According to legend, the sandwich was invented by the Earl of Sandwich when he found himself in a bit of a culinary pickle. His tummy started rumbling right in the middle of a game of cards, and because he couldn’t exactly pick up a knife and fork to enjoy his steak, the meat was served between 2 slices of bread. And so the sandwich was born. But there’s no law anywhere that says a sandwich has to consist of bread, which is why we’re serving up 4 no-bread sandwiches featuring delicious grilled vegetables for buns – they’re quick and easy to make, a healthy alternative for those looking to drop a few stubborn pounds, and best of all, they taste ridiculously good!
1. Tomato Burger
You’ll Need:
- 1 large tomato
- 2 slices of cheese
- 4 oz ground beef
- salt & pepper to taste
- lettuce
- pickles
- burger sauce
Here’s How:
1.1 Season the ground beef and form it into a hamburger patty. Cut the tomato in half and put 1 slice of cheese and the hamburger patty on the upper half.
1.2 Place the tomato half with the cheese and hamburger patty facing down on the grill. Place the other half of the tomato with the cut side facing up next to it.
1.3 Grill both tomato halves in a panini press for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the meat is cooked through.
1.4 Place the lettuce, pickles, and burger sauce on the plain tomato half.
1.5 Put both tomato halves back together and enjoy your tomato burger!
2. Eggplant Panini
You’ll Need
- 1 eggplant
- salt
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley + 1 garlic clove + ¾ cup olive oil
- 1 large tomato, cut into wedges
- sliced black olives
- lemon zest
- crumbled feta cheese
- 1 red onion, cut into rings and pickled in vinegar
Here’s How:
2.1 Cut the eggplant lengthwise into 4 slices.
2.2 Salt the eggplant slices liberally and then dab them dry with a paper towel to get rid of excess moisture.
2.3 Blend the parsley, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor and spread the parsley pesto over one of the eggplant slices.
2.3 Cut the tomato into wedges and place them on top of the eggplant slice with parsley pesto. Top with sliced black olives, lemon zest, crumbled feta, and pickled red onion slices.
2.4 Place another slice of eggplant on top and brush parsley pesto over it.
2.5 Grill the sandwich for 10-15 minutes in a panini press until the cheese is nice and soft.
3. Bell Pepper Sandwich
You’ll Need:
- 1 red bell pepper
- cream cheese
- ham
- cheese
- baby spinach
- red onion slices
- mushroom slices
Here’s How:
3.1 Cut the stem off the bell pepper, remove the core, and spread the cream cheese around the inside of the pepper.
3.2 Stack the rest of the ingredients inside the bell pepper from top to bottom.
3.3 Grill the sandwich for about 15-20 minutes in a panini press and enjoy!
4. Portobello Mushroom Burger
You’ll Need:
- 2 portobello mushrooms
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley + 1 garlic clove + ¾ cup olive oil
- gorgonzola
- baby spinach
- tomato slices
- 2 slices cheddar
Here’s How:
4.1 Remove the stems from both mushrooms and place one mushroom upside down on a panini press. Blend the parsley, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor and spread the parsley pesto over the inside of the mushroom.
4.2 Fill the mushroom with gorgonzola. Season the baby spinach leaves with olive oil, salt, and pepper and place them on top of the gorgonzola.
4.3 Place the tomato slices and cheddar cheese slices on top of the spinach.
4.4 Place the second mushroom on top and brush parsley pesto over it.
4.5 Grill your delicious portobello mushroom burger for 10-15 minutes.
Sandwiches are one of the most versatile dishes you can make, they’re a total crowd-pleaser, and they’re especially delicious if the fillings are contained between beautifully grilled vegetables. Just because there’s no bread involved doesn’t make it any less of a tasty sandwich, so be sure to give these 4 vegetable sandwiches a try!
Get the recipes for the 3 Corn-On-The-Stick Sandwiches featured in the bonus video.