10 Hot Sandwiches That Satisfy Your Winter Food Cravings

This toasted sub will kick sad desk salads to the curb. The recipe packs in the veggies—onion, mushrooms, and bell peppers—while garlic-and-herb cheese melts all the ingredients into the bread so there's no slippery mess.

Get the recipe: Baked Mini Veggie and Cheese Sandwich 

You can thank us later for this serious lunch upgrade. You can serve this sandwich open-faced to cut down on calories and carbs, but LBH, it's really just so you get to the good (inside) stuff faster. (If you love all things cheesy (and who doesn't?), you won't be able to resist these Easy Vegetarian Quesadilla Recipes for Healthy Weeknight Meals.)

Get the recipe: Cheddar, Bacon, Chicken, and Apple Sandwich with Honey Mustard Spread

When you take a classic Reuben and give it a New Orleans makeover this is what you get. Po' boys typically feature roast beef or seafood on a baguette, but this version swaps in corned beef and Swiss cheese and adds a vinegar-based slaw. Russian dressing gets replaced with a Southern favorite—"comeback sauce." You'll be in fall as soon as you try it.

Get the recipe: Reuben Po' Boy

This pressed sandwich is proof that even vegetarians can enjoy a hearty and delicious lunch between two slices of bread. Prep the caramelized onions the night before, then assemble the sandwiches at work and heat in a toaster oven. (Discover even more healthy vegetarian sandwich recipes.)

Get the recipe: Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, and Swiss Melt

Quit cold turkey and switch to something tastier this winter. This recipe has simple ingredients, but the chipotle mayo adds a kick of flavor. Toss in spinach, onion, or bell pepper to up the veggie quota.

Get the recipe: Southwestern Crispy Grilled Turkey and Cheese Sandwich

On blisteringly cold winter nights, comfort food is the key to survival. This sub has the all the flavors you love—grilled peppers and onions, meatballs, pasta sauce—minus the meat. Instead, you'll use quinoa, chickpeas, bread crumbs, and fresh herbs for the meat-free balls. Trust us when we tell you this will become your #MeatlessMonday go-to.

Get the recipe: Quinoa Meatball Subs with Grilled Peppers and Onions

Here, the flavors of Caprese salad are reinvented as a grilled chicken sandwich. Plus, pesto adds a ton of flavor without piling on the calories. (Can't get enough pesto? Try these healthy pesto recipes that don't involve pasta.)

Get the recipe: Pesto Chicken Sandwiches

When you think hot sandwich, you probably think cheesesteak. The secret to tender meat is in the marinade and this version is made with Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Two types of cheese, plenty of sautéed veggies, and spicy mayo on top and you've got yourself the perfect lunch (or dinner, really).

Get the recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Save this recipe for those times when you deserve a break from calorie-conscious eating and need to feast on something hearty after a tough week at work. The traditional French sandwich puts cheese on the inside and outside of the bread before baking, and you can't go wrong with ham and a creamy sauce made with Dijon mustard and nutmeg that's oozing its way out.

Get the recipe: Croque Monsieur

Summer may be over but your love for its seasonal food won't be sidelined. This vegan recipe requires a frying pan to make BBQ-flavored veggies, then you just have to top them off with crispy coconut onions, tahini sauce, and red cabbage. Vegans and non-vegans will agree: You won't miss the meat in this recipe. (For even more vegan recipes, check out these high-protein vegan meal ideas.)

Get the recipe: Vegan BBQ Pulled Carrots Sandwiches