How to Make the Best Open Faced Sandwich

Classic and delicious, layering ingredients on bread or toast is delightful! Here’s how to make the best open faced sandwich.

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My grandfather favored the turkey version, layered with stuffing and gravy. He’d order it when we were on vacation, a special treat. My kids like theirs cheesy, layers of meat and sometimes vegetables finishing it off. They love when I make them, sliding a tray into the oven to melt the cheese. And I love mine with layers of smashed avocado and fried egg best. It makes a lovely breakfast but is great for lunch and dinner too.

Do you love open faced sandwiches too? Or perhaps you haven’t had one before and you are super curious? Either way, I can help.

There are so many ways to enjoy these sandwiches. Here’s how to make an unforgettable one.

What is an open faced sandwich?

First things first: What is this type of sandwich? Great question! An open faced sandwich uses only one slice of bread. Toppings — from avocado mash to cheese to veggies to meats — are layered on top of the bread. Sometimes it’s toasted. Other times not.

One restaurant locally makes a reuben as an open face sandwich and it’s divine. Another one makes a toast topped with all sorts of veggies and a touch of cheese (along with oil and vinegar — so good!). And let’s not forget that fabulous toast spot my kids and I enjoyed in New York some years back with so many sweet versions.

So an open face sandwich is similar to other sandwiches, but it uses less bread — or it’s like a layered toast. Either way, it’s delicious and satisfying.

What will I need?

At its most basic level, you will need bread and toppings. The specifics of these will depend on what recipe you will be making. Be sure to always read the recipe thoroughly before you begin making anything.

How to cook an open faced sandwich

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Do you know what sandwich you are making? Have you selected a recipe yet? Do you have a flavor profile in mind? That’s where you should start with this — only then can this really be answered.

Cooking an open faced sandwich really depends on the sandwich. For some, the toppings are served on toast. Thus, the cooking is as simple as toasting bread. For others, the sandwich might be heated under a broiler, such as to melt cheese. Other open faced sandwiches aren’t cooked at all. Your best bet is to read the instructions of the recipe you’re making thoroughly before cooking it.

How to serve

Easy! Just put your sandwich on your favorite plate. I have some adorable appetizer plates that I particularly love to serve dishes like this on. But any small luncheon or appetizer plate will do. Make sure the plate is big enough to comfortably hold the sandwich and anything you are serving with it like chips, pickles or coleslaw.

How do you eat an open faced sandwich?

Great question! And it’s one that I mentally ask every time I order a sandwich like this. Again, the answer depends on the sandwich though. Some can be picked up and eaten. Others need to be eaten with a fork and knife. You’ll know once you make it. So, ultimately, eat it in the way that makes you most comfortable.

Recipes to make the perfect open faced sandwich

Ready to get cooking? Yesss. Now you just need to decide what to make. This collection of recipes will help you create the perfect, most wonderful sandwich to enjoy.

The Best Open Faced Sandwich Recipes

Open-Face Ham, Cambozola and Egg Sandwiches with Basil

Creamy, sharp Cambozola cheese combines with smoky ham, sweet basil and runny eggs for a delicious breakfast sandwich.

Spicy Jerk Turkey Melts

Spicy Jerk Turkey Melts combine jerk turkey with colby jack cheese, tomatoes and avocado for a cheesy, spicy, creamy open-face sandwich.

Open-faced Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches with Pepper Jack Cheese

The flavors of Thanksgiving mingle in this easy, tasty sandwich, perfect for autumn. Make Open-Face Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches today!

Egg and Prosciutto Open Faced Sandwich with Tapenade

Quick, easy and delightful, this recipe combines juicy tapenade, cool hard-boiled eggs and salty prosciutto in an open-faced sandwich.

Smashed Avocado Toast with Tomato and Egg

Create a homemade breakfast delight with this easy recipe for Smashed Avocado Toast with Tomato and Egg. Fresh, homemade, quick. It hits all the marks.

Radish Toast, Two Ways

Fresh radishes, bread and what else? These two methods for making radish toast will have you celebrating the open-faced sandwich.

Tomato Ricotta Toast with Basil

Flavorful, easy Tomato Ricotta Toast with Basil features ricotta swirled with bright basil and tomatoes, cooked just till they burst. So easy. So good!

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Photo Credit: www.themagicalslowcooker.com

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy has tender chicken breasts in a wonderful gravy, great over mashed potatoes and white bread.

Open-Faced Smoked Salmon Sandwich

Photo Credit: slowthecookdown.com

Perfect for a light lunch or brunch, these open-faced smoked salmon sandwiches are easy to make and loaded with flavors. Cream cheese is seasoned with lemon and dill, before being topped with sliced avocado, smoked salmon and red onion slices.

Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich

Photo Credit: houseofnasheats.com

Grab your knife and fork for this supremely satisfying, over-the-top Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich! It is served open-faced with thick slices of roasted turkey, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes on top of a thick piece of toasted bread, all smothered in a rich, cheesy mornay sauce.