demi French Bread
- ¼ cup Pesto
- 1 Large Tomato. sliced
- ½ cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1 small Bunch Fresh Basil Leaves
The Meatlovers Sanwich
- 1 Loaf Demi French Bread
- ¼ cup Mayo
- 3 Slices Provolone Cheese
- 4 oz Sliced Turkey
- 4 oz Sliced Ham
- 4 oz Sliced Salami
The Meatball Sandwich
- 1 Loaf Demi French Bread
- 1 cup Pre-Cooked Meatballs
- 1 cup Marinara
- ½ Cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
- 1 Loaf Demi French Bread
- 3 Slices Provolone Cheese
- 1 cup Pre-Cooked Chicken shredded
- 4 Strips Bacon chopped
- ¼ cup Ranch Dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350F and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment or non-stick cooking spray.
- Start by slicing the French bread in half and lining the tray with the bottom halves.
- Spread the condiments first on the bread followed by the meats, veggies and cheeses. Set the basil aside for later.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese and sauces are bubbly and melted.
- Remove sandwiches form the oven and add basil to the Caprese. Place the tops onto each sandwich and if desired lightly spray cooking spray or even a light brush of butter onto the tops. Place bake in to the oven and bake for 2-3 minutes.
- Take the tray out of the oven and cut into several pieces. Serve warm or room temp.
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