15 High-Protein Open-Faced Sandwiches for Busy Weekdays

These quick and easy open-faced sandwich recipes make weekday breakfasts a breeze.
Image Credit: sveta_zarzamora/iStock/GettyImages

If you're looking to cut carbs or calories, but love the ease and convenience of sandwiches, try ditching one slice of bread.

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Open-faced sandwiches have the same flavor as traditional sandwiches, but using only one piece of toast saves you carbs and lets you load up on the best part: the fillings. Plus, opting for an open-faced version can be your answer to getting over that post-meal slump.

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Try these high-protein open-faced sandwich recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner that won't disappoint.

1. Egg White and Avocado Salad

Even though the recipe calls for egg whites only, incorporating some of the yolks will add vitamin D to support immune health.
  • 12.1 grams of protein

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You'll want to wake up to this creamy open-faced sandwich every morning. "Subbing in avocado for mayo here will result in an egg salad with added fiber, potassium and monosaturated fats," Nicole Rodriguez, RD, says. Not to mention, egg whites are one of the most bioavailable sources of protein.

Get the Egg White and Avocado Salad recipe and nutrition info from Eat Yourself Skinny.

2. Skinny Tuna Melt

This tuna melt is a great lunch idea or after-school snack for the kids.
  • 28.5 grams of protein

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While there's nothing wrong with a little mayo every now and then, swapping for olive oil-packed tuna will increase the content of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, Rodriguez suggests.

Get the Skinny Tuna Melt recipe and nutrition info from Skinnytaste.

3. Pancetta, Tomato and Ricotta Open-Faced Breakfast Sandwich

If you don't have pancetta on hand, use turkey or low-sodium ham.
  • 11 grams of protein

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When you're in a pinch, layer this savory sandwich for an on-the-go meal. If you want to up the protein here, use plain, low-fat cottage cheese instead of the ricotta, Rodriguez says.

Get the Pancetta, Tomato and Ricotta Open-Faced Breakfast Sandwich recipe and nutrition info from Merry About Town.

4. Open-Faced Roast Beef Sandwich

This roast beef will yield plenty of leftovers for meals to come.
  • 60 grams of protein

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"Beef is an excellent source of protein, iron and zinc," Rodriguez says. "For balance, serve alongside plenty of leafy greens."

Get the Open-Faced Roast Beef Sandwich recipe and nutrition info from The Cookie Rookie.

5. Open-Faced Chicken Salad Sandwich

Enjoy this chicken salad open-faced of atop a bed of greens.
  • 7 grams of protein

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Adding raw walnuts to your chicken salad, like in this recipe, adds heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. "Feel free to increase the celery and apple for more crunch and fiber," Rodriguez suggests.

Get the Open-Faced Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe and nutrition info from Self Proclaimed Foodie.

6. Open-Faced Black Bean Melt With Slaw

This open-faced sandwich comes together in just 20 minutes.
  • 16 grams of protein

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Black beans are rife with fiber, and this recipe clocks in at 10 grams of fiber per serving. Just be sure to look for no-salt-added black beans to control sodium levels.

Get the Open-Faced Black Bean Melt With Slaw recipe and nutrition info here.

7. Open-Face 'Egg Salad' On Pumpernickel Bagel

If you don't have bagels on hand, consider serving this with whole grain or rye toast.
  • 13 grams of protein

For a vegan version of an egg salad, mash tofu into bite-sized pieces and mix it with your other ingredients, including mayo, mustard and tarragon. This plant-based tofu sandwich is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Get the Open-Face 'Egg Salad' On Pumpernickel Bagel recipe and nutrition info here.

8. Vegan Black Bean Sandwich With Slaw

A serving of this recipe has 16 grams of fiber.
  • 17 grams of protein

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable and has powerful antioxidant properties, Rodriguez says. It's also low in calories, so feel free to bulk up on this veggie.

Get the Vegan Black Bean Sandwich With Slaw recipe and nutrition info here.

9. Buffalo Tuna Avocado Toast

Using buffalo sauce instead of mayo adds creaminess without extra fat and calories.
  • 21.4 grams of protein

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All you need to do is layer four ingredients, besides bread, to make this open-faced sammy: tuna, cherry tomatoes, avocado and buffalo sauce. Avocados help with satiety and absorption of lycopene, a potent antioxidant in the tomatoes, Rodriguez says.

Get the Buffalo Tuna Avocado Toast recipe and nutrition info from The Creative Bite.

10. Roasted Veggie, Pesto and Feta Toasts

These open-faced sandwich toasts are great for Meatless Monday meals.
  • 15 grams of protein

If you make your own pesto, try replacing half of the herbs with beet greens. This will bulk up the nutrient density of this creamy spread.

Get the Roasted Veggie, Pesto and Feta Toasts recipe and nutrition info from Wholefully.

11. Cheesy Tuna Toasts With Olive Salsa

For a well-rounded meal, serve this tuna sandwich with a green salad.
  • 16 grams of protein

This olive salsa here is a great addition for boosting flavor without loading on extra calories. The blend of olives, pine nuts and fresh parsley take this tuna sandwich to the next level.

Get the Cheesy Tuna Toasts With Olive Salsa recipe and nutrition info from Dishing Out Health.

12. Instant Pot Open-Faced Hot Beef Sandwich

Take the leftovers from this hot beef and freeze them for future use.
  • 34 grams of protein

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"On average, a 3-ounce serving of beef provides 39 percent of the daily value for zinc, which helps maintain a healthy immune system," Rodriguez says. Serve this sandwich with a side of green veggies or a side salad.

Get the Instant Pot Open-Faced Hot Beef Sandwich recipe and nutrition info from Six Sisters Stuff.

13. High-Protein Black Bean Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches

This tuna and avocado toast can be eaten for lunch or dinner.
  • 17 grams of protein

Black beans and tuna make this open-faced sandwich full of protein. Add more cilantro, if you'd like, for even more fresh flavor without extra calories.

Get the High-Protein Black Bean Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches recipe and nutrition info from Ambitious Kitchen.

14. Garlic Toast With Balsamic Tomatoes and White Beans

This vegetarian-friendly meal comes together in less than 20 minutes.
  • 12.4 grams of protein

Ideal for meatless meals, this recipe uses canned beans to amp up the protein. "Canned beans are an easy, budget-friendly source of fiber and protein and can also help control blood sugar and lower cholesterol," Rodriguez says.

Get the Garlic Toast With Balsamic Tomatoes and White Beans recipe and nutrition info from Budget Bytes.

15. Goat Cheese and Egg Toasts With Fresh Peas and Dill

Peas add plant-based protein and fiber to this recipe.
  • 20.8 grams of protein

Great for brunch or lunch, this open-faced sandwich is simple but delicious. To make it dairy-free, swap the goat cheese for mashed avocado.

Get the Goat Cheese and Egg Toasts With Fresh Peas and Dill recipe and nutrition info from Cookie and Kate.

Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative