While sandwiches are the classic use for thinly sliced deli meats, there’s no reason to stop there. Dips, casseroles, and salads can also all benefit from a boost of protein—and these 20 recipes prove how versatile cold cuts can be.
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Ham, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches
“Quick and easy ham, egg, and cheese sandwich, which can be modified for your preference,” says Allrecipes member MN_Aztec. “If not serving them right away, you can let them cool, put in the freezer for a hour, and then wrap to warm up for a quick breakfast or snack.”
Crescent Breakfast Squares
“We love a savory breakfast, and these delicious breakfast squares fill the bill,” says Allrecipes member Bibi. “Use ham and Swiss, or another deli meat and cheese combo, for a weekend breakfast or brunch. Prefer other veggies in your omelet? Substitute your faves!”
Reuben Casserole
“This was excellent. My husband and I both loved it,” says reviewer JANNASMOMMY. “The only thing I might do different the next time is add more thousand island dressing. I think I would double the amount. This recipe is so easy and much less messy than traditional Reuben sandwiches.”
Italian Deli Pasta Salad
“This pasta salad has all my favorite things from the Italian deli – a trio of meats, a mix of cheeses, and giardiniera,” says Allrecipes Allstar France Cevallos. “I like to switch it up and use other meats like prosciutto, hot calabrese, or mortadella. Giardiniera comes in mild and hot varieties; use whichever you prefer. A good-quality Italian dressing makes a difference too!”
Chopped Grinder Sliders
Peyton Beckwith
“These chopped grinder sliders feature a chopped Italian salad inside Hawaiian rolls that have been brushed with garlic butter and toasted,” says senior producer Nicole McLaughlin.
Ham and Cheese Omelette
fabeveryday
“What’s not to love in a ham and cheese omelette?” says Allrecipes Allstar Yoly. “I added a splash of milk and a bit more cheese than called for. Delicious!”
The Munroe Melt
“I created this Munroe melt sandwich recipe one weekend when I couldn’t decide whether to have turkey, roast beef, or ham,” says Allrecipes member LAURIE ABKEMEIER. “This sandwich has all three! You can substitute Italian roast beef for regular roast beef to take this sandwich to another level.”
Air Fryer 2-Ingredient Dough Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets
“These are great,” says reviewer CheekyJam7768. “I used Swiss cheese on some with ham. Feta and mozzarella with roast beef on some. Yummmm!!!”
Million Dollar Holiday Party Sliders
Allrecipes/Izy Hossack
“Let me just say wonderful! I followed this recipe to a T and it tasted fabulous,” says reviewer TamTam. “I wouldn’t change a thing. I had two sliders, and I am so full! One would have been enough for me. I will be making these again.”
Mini Naan Hawaiian Pizza
“I know there are hardcore Italian pizza eaters who vow never to eat a Hawaiian pizza,” says Allrecipes member lutzflcat. “Sweet, juicy pineapple and ham may not be traditional on pizza, but just one time, step outside the box and see what you’re missing. This mini naan Hawaiian pizza recipe is good, really good, quick, and easy, too!”
Baked Ham and Cheese Party Sandwiches
Dotdash Meredith Food Stuidos
“If I could give these babies a 10 I would. I made them for our annual Superbowl party and they were a hit! Three people asked for the recipe,” says reviewer LovetoCook. “Baked for 10 minutes with foil on and 10 minutes uncovered. They were amazing! These will now be a staple at all of our parties!”
Joanne’s Super Hero Sandwich
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This sandwich is great just the way the recipe is,” says reviewer Jenny. “This has gotten rave reviews by our family and friends and I love having this recipe on hand for something than can be made the night before. The bread does not get soggy and the leftovers were even great the next day!”
Green Salad
AllRecipes / Ana Cadena
“Such an easy and tasty salad to make! Really enjoyed having the chopped chicken deli meat for that extra protein,” says reviewer Ana.
Reuben Sandwich
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“A Reuben sandwich is one of my family’s fix-it-quick favorites,” says Allrecipes member COLETTE G. “They are really delicious and easy to make. I like to serve them with big bowls of steaming vegetable soup and dill pickles on the side.”
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
“My entire family loved this, even my 3 year old. I served it to both of my kids with pasta sauce, huge hit,” says reviewer SereneFish4462. “I crushed ritz crackers and used that as the coating instead of panko crumbs. I also used Maui Onion Mustard from Eastern Provisions rather than plain Dijon. Can’t wait to make this again!”
Croque Monsieur Casserole
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Sammy Mila / Prop Styling: Gabriel Greco
“This croque monsieur casserole, made with sourdough English muffins, ham, Swiss cheese, with a rich, broiled cream sauce topping, is inspired by French croque monsieur, and a fantastic breakfast or brunch dish,” says senior producer Nicole McLaughlin.
Hot Baked Reuben Dip
Chef John
“This pastrami dip sandwich is a twist on the classic Reuben,” says Chef John. “I used pastrami instead of corned beef, which is a little spicier. No matter which you use, you’ll enjoy this truly delicious hot dip, which is great served warm or at room temperature.”
The Ultimate Pool Sandwich
Emily Hawkes/Prop Stylist: Karin Olsen/Food Stylist: Lauren LaPenna
If you’re looking for the ultimate sandwich to bring to the pool, try this simple and delicious deli sandwich. Use whatever deli meats and cheeses you have on hand.
Turkey-Pesto Toasterdilla
“Toaster quesadillas are all the rage and are simple to make once you get the hang of it,” says Allrecipes Allstar Soup Loving Nicole. “The key is not to overstuff them. They need to be as flat as possible so they don’t get stuck in the toaster slots. This recipe feature turkey and pesto.”
Salami and Cream Cheese Stuffed Pepperoncini
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
There’s no cooking required with this simple recipe—just assembling. So if you need something quick and small to accompany dinner or to put out before the main meal, this recipe is it.
