Best Leftover Meatloaf Sandwich – Perfect for Game Day

A crispy, cheesy, saucy leftover meatloaf sandwich that tastes even better the next day. Built on a club roll with BBQ-ranch sauce, melted American, fried onions, and tangy pickles. Easy to make, perfect for game day, and a family favorite in our house.

Dec 1, 2025

Leftover-Meatloaf Sandwich

My daughter loves meatloaf. She has seriously asked, “Can we eat meatloaf every day?” and she is my picky eater, so when she loves something, we make it often. This is the recipe i use here. Which means we always end up with leftovers. And that’s where this sandwich comes in. I first had something like it at a little spot called Full On in Rockville, Maryland, and it stuck with me. This is my tribute to that sandwich. Crispy seared meatloaf, melted American cheese, BBQ-ranch sauce, fried onions, tangy pickles, all tucked into a soft club roll. Simple. Messy. Perfect for game day.

Ingredients (per sandwich)

  • 1 club roll (or similar soft roll)
  • Apple Spice Ranch
  • Stubb’s BBQ sauce
  • 1 slice American cheese
  • French’s fried onions
  • Majestic red-wine-vinegar bread-and-butter pickles
  • Butter or oil (for griddle)

Instructions

  1. Split your club roll. Lightly spread Apple Spice Ranch and Stubb’s BBQ sauce on both inner sides of the roll.
  1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium–high heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil. Sear the meatloaf slice until edges get crispy, then flip and crisp the other side.
  1. Place a slice of American cheese on the meatloaf. Cover the pan briefly so the cheese melts over the hot meatloaf and melds together.
  1. On the bottom half of the roll, layer some bread-and-butter pickles. Then place the hot, cheesy meatloaf.
  1. Top with a generous handful of French’s fried onions for crunch.
  1. Cap it with the top half of the roll — press gently or wrap in foil for a moment if you want it to meld. Eat while still warm.

Why This Hits

  • The crispy seared edges give texture and contrast to the tender interior of the meatloaf.
  • American cheese melts perfectly over warm meatloaf and doesn’t overpower the flavors.
  • Pickles add acidity and a cool crunch.
  • Fried onions add savory crunch, depth, and a “restaurant vibe.”
  • The Ranch + BBQ sauce combo provides sweet, spicy, tangy, creamy — a full-flavor punch that transforms leftovers into something special.

Notes / Variations

  • Use a thicker or thinner slice depending on how hearty you want it.
  • For extra moisture, add a dab of leftover glaze from the original meatloaf recipe under the pickles (if you saved some).
  • You can also warm leftover mac & cheese and add a spoonful on top of the meatloaf before the onions for an over-the-top comfort version.