When you need something quick for lunch, a sandwich is one of the easiest meals to put together. But you don’t have to settle for the same cheese or peanut butter sandwich every day. With a few everyday ingredients, you can turn simple bread into a filling and tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

From a creamy chicken mayo and sweet chilli filling to a South African-inspired cheese, tomato and chutney toastie, these three recipes are easy to make and work well for lunch at home, work or even a quick meal on the go.

Chicken Mayo & Sweet Chilli Sandwich

Chicken mayo is a lunchbox favourite, but adding a little sweet chilli sauce gives the classic filling some extra flavour and heat.

Ingredients, serves 2

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1–2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 4 slices bread
• Lettuce
• Cucumber, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper

Method

Add the shredded chicken to a bowl and mix with the mayonnaise and sweet chilli sauce. Season with salt and black pepper.

Spread the chicken mixture over two slices of bread. Add lettuce and cucumber, then top with the remaining slices of bread.

Slice in half and serve immediately.

Recipe reference: Adapted from the sweet chilli chicken flavour combination used by BBC Good Food.

Cheese, Tomato & Chutney Toastie

Cheese and tomato is a simple combination, but chutney gives this toasted sandwich an extra sweet and tangy flavour.

Ingredients, serves 2

• 4 slices bread
• 1–2 tbsp butter
• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
• 100–120g cheddar cheese, grated or sliced
• 2 tbsp chutney
• Black pepper

Method

Butter the outside of each slice of bread. On the inside, spread chutney and add the cheese and tomato.

Close the sandwiches and heat a frying pan over medium-low heat.

Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese has melted.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Recipe reference: Adapted from BBC Good Food’s cheese toastie recipes, which use cheese and chutney and recommend cooking the sandwich until golden and melted.

If you’re looking for a sandwich that is simple but filling, tuna and egg make a satisfying combination. A little lemon juice and paprika adds freshness and flavour.

Ingredients, serves 2

• 1 x 170g can tuna, drained
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 2–3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• 4 slices bread
• Lettuce or cucumber, optional

Method

Add the drained tuna and chopped eggs to a bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise, lemon juice and paprika.

Season with salt and black pepper and mix gently until combined.

Spread the mixture generously over two slices of bread. Add lettuce or cucumber if you want some extra crunch, then top with the remaining slices.

Cut into halves and serve.

Recipe reference: Adapted from tuna salad and tuna-egg sandwich recipes featured by Allrecipes.

Whether you’re packing lunch for work, making something for the family or simply need a quick meal between a busy schedule, these three sandwiches are easy ways to make lunch a little more interesting without requiring complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

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