Best Sandwich Ideas to Elevate the Everyday.
A fresh guide to elevating everyday sandwiches with sweet, savoury, and spicy preserve pairings.
Looking for the best sandwich ideas that actually taste different from what you made last week? You're in the right place.
There's something about a really good sandwich. The kind that makes you pause mid-bite and think, "I love sandwiches, this is so good."
Sandwiches are one of the first foods we make for ourselves.
Peanut butter and jam. Grilled cheese cut into triangles. A ham sandwich wrapped in wax paper for a school trip. They're portable, personal, and endlessly forgiving.
As we grow up, our sandwiches grow up with us. The bread gets better. The fillings get bolder. We start caring about contrast. Sweet with savoury, rich with bright, soft with crunchy. And somewhere along the way, some of us get really into condiments.
That's where things get interesting.
How Preserves Elevate Sandwiches
Preserves aren't only for toast or cheese boards. In savoury dishes and cooking, they play a different role, one that makes sandwiches more balanced, flavourful, and more interesting to eat.
Here's what they bring to the table:
Sweetness offsets salt and fat. When you're working with bacon, aged cheddar, or cured meats, a touch of sweetness keeps things from feeling heavy or one-dimensional. It creates balance.
Acidity brings clarity to rich ingredients. Think of how a squeeze of lemon brightens fish, or how vinegar wakes up a salad. Acidity cuts through richness, making flavours pop. Most preserves naturally have this. It's why they work so well with cheese and charcuterie.
Texture adds contrast to soft fillings. A jammy spread, a chunky relish, or sliced Candied Jalapeños give your sandwich something to bite into. Texture keeps eating interesting.
Heat keeps simple food interesting. We're talking about two kinds of heat here. There's the warmth from habanero, jalapeños, or other spicy peppers that wakes up your palate and makes familiar flavours feel new again. Then there's the heat from cooking. Grilling your sandwich until the bread is golden and crisp, or roasting vegetables until they're caramelized and sweet. Both transform ingredients.
Spicy heat adds excitement. Cooking heat develops depth, creates texture, and intensifies flavour. A pressed sandwich, a toasted bagel, grilled vegetables, all improved with heat.
Sandwiches, by nature, benefit from all four. And when you swap out plain mayo or yellow mustard for something with more personality, you don't have to change anything else. The sandwich you already love just gets better.
Why You’ll Love Our Gourmet Condiments
No one is suggesting we opt out of mayo and mustard. But when you've eaten the same sandwich a hundred times, or your grilled cheese feels like it's stuck in a rut, it's time to try something different.
If you're searching for easy breakfast sandwich ideas to start your morning right, creative lunch sandwiches that break you out of the deli slices-and-mayo rut, or satisfying dinner sandwich ideas that feel like a real meal, the secret is simpler than you think.
Gourmet jams, preserves, and savoury spreads bring complexity and concentrated bursts of flavour. They layer sweet with savoury, add texture where bread and filling alone can't, and turn predictable flavour combinations into something worth making again. And again.
The best part? You're probably already making some of these sandwiches. We're just giving you new reasons to love them.
Best Breakfast Sandwich Ideas to Start Your Day
Breakfast sandwiches don't have to be boring drive-through fare. With the right condiments, fresh ingredients, and less than 15 minutes, you can have a delicious start to the day. Here are some ideas built on our favourites.
Classic Egg Breakfast Sandwich with Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread
Egg breakfast sandwiches are already peak comfort food. But when you smear Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread on a toasted English muffin, then add a fried egg, cheese, and maybe some bacon or sausage, you've entered a new territory.
The tomato base adds moisture and a bright, slightly tangy flavour that wakes everything up. The subtle heat doesn't compete with your other elements—it complements them. Our Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread is more spiced than spicy. Think subtle ginger with a hint of jalapeño.
Make it your own:
- Add avocado for creaminess.
- Use thick sourdough or your favourite burger bun.
- Use slices of smoked tofu instead of eggs for a vegan version, and swap the dairy cheese for a plant-based option.
- Add peppery arugula or your favourite lettuce for extra snap.
Alternative breakfast sandwich pairings:
- Candied Jalapeño Relish for sweet-spicy twist
- Onion & Thyme Savoury Spread for a savoury European bistro vibe
- Tandoori Chutney for something completely different (trust us on this one)
The Ultimate Bagel & Lox with Candied Jalapeños
This is a breakfast icon, open-faced or not. Bagels and lox are iconic for a reason. The combination of smoky fish, creamy cheese, briny capers, and crisp red onion hits every note. But add Candied Jalapeños, and you've got something that feels both classic and totally new.
The sweet-spicy twist of the jalapeños plays beautifully with the cream cheese's richness and the lox's saltiness. They add texture and a bright, flavourful pop that cuts through everything in the best possible way.
Build it like this:
- Toast a bagel (everything, plain, or your favourite flavour, your call).
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese.
- Add lox, capers, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Top with Candied Jalapeños and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
- Optional: fresh dill, cucumber slices, or avocado.
- Plant-based option: looked for dairy-free cream cheese and carrot lox.
Alternative pairing ideas:
- Candied Jalapeño Relish if you prefer a chunkier, more spreadable texture.
- Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread for tropical heat (unconventional but delicious).
- Onion & Thyme Savoury Spread on a toasted bagel with goat cheese and smoked salmon.
Roast turkey sandwich with Charcuterie Mustard and Cranberry, Sour Cherry & Port Preserve.
Best Lunch Sandwich Ideas
These are the sandwiches that make you actually look forward to lunchtime instead of just refuelling on autopilot. If you’re in the office, at home, or on the go, you can elevate lunch without dining out.
Turkey Club with Charcuterie Mustard
The turkey club is reliable. But add a layer of Charcuterie Mustard, and suddenly you've got earthy depth from the Heather Ale, a tangy kick from apple cider vinegar, and just enough sweetness from honey to balance the saltiness of bacon and turkey.
Spread it on both slices of the middle layer of bread before building your layers. It works as both a flavour enhancer and a moisture barrier—keeping your bread from getting soggy while adding that essential bite. If you’re skipping the third slice of bread in the middle, spread it on both your bread slices.
Make it your own:
- Add avocado for creaminess.
- Plant-based option: Use slices of smoked tofu, smoky tempeh, or other plant-based deli slices, and plant-based mayo and cheese.
- Add peppery arugula, sprouts, or your favourite lettuce for extra crunch. Try the lettuce shredded style.
Alternative pairings:
- Cranberry, Sour Cherry & Port Preserve for a sweet, holiday-inspired twist
- Onion & Thyme Savoury Spread for a more herbaceous, caramelized note
- Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread for bright acidity with a gentle kick
Tuna Salad with Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread
Tuna salad sandwiches can be deeply satisfying or soggy and boring, it all depends on what you mix in. Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread changes the game entirely.
Fold a spoonful into your tuna salad along with your usual mayo, add celery, and a squeeze of lemon. The mango brings sweetness and fruity depth, while the pepper adds just enough warmth to keep things interesting. Serve it on toasted sourdough or in a wrap with crisp lettuce. For extra heat, smear some Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread on the bread too.
Pro tip: Let the tuna salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavours meld together. It gets better as it sits.
Make it your own:
- Add your favourite spice blends, or try smoked paprika, salt & pepper to taste, a spoonful of pickle juice, and diced peppers and/or radish. There are so many ways to add flavour to your tuna salad.
- Plant-based option: Use smashed chickpeas and plant-based mayo.
- Make tuna melts by spreading your chosen condiment on the bread, topping with tuna and cheese, and broiling for a few minutes.
Alternative pairings:
- Peach & Pepper Spicy Pepper Spread for a more delicate, stone fruit sweetness.
- Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread mixed into the tuna salad for Mediterranean vibes.
- Candied Jalapeño Relish for sweetness and heat.
- Stir in Candied Jalapeños, or add them to your sandwich for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
- Charcuterie Mustard, mixed into the tuna salad and/or spread on the sandwich or wrap for extra flavour and texture.
The PB&J, Elevated with Sweet, Spicy, and Floral Flavour Options
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich doesn't need fixing, it's already perfect. But when you swap out grape jelly for something with more personality, you remember why this combination has stuck around for so long.
PB&J with Raspberry & Habanero Spicy Pepper Spread
Sweet raspberry meets subtle heat, elevating the everyday. The habanero doesn't overpower; it’s well-balanced and adds to this classic combination. Just enough warmth to make the peanut butter taste richer and the whole sandwich feel a little more grown-up without losing any of its comfort factor.
PB&J with Raspberry & Rose Spread
Lightly floral, jammy, and elegant. The rose adds a delicate flavour that elevates peanut butter from everyday to something you’d even serve to guests. Try it on toasted brioche or challah if you're feeling fancy.
PB&J with Blueberry & Basil Spread
The subtle herbal note from basil adds to the richness of peanut butter in the best way. It tastes fresh and bright, almost like summer in sandwich form. Use chunky peanut butter for extra texture.
Pro tip: Toast the bread lightly before assembling. It adds crunch and keeps the sandwich from getting soggy if you're packing it for later.
Alternative pairings:
- Peach & Lavender Spread for a bright summer twist of sweetness with subtle floral notes.
- Sunny’s Apricot, Raspberry, Orange & Vanilla Fruit Spread adds the vibrant blend of summer's cherished fruits, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Egg Salad with Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread
Egg salad sandwiches are underrated. Not all of them are those plastic-wrapped convenience store versions. When done right, they're creamy, satisfying, and just the right amount of indulgent. Mix Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread directly into your egg salad along with mayo, a touch of Dijon or our Charcuterie Mustard, and finely chopped celery or chives.
The tomato adds brightness and a hint of acidity, keeping the richness in check, while the subtle heat wakes up the mild eggs. Serve it on soft white bread, or go the deli route with rye or pumpernickel.
Make it better:
- Add finely diced pickles or capers for a briny note.
- Season the mixture with your favourite fresh herbs to add a fresh twist.
- Top with crisp lettuce, sprouts, or arugula for crunch.
Alternative pairings:
- Candied Jalapeño Relish for sweet-spicy twist.
- Onion & Thyme Savoury Spread smeared on the bread for savoury depth.
- Tandoori Chutney for something completely unexpected (it works, trust us).
Curried Chicken Salad or Chickpea Smash with Tandoori Chutney
If you've been making chicken salad the same way for years, this is your invitation to try something different. Tandoori Chutney brings warm spices—cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic—that transform shredded or diced chicken into something you'd totally crave.
Mix the chutney into mayo along with diced or shredded chicken, chopped celery, golden raisins or dried cranberries, and toasted slivered almonds. Add some of your favourite curry powder blend. The result is sweet, savoury, and aromatic. Serve it on grilled naan, in a pita, or on a seedy sourdough bread with crisp lettuce.
For a plant-based version: Use smashed chickpeas instead of chicken. Season it with curry powder and smoked paprika. Layer it with Tandoori Chutney, cucumber, red onion, and fresh cilantro on crusty bread or in a wrap. The smokiness of the paprika pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the chutney.
Alternative pairings:
- Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread for a sweeter, fruitier flavour, inspired by the condiments that samosas are often served with.
- Peach & Pepper Spicy Pepper Spread for stone fruit sweetness with a kick.
- Charcuterie Mustard for tangy depth and texture.
Easy Dinner Sandwich Ideas (Yes, Sandwiches for Dinner)
Sandwiches absolutely count as dinner. These are hearty, satisfying options that stand up as dinner. Want them for lunch instead? There are no rules here. Yes, grilled cheese is the star here. Pair it with tomato soup or a simple salad, and you've got yourself a great dinner for a cozy night in. If you’re on Salt Spring Island, our neighbour Woodshed Provisions has fresh and frozen soup options that would pair well with any sandwich for dinner.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Elevated Three Ways
A perfect grilled cheese is an exercise in simplicity. But that doesn't mean it has to be boring. These are dinner-worthy versions that work just as well for a cozy night in as they do for feeding a crowd. If you’ve got company and haven’t tried it, you can make batches of grilled cheese on a sheet pan in the oven, on the grill if you have a flattop, or on a stovetop griddle.
With Onion & Thyme Savoury Spread
This is the grilled cheese for people who want savoury all the way down. Spread the Onion & Thyme on the inside of your bread before adding cheese—it melts into the cheddar or gruyère, creating pockets of sweet caramelized onion and fragrant thyme. Pairs especially well with aged cheddar or a nutty Comté.
With Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread
Think of this as an elevated classic grilled cheese. The Spicy Tomato adds bright acidity and a hint of heat that cuts through the richness of melted cheese without overwhelming it. Use it with mozzarella or fontina for maximum melt factor, and add fresh basil if you're feeling fancy.
With Peach & Pepper Spicy Pepper Spread
This one's open-faced and a little more refined. Grill, pan-fry, or toast thick slices of sourdough until golden and crisp. Spread each slice with Peach & Pepper, then top with brie slices. Pop the whole thing under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is soft and melty, or skip the broiler and enjoy it as is, the residual heat from the grilled bread will warm the cheese just enough. The sweet stone fruit and subtle heat play beautifully with creamy brie.
Alternative pairings:
- Raspberry & Habanero Spicy Pepper Spread for sweet heat (try it with brie or Havarti)
- Hot Mango Spicy Pepper Spread for tropical vibes (amazing with pepper jack)
- Candied Jalapeño Relish mixed into cream cheese, with sharp cheddar, as a filling.
- If you’re not ready to commit to something new, use any of these options as a dip on the side to try them all first!
Make it your own:
- Add a bit of grated cheese directly to the pan, then grill your sandwich on top. You’ll get a delicious, crunchy exterior that is seriously next level.
- Use salted butter to smear the outside of your bread before grilling, or try herbed, garlic, or other flavoured butters.
- For a vegan grilled cheese, use plant-based butter and non-dairy cheeses like Chau or Violife slices.
- Plate your finished sandwich, cut in half and stacked, and finish it with flaked sea salt for a gourmet presentation.
Roasted Veggie Sandwich with Spicy Tomato
This one has a few extra steps, so we like to use leftovers (whatever you have) or include roasting veggies in any meal prep you do for the week. One of our team favourites is the seasonal roasted carrot sandwich with pesto at Francis Bread, one of our neighbours at The Shops at The Jam Factory.
Roast thick slices of eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion until tender and caramelized. Roast whole or sliced carrots, or sliced cauliflower steaks, to the same results. Season them with your favourite spice blends, or simply use a great-quality olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Layer them on ciabatta or focaccia that's been spread generously with Spicy Tomato Savoury Spread.
Add fresh mozzarella or goat cheese, a handful of arugula or sprouts for crunch and peppery bite, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if you're feeling it. Press it lightly in a panini press or skillet until everything melds together.
The Spicy Tomato acts as both condiment and sauce, tying all the vegetables together with its bright, slightly sweet, gently spicy flavour.
Make it heartier
- Add a smear of hummus or pesto.
- Include roasted or grilled portobello mushrooms.
- Top with crispy chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.
Alternative pairings
- Onion & Thyme for deeper savoury notes
- Tandoori Chutney for warm spice
- Candied Jalapeño Relish for unexpected sweetness and spice
Peach & Pepper Spicy Pepper Spread with brie on sourdough toast.
Simple Guide to Building Better Sandwiches
You don't need serious cooking skills to make a great sandwich. But a few small tweaks can make a huge difference.
Toast your bread when it matters.
Toasting adds texture and prevents sogginess, especially when you're adding condiments and moisture. For cold sandwiches, toast creates a barrier between wet ingredients and the bread.
Layer thoughtfully.
Put your condiments on the bread first, then build from there. This helps everything stay in place and ensures you get flavour in every bite. Don’t stack slippery slices of pickles and tomatoes together. Keep your structural integrity high!
Don't skip the crunch.
Whether it's lettuce, pickles, or crispy bacon, texture matters. A good sandwich has layers—soft, chewy, crunchy, and everything in between.
Serve a good pickle on the side.
Pickles are pure acid and crunch—they reset your palate and make even the richest sandwich feel lighter.
Taste as you go.
Not sure how much Spicy Tomato to use? Start with a thin layer and adjust as needed. You can always add more, but you can't take it away.
Let cold sandwiches rest.
If you're making something ahead like tuna salad or a chickpea smash, let it sit in the fridge for a bit. Flavours blend and intensify, and everything tastes better when it's had time to get to know each other.
Preserves That Elevate the Everyday
You might think of jams and preserves as breakfast items, something to spread on toast or dollop onto yogurt. But they're one of the most versatile condiments in your kitchen.
On cheese and charcuterie boards: They balance salt and fat with sweetness and acidity. A dollop of Peach & Pepper next to aged cheddar or a spoonful of Onion & Thyme Savoury Spread with blue cheese transforms the whole experience.
As marinades and glazes: Mix Hot Mango or Raspberry & Habanero into your marinade for chicken, pork, or tofu. Brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling for a glossy, flavourful finish.
In salad dressings: Whisk a spoonful of Blueberry & Basil or Peach & Lavender into olive oil and vinegar for a dressing with personality.
With eggs: Scrambled eggs, omelettes, frittatas, any of them benefit from a side of Spicy Tomato or a spoonful of Onion & Thyme stirred in.
Mixed into dips: Fold Candied Jalapeño Relish into sour cream or cream cheese for an instant, crowd-pleasing dip.The point is, our gourmet jams, preserves, and spreads can be used from breakfast to happy hour, to elevate the everyday.
Make Room for the Unexpected
The sandwiches you already love don't need to be replaced, you just might want to give them a little nudge in a new direction. Try swapping out plain mayo for something with more personality, adding heat where there used to be only salt, or layering in a jammy sweetness that makes you rethink what a sandwich can be.
You don't have to reinvent your lunch. Just elevate it.
So the next time you're standing in your kitchen, staring at bread and wondering what's for lunch, reach for that jar you've been meaning to open. Spread it on thick. Build something good. Don't save it for a special occasion.
Because a Tuesday afternoon sandwich that makes you sit down and enjoy it? That's the occasion.
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Explore our full range of gourmet jams, preserves, savoury spreads, and hot sauces at SaltSpring Kitchen Co. Small batches, big flavours, made with love here on Salt Spring Island.
Vegan mozzarella grilled cheese with Onion & Thyme on sourdough.
