8 Southern Sandwich Creations That Prove Weird Can Be Delicious
In the South, sandwiches aren’t just meals – they’re bold experiments that push flavor in unexpected directions.
Sweet meets savory, spicy meets creamy, and the results are often strange but always satisfying. These creations might raise an eyebrow at first, but one bite usually seals the deal.
They’re proof that a little culinary curiosity goes a long way, turning “weird” into downright delicious.
1. Po’ Boy
New Orleans gave us this legendary sandwich that started as a working-class meal and became a culinary icon. Crispy fried seafood or roast beef gets piled high on crusty French bread that’s soft inside.
The “dressed” version comes loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo.
Some folks think seafood on bread sounds odd, but one bite proves this combination is pure magic that keeps people coming back for more.
2. Fried Green Tomato BLT
Why wait for tomatoes to ripen when the green ones taste amazing fried? This Southern twist on the classic BLT swaps regular tomatoes for tangy, cornmeal-crusted green ones that add a satisfying crunch.
Paired with crispy bacon and creamy mayo, the tartness of unripe tomatoes creates a flavor explosion. What seems like an odd choice transforms the familiar BLT into something extraordinary and uniquely Southern.
3. Hot Brown
Kentucky’s famous open-faced sandwich was invented at a Louisville hotel in the 1920s and remains gloriously extra.
Turkey and bacon get smothered in creamy Mornay sauce, then broiled until bubbly and golden.
It’s basically Thanksgiving dinner reimagined as a sandwich with fancy cheese sauce.
Using a fork and knife for a sandwich might seem strange, but this rich, decadent creation demands it and delivers comfort in every bite.
4. Barbecue Slaw Sandwich
North Carolinians put coleslaw directly on their barbecue sandwiches, and it’s a revelation. The cool, crunchy, tangy slaw cuts through the rich, smoky pulled pork perfectly, adding texture and freshness.
Outsiders might question putting salad on a sandwich, but this combination is pure genius.
The contrast between hot meat and cold slaw creates balance that makes every bite interesting and keeps you reaching for more.
5. Barbecue Pickle and Cream Cheese Sandwich
This quirky combo sounds like something created during a midnight fridge raid, but it’s a genuine Southern favorite. Tangy, spicy barbecue pickles meet smooth cream cheese in an unexpectedly addictive pairing.
The sweet-spicy-creamy balance hits differently than you’d expect. It’s simple, weird, and strangely crave-worthy, proving that sometimes the strangest combinations become comfort food.
6. Ham Salad Sandwich
Ground-up ham mixed with mayo, pickles, and seasonings creates a spread that’s simultaneously retro and timeless.
This Depression-era creation turned leftover ham into something special and remains beloved today. The texture is smooth yet chunky, and the flavor is savory with tangy notes.
While it might look unusual to newcomers, this classic Southern sandwich filling delivers nostalgic comfort that connects generations through simple, satisfying taste.
7. Fried Bologna and Slaw Sandwich
Frying bologna transforms the humble lunch meat into something entirely different – crispy edges, caramelized flavor, and a distinctive curl.
Adding coleslaw brings crunch and tang that balances the richness perfectly. It’s working-class food that doesn’t apologize for being simple.
The combination sounds odd until you taste how the textures and temperatures play together, creating a sandwich that’s greater than its humble parts suggest.
8. Shrimp and Grits Sandwich
Taking the beloved Lowcountry breakfast and making it portable seems ambitious, but it works surprisingly well.
Creamy grits and seasoned shrimp get sandwiched between bread, creating a handheld version of the classic dish.
It’s messy, unconventional, and absolutely worth trying. The soft grits and tender shrimp create interesting texture against the bread. Who says breakfast classics can’t become lunch sandwiches?
