Ham Sandwiches:
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Ham Sandwiches - Let’s talk about one of the most beloved sandwiches of all time. Whether you enjoy yours with gooey melted cheese, nestled inside a buttery croissant, or stacked high with gourmet toppings, the ham sandwich has earned its spot as one of the most popular sandwiches around the world.

And guess what? According to The Most Popular Sandwich Poll ham sandwiches hold their own against heavyweights like PB&J, cheese, and even turkey!  

So why does the humble ham sandwich reign supreme? It’s simple: versatility, history, and undeniable deliciousness.  

The Many Faces of the Ham Sandwich

One of the reasons ham sandwiches remain an all-time favorite is their adaptability. You can dress them up or down, keep them classic or take them on an international adventure.

From the deli counter to fine-dining menus, the variations of this sandwich are truly endless. Let’s take a look at some famous ham-filled creations from around the world—you might just find a new favorite!

• Ham & Cheese  

This one is a no-brainer. The combination of salty, smoky ham and melty cheese is pure comfort food magic. Whether it’s a simple ham and American cheese sandwich or something elevated with aged cheddar on a crusty baguette, this pairing has stood the test of time.

•  Monte Cristo  

Want your ham sandwich to go fancy? Enter the Monte Cristo. Think of it as a French toast meets ham and cheese scenario, where your sandwich is dipped in egg batter, fried to golden perfection, and sometimes dusted with powdered sugar. Sweet, savory, crispy—it’s got it all.

•  Croque Monsieur  

Speaking of French flair, the Croque Monsieur is another indulgent twist on ham and cheese. Layers of ham and Gruyère cheese are nestled between slices of bread and topped with béchamel sauce before being baked until bubbly. Want to take it up another notch? Add an egg on top, and you’ve got yourself a Croque Madame.

•  Pan Tomaca (Spain)  

A more rustic approach to the ham sandwich, Pan Tomaca features toasted bread rubbed with fresh garlic and tomato, topped with thin slices of ham and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s simple, fresh, and completely satisfying.

•  Barros Jarpa (Chile)  

Chile’s answer to the ham and cheese sandwich, this creation features melted cheese and ham pressed between crispy bread. If you’re a fan of grilled cheese, this South American take will be right up your alley.

•  Chivito (Uruguay)  

Now, this is a loaded sandwich. The Chivito is an Uruguayan masterpiece featuring beef steak, ham, cheese, egg, olives, and mayo on a bun. Sure, ham isn’t the star of the show here, but it plays an important supporting role in one of the country’s most famous sandwiches.

•  Francesinha (Portugal)  

The Francesinha takes the concept of a ham sandwich and turns it into an over-the-top feast. This sandwich includes ham, linguiça (Portuguese sausage), steak, and cheese, all packed into bread and smothered with a rich, beer-infused sauce. Definitely one for the adventurous eaters--don't forget your fork!

•  The Godfather  

This Italian-inspired sandwich pulls together layers of ham, salami, and provolone cheese with oil, vinegar, and classic Italian seasonings. It’s bold, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

•  Panino  

And last but not least, the Panino—Italy’s take on a pressed sandwich. Often featuring ham, cheese, and tomatoes grilled inside a crispy, golden panini-style bread, this version keeps things fresh and simple yet irresistibly tasty.

The Sandwich Poll:
Does Ham Really Win? 

With so many variations, it’s no surprise that ham sandwiches have found their way to the top of many polls. But just how popular are they? Well, according to the Most Popular Sandwich Poll, ham ranks as one of the top choices, tied with egg sandwiches at 23.5% of the votes. That’s a pretty solid fan base!  

But let's not forget about the other contenders. Cheese sandwiches came in at 17.6%, proving that simple flavors often win hearts. And the ever-classic PB&J grabbed another 17.6%, which makes perfect sense—after all, who doesn’t love the nostalgia of peanut butter and jelly? Turkey sandwiches followed at 11.8%, and then came bologna sandwiches at 5.9% (an underrated choice, if you ask me).  

So, does ham truly deserve its reputation as the most popular sandwich in the world? Based on these results, we’d say yes. Ham sandwiches have universal appeal, countless variations, and a place in the hearts (and stomachs) of sandwich lovers everywhere.

How to Celebrate the Greatness of the Ham Sandwich

Now that we’ve established ham’s sandwich superiority, what’s the best way to celebrate? Easy—by making your own!

Try a classic ham and Swiss, or get adventurous with a Pan Tomaca, slathering your bread with olive oil and fresh tomato. Want something indulgent? A Croque Monsieur is your answer. Or go bold and assemble a Francesinha, proving that ham can hold its own even among steak and sausage.

And hey, if you really want to pay tribute to the ham sandwich, why not have a Ham Sandwich Tasting Party? Make a few different styles from around the world, set up a toppings station, and let everyone customize their ultimate ham creation.

Final Thoughts: Ham’s Timeless Appeal 

There’s something deeply satisfying about ham sandwiches—they're familiar, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you like your sandwich stacked high with cheese and sauce or just simple with mustard on fresh bread, ham sandwiches continue to hold their place as one of the world’s favorites.

And let’s be real—no matter how fancy our meals get, sometimes all we need is sandwiches again to make us happy. So, what’s your favorite ham sandwich?

Now for the poll. Scroll down to add your answer so that we can see once and for all which is the most popular. Do you like turkey, beef, fish, ham, or vegetarian? Or is cheese or eggs your favorite sandwich? The more people who answer the poll, the more accurate our results will be.

An if your favorite is not on the list - you're welcome to add your own if you like.

Okay let's find out which sandwich you think is the most popular sandwich.

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Most Popular Sandwich Poll Results

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We thought you might enjoy a little sandwich trivia after taking the poll. Check it out here. (Link will open a new window).

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