Did you know that the average American consumes over 2,000 deli sandwiches in their lifetime? That’s a lot of sandwiches! If you’re tired of the same old turkey and cheese, it’s time to spice things up with some delicious toppings.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 must-try toppings for your deli sandwiches. From crispy bacon to creamy avocado, these additions will take your sandwich game to a whole new level.
So grab your favorite bread and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey!

Bacon
Bacon is a delicious addition to any deli sandwich. You can’t resist the savory, smoky flavor it brings to the table. Whether you’re a meat lover or just enjoy a touch of indulgence, bacon takes your sandwich to the next level.
Picture this: crispy bacon strips nestled between layers of tender turkey, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. The combination of textures and flavors is simply heavenly. The saltiness of the bacon perfectly complements the other ingredients, creating a harmonious taste experience.
It adds a satisfying crunch and a burst of umami that leaves you wanting more. So, next time you’re at the deli, don’t forget to add a generous serving of bacon to your sandwich. You won’t be disappointed.
Avocado
I can’t resist adding avocado to my deli sandwiches. It’s the perfect addition that brings a creamy and rich flavor to every bite. With its smooth texture and subtle taste, avocado takes your sandwich to a whole new level.
Whether it’s a classic turkey and cheese or a loaded BLT, avocado adds a refreshing and satisfying element. The buttery goodness of avocado pairs perfectly with the savory meats and tangy condiments. Plus, it’s packed with healthy fats and essential nutrients, making it a guilt-free choice.
Pickles
Don’t forget to add pickles to your sandwich for that tangy and crunchy bite that complements the other flavors perfectly.
Pickles are a classic deli sandwich topping that adds a burst of flavor and texture. With their tanginess and crunch, pickles can elevate the taste of any sandwich.
Whether you prefer dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or the spicy kick of jalapeno pickles, there’s a pickle variety for everyone. The acidity of pickles cuts through the richness of meats and cheeses, balancing out the flavors in each bite.
They add a refreshing element that enhances the overall enjoyment of your sandwich. So next time you’re assembling your deli sandwich, don’t forget to grab some pickles and take your sandwich to the next level.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a delicious and versatile option for adding a creamy and nutty flavor to your sandwiches. It’s a classic choice that pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a staple for any deli sandwich lover.
The smooth and slightly tangy taste of Swiss cheese complements both meat and vegetable fillings, adding a touch of richness to every bite. Whether you’re making a turkey and Swiss sandwich or a vegetarian option with roasted vegetables, Swiss cheese is sure to elevate the flavor profile.
Its meltability also makes it perfect for grilled sandwiches, creating a gooey and satisfying texture. So, next time you’re building your sandwich, don’t forget to add a slice of Swiss cheese for that extra burst of flavor.
Roasted Red Peppers
Roasted red peppers add a smoky and sweet flavor to sandwiches, making them a popular choice for adding a burst of taste. When you bite into a sandwich with roasted red peppers, you’ll immediately notice the smoky aroma and the subtle sweetness that lingers on your taste buds.
These peppers are not only delicious, but they also provide a vibrant pop of color to your sandwich, making it visually appealing as well. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the peppers and adds a hint of charred flavor.
Whether you’re enjoying a turkey and cheese sandwich or a classic Italian sub, adding roasted red peppers takes your sandwich to a whole new level of flavor. So go ahead and try this delectable topping on your next deli sandwich and experience the delightful combination of smokiness and sweetness.
Caramelized Onions
Now that you’ve learned about the deliciousness of roasted red peppers, let’s move on to another mouthwatering topping for your deli sandwich: caramelized onions. These golden brown, sweet and savory onions can take your sandwich to a whole new level of flavor.
To make caramelized onions, start by thinly slicing a large onion. Then, heat some butter or oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and turn a rich, deep brown color. The slow cooking process allows the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize, creating a sweet and savory taste.
Spread a generous amount of caramelized onions on your sandwich, and enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors. Trust me, once you try caramelized onions on your deli sandwich, you won’t be able to resist adding them every time!
Sriracha Mayo
For an extra kick of flavor, slather your sandwich with some spicy sriracha mayo.
This creamy and fiery condiment is the perfect addition to any deli sandwich. Made with a combination of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce, it adds a tangy and spicy twist to your favorite lunchtime staple.
The rich and creamy texture of the mayo perfectly balances out the heat from the sriracha, creating a mouthwatering combination that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic turkey and cheese sandwich or a loaded Italian sub, the addition of sriracha mayo takes it to a whole new level.
Provolone Cheese
If you’re looking for a deliciously melty and smooth cheese option, provolone is the way to go. It’s a classic choice for deli sandwiches that adds a rich and creamy flavor to your meal.
Provolone cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a pale yellow color. It has a mild taste that is slightly tangy, making it a versatile option that pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
Whether you’re making a turkey and avocado sandwich or a classic Italian sub, provolone cheese is the perfect addition. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey and satisfying texture that will elevate your sandwich to the next level.
Guacamole
Once you mix together ripe avocados, lime juice, and a few spices, you’ll have a flavorful and creamy guacamole. It’s the perfect addition to any deli sandwich, adding a burst of freshness and a hint of tanginess.
Spread a generous amount of guacamole onto your bread or roll and watch as it elevates your sandwich to a whole new level. The smooth texture of the avocados and the zesty lime juice create a creamy base that pairs well with all types of meats and vegetables. The spices add a depth of flavor, enhancing the taste of every bite.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Now, let’s talk about sun-dried tomatoes, a mouthwatering addition to your deli sandwich.
These little gems pack a punch of flavor and add a delightful tanginess to any sandwich. You won’t be able to resist their intense and concentrated taste. With just a few slices, your sandwich will be transformed into a gourmet masterpiece.
Sun-dried tomatoes are bursting with antioxidants and are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They are also low in calories, making them a healthy choice for your sandwich.
Whether you prefer them packed in oil or dried, these little red wonders will bring a burst of savory goodness to every bite.
Coleslaw
Let’s add some creamy coleslaw to our deli sandwiches for a refreshing and crunchy twist. Coleslaw is the perfect topping that adds a burst of flavor and texture to any sandwich.
With its creamy and tangy dressing, it complements the savory meats and adds a refreshing crunch. The shredded cabbage and carrots provide a satisfying bite, making each mouthful a delightful experience.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic turkey or a hearty roast beef sandwich, coleslaw elevates the taste to a whole new level. It’s like a party in your mouth!
Pepper Jack Cheese
Don’t forget to add some spicy Pepper Jack cheese to your deli sandwiches for an extra kick of flavor.
This creamy and tangy cheese is perfect for those who like a little heat in their meals. Made from Monterey Jack cheese and infused with spicy peppers, Pepper Jack adds a zesty and bold taste to any sandwich.
Its smooth texture melts beautifully, giving your sandwich a gooey goodness that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Whether you’re making a classic turkey and cheese sandwich or a mouthwatering grilled cheese, Pepper Jack cheese takes your sandwich to the next level.
Horseradish Sauce
Horseradish sauce adds a fiery kick to any sandwich, enhancing the flavors with its spicy and tangy taste. You won’t be able to resist the zesty punch it brings to your deli creation.
Spread a generous amount of horseradish sauce on your favorite bread and watch as it transforms your sandwich into a flavor explosion. The sharpness of the horseradish cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic roast beef sandwich or a turkey and Swiss cheese creation, horseradish sauce takes it to the next level. So go ahead, give your taste buds a tantalizing treat and add a dollop of horseradish sauce to your next sandwich. You won’t be disappointed.
Dijon Mustard
Spread a generous amount of Dijon mustard on your sandwich for a tangy and flavorful addition that will elevate your taste experience. Dijon mustard is made from brown or black mustard seeds, white wine or wine vinegar, water, and salt. It has a smooth texture and a vibrant yellow color.
The mustard’s tangy and slightly spicy taste adds a delightful kick to any sandwich. Whether you’re enjoying a classic ham and cheese or a turkey club, Dijon mustard pairs perfectly with a variety of deli meats and cheeses. Its bold flavor cuts through the richness of the ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Jalapenos
Jalapenos add a fiery kick to any dish, enhancing the flavor with their spicy heat. When it comes to deli sandwiches, adding jalapenos takes your sandwich game to a whole new level.
Imagine biting into a juicy sandwich filled with turkey, cheese, and mayo, and then suddenly, the heat from the jalapenos hits your taste buds, waking up your senses. The crunchiness of the fresh jalapeno slices adds a satisfying texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Whether you prefer mild or hot, jalapenos add a tangy and zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the sandwich, creating a well-balanced bite. So, next time you’re at the deli, don’t forget to ask for some jalapenos – they’ll give your sandwich that extra kick you’ve been craving.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 15 delicious toppings for your deli sandwiches that you simply must try. From crispy bacon to creamy avocado, tangy pickles to melty Swiss cheese, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds.
But here’s an interesting statistic for you: did you know that adding jalapenos to your sandwich can actually boost your metabolism? That’s right, the spicy kick can help increase your calorie-burning potential.
So go ahead and spice up your next sandwich with some jalapenos and enjoy the added health benefits!
Ben, a culinary enthusiast and owner of RelishedRecipes.com, shares his passion for food and cooking through delectable recipes and valuable tips. Ben delights in exploring international cuisines and inspiring home cooks on their culinary journeys.