There's never a shortage of food debates: What's the best style of barbecue? Which city makes the best fried chicken? Is a calzone technically a pizza? This year, in the spirit of March Madness, we've decided to set our sights on one food category that inspires loyalty, controversy, and passion. That's right, we're talking about sandwiches.
sandwiches
The Great American Sandwich Showdown of 2018
Which sandwich will be named the hero?
By Published Mar. 12, 2018
We chose eight of our fans' most beloved sandwiches and randomly generated match-ups between them. Will voters favor the universally adored BLT? Will a regional specialty like Iowa Loose Meat Sandwich declare victory (despite its name)?
Which sandwich is your number one pick? Be sure to cast your vote—and may the best sandwich win!
How to Vote
Round 1, Matchup 1 Winner: New Orleans Muffuletta
BOOGALOO VS. MUFFALETTA
Detroit Boogaloo Wonderland Sandwiches
This Detroit original featuring ground beef, melted American cheese, and a sharp, spicy, tangy sauce packs is a three-napkin special packed with energetic flavor. A hometown winner.View the Recipe
BOOGALOO VS. MUFFALETTA
New Orleans Muffuletta
It might be the most famous, and most often-misspelled, sandwich from the great food city of New Orleans. The soft rolls (made from pizza dough) are split and packed solid with deli meats, cheese, and a briny olive dressing for maximum personality and punch. View the Recipe
Round 1, Matchup 2 Winner: Beef on Weck
BEEF ON WECK VS. IOWA LOOSE MEAT
Beef on Weck
It's cold in Buffalo, but one way to stay warm is by sidling up to the bar for a beer and one (or more) of these local favorite sandwiches of thinly sliced roast beef tossed with savory jus and a sharp horseradish sauce, all piled onto a fresh kaiser roll.View the Recipe
BEEF ON WECK VS. IOWA LOOSE MEAT
Iowa Loose Meat Sandwich
Go ahead, giggle at the name. This sandwich doesn't care. Its simple ingredient list of ground beef, mustard, seasonings and just a touch of sugar create a burger-bun filling that's much more than simply a sum of its parts. A fan favorite.View the Recipe
Round 1, Matchup 3 Winner: Shrimp Po' Boy
SMOKED HAM VS. PO'BOY
South Carolina Smoked Fresh Ham Sandwich
Forget everything you knew about ham sandwiches. This puppy is takes all day to make, but the low-and-slow grill method is well worth it, producing soft, pulled meat that's absurdly velvety and flavorful. A sharp mustard sauce takes it over the top.View the Recipe
SMOKED HAM VS. PO'BOY
Shrimp Po’ Boy
On a recent trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama, we fell in love with this sandwich of tender shrimp deep fried in a crunchy coating, tossed onto a soft sub roll with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and a savory remoulade sauce.View the Recipe
Round 1, Matchup 4 Winner: Ultimate BLT
BLT VS. FRIED CHICKEN
Ultimate BLT
You've had a BLT before, but this version takes the whole concept of a BLT into crazy new territory, with a doctored-up mayonnaise packed with basil, lemon, and spicy cayenne pepper. Toasted bread, shatteringly-crisp bacon, fresh butter lettuce, and perfectly-dressed tomatoes round it out.View the Recipe
BLT VS. FRIED CHICKEN
Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich
Juicy fried chicken under a spicy, crunchy coating, stacked onto a sandwich roll with spicy, jalapeño-studded cole slaw? How do YOU spell “Yes, please?” This sandwich sells itself.View the Recipe