10 Strange Sandwiches That Somehow Made Sense Back Then

Back then, sandwiches didn’t play it safe. People slapped all kinds of things between two slices of bread and called it lunch. Some of those combos were weird, some were wonderful, and some… well, let’s just say they didn’t age too well. These 10 sandwiches had their moment, but somewhere along the way, they quietly disappeared from the menu.

Peanut Butter and Bacon Sandwich

This combo had a surprising moment of fame, especially thanks to Elvis Presley who was known to love his version fried in butter. The peanut butter and bacon sandwich brought sweet, salty, and greasy together like nothing else. But these days, it’s rare to spot anyone making one. The richness is over-the-top, and health-conscious eaters gave it a hard pass. It’s now more of a trivia fact than a go-to snack.

Olive and Cream Cheese Sandwich

This one was a favorite in the 1950s, showing up in tea parties and vintage cookbooks. Chopped green olives mixed into cream cheese and spread between slices of white bread made for a tangy, creamy bite. But as new sandwich fillings took over, this combo started to feel outdated. It’s now more of a curiosity than something you’d actually eat.

Sardine Sandwich

High in protein and affordable, sardine sandwiches were once common during tough times. Packed between slices of bread with maybe a splash of lemon or onion, they were practical and filling. But the strong flavor and scent never really appealed to the masses, especially with fresher, lighter options available today. Now, it’s mostly remembered by the older generations.

Pineapple and Ham Sandwich

Sweet and savory had a moment, and the pineapple and ham sandwich was part of it. Cold ham with juicy pineapple slices was meant to be refreshing, but it never quite caught on the way Hawaiian pizza did. People either loved it or absolutely hated it. Over time, other sandwich combos stole the spotlight, and this one quietly slipped away.

Egg and Olive Sandwich

A twist on the egg salad sandwich, this version mixed in chopped green olives for extra saltiness. It had a pretty solid fan base for a while, especially in the Midwest. But like many mayo-heavy sandwiches, it started to feel too heavy for modern tastes. Now, it's a rare sight unless you stumble on a family recipe from decades ago.

Banana and Mayonnaise Sandwich

Yes, this was a real thing. Popular in the South, the banana and mayonnaise sandwich sounds strange now, but it once had its moment. It was cheap, easy, and surprisingly common. These days, it mostly shows up in internet lists of “weird old recipes.” Most folks wouldn’t touch it now, and it’s pretty much vanished from kitchen tables.

Tongue Sandwich

Once a standard in Jewish delis and old-school diners, the tongue sandwich featured thin slices of beef tongue on rye bread, often with mustard. It was flavorful and tender, but for most folks today, the thought of eating tongue makes them cringe. As tastes shifted to more mainstream meats, this sandwich faded fast. Only the most nostalgic deli fans remember it fondly.

Bologna and Ketchup Sandwich

A quick, cheap lunch for generations, the bologna and ketchup sandwich was a staple in school lunches. But its appeal didn’t last. Bologna lost its cool, ketchup felt too basic, and better deli meats took over. What was once a favorite of busy parents is now more of a nostalgic throwback than a sandwich you’d actually make today.

Pickle and Peanut Butter Sandwich

Another odd combo that somehow made its way into packed lunches. The tart crunch of pickles with sticky peanut butter was either weirdly great or just plain gross, depending on who you asked. It had a niche fan base, but it never became mainstream. Now, it's mostly a punchline or a dare at retro parties.

Liverwurst Sandwich

Once popular in European households and among older generations, liverwurst spread on rye with onions was hearty and full of flavor. But its strong, rich taste didn’t appeal to younger crowds. As food trends leaned toward lighter, fresher fare, this heavy, meaty sandwich faded out. It’s now mostly found in specialty stores or not at all.

Creamed Chipped Beef Sandwich

Also known as “SOS” in military slang, the creamed chipped beef sandwich was a wartime staple. It featured thin strips of dried beef in a thick white gravy poured over toast. It was salty, filling, and budget-friendly, making it a go-to during rough times. But the gloopy texture and heavy flavor didn’t exactly win over future generations. Now, it’s mostly a punchline or a distant memory.

Deviled Ham Sandwich

Spicy, spreadable, and straight from a can, deviled ham made its way into countless lunchboxes back in the day. Mixed with mayo or relish, it was slathered on bread for a quick sandwich that packed a punch. But as fresh deli meats and DIY spreads became the norm, canned meat lost its charm. It’s rare to see this one outside of a retro recipe book.

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