Roast beef sandwiches are an American classic, beloved for their tender sliced meat tucked between bread or a roll. But a great roast beef sandwich is so much more than just meat and bread. The toppings you choose can take your roast beef sandwich from basic to sensational.
So what should you put on a roast beef sandwich? From tangy sauces to crunchy veggies, the options are endless. I’ve rounded up 12 of the most mouthwatering toppings to take your roast beef sandwich to the next level Keep reading for tasty inspiration!
Sauces and Spreads
A drizzle of sauce or spread adds a burst of flavor while also helping keep the bread from getting soggy. Some great options include:
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Horseradish Sauce The zing from the horseradish complements the rich beef beautifully Mix prepared horseradish with mayo and a squeeze of lemon juice,
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BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite regional style, like Kansas City or Texas barbecue sauce, for a sweet, smoky flavor.
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Spicy Mustard: Yellow mustard is fine, but amp it up with spicy brown or Dijon for a kick.
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Mayonnaise: A slathering of mayo makes the sandwich nicely moist and creamy.
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Blue Cheese Spread: Mix crumbled blue cheese with mayo and garlic for a punch of pungent flavor.
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Pesto: The herby basil flavor of pesto may seem unexpected but it’s a delicious combo.
Cheese Please
Melty cheese takes the sandwich up a notch. Some cheese choices that pair wonderfully with roast beef include:
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Provolone: Mild yet flavorful, provolone is a natural fit.
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Swiss: The nutty taste stands up to the meat.
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Cheddar: For a classic cheese choice, cheddar is always a crowd-pleaser.
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Blue Cheese: The boldness matches the beef.
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Pepper Jack: Spicy pepper jack gives a kick.
Crispy, Crunchy Veggies
Don’t forget your veggies! For texture and freshness, add:
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Lettuce: Leaf lettuce, iceberg lettuce, even cabbage—it all offers crunchy cooling contrast.
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Tomatoes: Sliced tomato or a layer of sun-dried tomatoes makes a juicy addition.
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Onions: Both raw and grilled onions give a nice bite.
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Pickles: Dill pickles are classic, but bread and butter pickles work too.
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Bell peppers: Thin strips of crunchy peppers add color and sweetness.
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Sprouts: Try alfalfa or clover sprouts for nuttiness.
Meats and More
If you want extra meat and protein:
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Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon is hard to resist.
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Avocado: Creamy avocado provides a fresh, fatty complement.
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Salami: Thin slices of spicy salami make a fun riff.
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Roasted Turkey: For a lighter option, use turkey instead of beef.
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Fried Egg: Runny yolk takes it up a notch.
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Ham: Deli ham offers a classic salty savoriness.
Crunchy Extras
A few final components lend appetizing crunch:
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Chips: Potato chips, tortilla chips, even cheese crackers.
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French Fried Onions: Those crispy canned onions are a guilty pleasure.
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Toasted Nuts: Sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
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Coleslaw: Creamy cabbage coleslaw makes a tangy topping.
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Carrot Sticks: Shredded carrots also work.
Breads and Rolls
While you can use traditional sliced bread, toastier rolls work best. Great choices include:
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Kaiser Rolls: These have a classic taste and tender crumb.
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French Rolls: With a crispy crust, these are perfect for holding juicy fillings.
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Ciabatta: The airy bread has lots of nooks and crannies.
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Focaccia: Herby, olive oil-enriched focaccia is delish.
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Pretzel Rolls: These have a delightful chewy texture.
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Potato Rolls: Sweet, soft potato rolls are comforting.
With so many tasty topping options for roast beef sandwiches, the hardest part is narrowing it down to your favorites. I recommend picking a combination of flavors and textures—a crunchy veggie, gooey cheese, zingy sauce, and crispy extra. The meaty roast beef is the star, but the right toppings make it shine even brighter. A sensational roast beef sandwich is just a few toppings away!
Reuben-Style Roast Beef Sandwich
The Reuben is iconic and referenced in more films and TV shows than you can shake a stick at. We’re giving this version a little twist by using your leftover roast beef. We guarantee you a sandwich that’s tangy, melty, and ultimately addictive.
What you’ll need:
- Rye bread
- Slices of roast beef
- Swiss cheese
- Sauerkraut
- Thousand Island dressing (ketchup, mayo, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce)
Butter the outside of your bread as you would if prepping a grilled cheese toastie. Layer up your roast beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a generous spread of Thousand Island dressing on the inside for an extra touch of tanginess. Toast the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.
Serve it straight from the pan, and if you’re keen to pay homage to the original, with a fat gherkin on the side.
Argentinian-Style Beef Sandwich
Ready to shake things up a little and bring some cleansing freshness to your palate? This one’s inspired by those bold South American flavours we’ve waxed lyrical about before. Roast beef and chimichurri sauce are classic BBQ time soulmates, and we think that should extend to the sandwich world, too.
What you’ll need:
- Sliced roast beef
- Chimichurri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Grilled Vegetables (think zucchini, capsicum, and red onion)
- A crusty roll or ciabatta
This requires a bit more effort, but we’re sure you can handle a few moments simply chopping some veg. This is also a great way to use any veg you have looking sad in the fridge.
Grill or roast some veggies until they’re just getting charred and tender. Slather the chimichurri sauce on your roll, pile on the roast beef, and top it off with those smoky grilled veggies.
The result? A vibrant sandwich that’s fresh, herby, healthy, and packed full of flavour. This will get you back to feeling yourself in no time with a touch less guilt than some of these more indulgent ideas.
How To Make Perfect Deli-Style Roast Beef At Home
FAQ
What goes well on roast beef sandwiches?
- Mayonnaise.
- Freshly grated horseradish (yes, you can use it prepared in a jar)
- Sea salt and pepper.
- Worcestershire sauce.
- Aioli.
- Mustard.
- Chimichurri.
What comes on a classic roast beef sandwich?
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Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.orgRoast beef sandwich – WikipediaThe roast beef sandwich also commonly comprises bread, cold roast beef (either the leftovers from a homemade dinner or deli meat), lettuce, tomatoes, and mustar…
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Quorahttps://www.quora.comWhat are some good roast beef sandwich toppings? – QuoraMar 2, 2017 — What is a good sauce for a roast beef sandwich? The classic New York deli roast beef sandwich is a vast amount of very thin sliced rare beef (red, no…
What condiments go best with roast beef?
More condiments. Depending on the protein, English mustard, warm applesauce, red currant jelly, cranberry sauce, and mint jelly are all traditional toppings to serve alongside the meat.
What cheese goes best with roast beef sandwiches?
- American cheese: A classic choice that provides a mild, creamy flavor.
- Mild cheddar: A good balance of sharpness and creaminess, according to Serious Eats.
- Swiss: Offers a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the beef.
Are roast beef sandwiches good?
Sliced thinly, roast beef became a popular filling for sandwiches, and people have enjoyed it this way for at least two hundred years! Roast beef sandwiches are on top of the sandwich food chain, and although they’re always good, sometimes they can just be better. You might be wondering:
What cheese goes with roast beef?
The best cheese with roast beef can be sharp or spicy, such as blue, pepper jack or aged cheddar. But any cheese of your liking will add some creaminess to your sandwich and jack up its calcium content. Choose low-fat cheese if you’re trying to cut calories. Provolone, mozzarella, Swiss and goat cheese are all great choices.
What condiments go on a roast beef sandwich?
A roast beef sandwich can be topped with condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish sauce, ketchup, pickles, lettuce, and tomato.
What is a roast beef sandwich?
A roast beef sandwich is a classic American sandwich made with thinly sliced, cooked roast beef and served on a bun or bread. It can be topped with various condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish sauce, ketchup, pickles, lettuce, and tomato. The sandwich is usually served hot but can also be enjoyed cold.
What sauce goes well with a roast beef sandwich?
Some other tasty sauces that pair well with roast beef sandwiches are mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. These sauces add creaminess and tanginess respectively, enhancing the overall taste of the sandwich. Can I add pickles to my roast beef sandwich? Absolutely! Pickles can add a delightful crunch and a tangy kick to your roast beef sandwich.
Can I put BBQ sauce on a roast beef sandwich?
Yes, you can put BBQ sauce on a roast beef sandwich. To use BBQ sauce, simply spread it over the top of the sandwich before serving. Alternatively, you can brush it onto the bread slices before adding the other ingredients for an extra layer of flavor.