The New Jersey Style Sloppy Joe Sandwich
I have the fondest memories of sharing one of these massive sandwiches with my mother growing up in New Jersey. Now, I want to bring it to you with my favorite Gluten Free and Dairy Free swaps so everyone can enjoy it.
GLUTEN FREE LUNCH RECIPES
Lauren Vasnelis
8/3/2026
New Jersey Sloppy Joe
Despite its name, a New Jersey Sloppy Joe isn't the classic ground beef sandwich you may be thinking of. This iconic North Jersey deli favorite is a triple-decker sandwich layered with roast beef, turkey, cheese, creamy coleslaw, and Russian dressing between three slices of bread. It's one of New Jersey's most beloved deli sandwiches and has been a regional specialty for generations. My version keeps everything gluten-free while using simple dairy-free swaps that can easily be substituted back to conventional ingredients.
Servings: 1 sandwich
Prep Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 6 minutes
Ingredient Breakdown
Gluten-Free Bread
The bread is the foundation of a great New Jersey Sloppy Joe. Because this is a triple-decker sandwich, you'll need three slices that are sturdy enough to hold all of the fillings without falling apart.
The signature third slice of bread creates the classic triple-decker construction that makes a New Jersey Sloppy Joe instantly recognizable.
I use Promise Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread, which has larger slices that work especially well for this recipe. If you are not gluten-free, traditional deli-style rye bread is the classic choice. Whatever bread you choose, larger slices work best since this is a generously sized sandwich.
Roast Beef
Thinly sliced roast beef adds a rich, savory flavor that balances the turkey and creamy coleslaw.
Freshly sliced deli roast beef works best because it layers neatly and gives the sandwich its classic deli texture.
Turkey
Turkey adds another layer of flavor while keeping the sandwich balanced. Thinly sliced oven-roasted turkey is my favorite, but smoked turkey also works well if you prefer a slightly bolder flavor. Ham is also commonly used.
Dairy-Free Provolone
Traditionally, a New Jersey Sloppy Joe is made with Swiss cheese, and that's the classic choice if you're making the original version.
Since I wanted to keep this recipe dairy-free, I used Violife Dairy-Free Provolone, which has a similarly mild, creamy flavor and works beautifully on this sandwich. If you aren't dairy-free, or if you can find a dairy-free Swiss cheese, Swiss is the more traditional option. Otherwise, provolone is an excellent substitute.
Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw provides crunch, freshness, and the signature texture that makes a New Jersey Sloppy Joe unique.
A finely shredded deli-style coleslaw works best because it's easier to stack and bite into than a chunky slaw.
Russian Dressing
Russian dressing ties the entire sandwich together with its creamy, tangy flavor. A light drizzle is all you need to balance the richness of the meats and cheese without making the sandwich soggy.
Mayonnaise
A light layer of mayonnaise is optional, but it adds another layer of creaminess and helps the fillings stay in place. Traditional deli sandwiches often include it, but feel free to leave it off if you prefer.
Ingredients
3 slices gluten-free bread (I use Promise Gluten-Free Sourdough)
2 ounces thinly sliced roast beef
2 ounces thinly sliced turkey
2 slices dairy-free provolone (I use Violife Dairy-Free Provolone)
½ cup prepared coleslaw
2 tablespoons Russian dressing, or more to taste
Optional
Mayonnaise
Any dairy-free swaps can be substituted back to a conventional dairy option at a one-to-one ratio.
Instructions
Lightly toast the three slices of bread if desired. This is especially helpful when using gluten-free bread because it gives the sandwich more structure.
Lay the three slices of bread side by side. Lightly spread mayonnaise on two of the slices, leaving the third slice plain. This plain slice will become the middle layer of the sandwich.
Layer the roast beef onto one slice of bread and the turkey onto the other.
Place one slice of cheese over the roast beef and one slice over the turkey.
Top each stack with your desired amount of coleslaw, then drizzle the Russian dressing over the coleslaw.
Place the plain slice of bread on top of the roast beef layer. Then carefully invert the turkey layer over the middle slice to create the classic triple-decker sandwich.
Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately with optional chips, French fries, or sweet potato fries. Enjoy!
Lauren's Tips 💛
Toast the Bread: Lightly toasting the bread is optional, but it gives the sandwich much better structure, especially when using gluten-free bread, and helps prevent the dressing and coleslaw from softening the bread too quickly.
Use Thinly Sliced Deli Meat: Ask your deli for thin slices. Thinly folded meat creates the classic New Jersey deli look while making the sandwich much easier to bite into.
Notes
One sandwich makes a generous serving and can easily be shared between two people for a lighter meal.
Traditional New Jersey Sloppy Joes are typically made with rye bread and Swiss cheese.
Toasting the bread is optional but recommended, particularly when using gluten-free bread.
Assemble the sandwich just before serving for the best texture.
Serve with potato chips, French fries, sweet potato fries, or your favorite deli side.
Please check ingredient labels carefully. While all of my recipes are designed to be gluten-free, not every product I use is certified gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a New Jersey Sloppy Joe?
Unlike the traditional Sloppy Joe made with seasoned ground beef, a New Jersey Sloppy Joe is a North Jersey deli sandwich made with deli meats, cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on triple-decker bread.
Can I use rye bread?
Absolutely. Rye bread is the traditional choice for a classic New Jersey Sloppy Joe. I use gluten-free sourdough to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Do I have to use provolone?
No. Swiss cheese is actually the traditional cheese used on a New Jersey Sloppy Joe. I used dairy-free provolone because it was easier to find, but Swiss is the classic option.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. I used Violife Dairy-Free Provolone, and all dairy-free ingredients can be substituted back to conventional dairy products at a one-to-one ratio unless otherwise specified.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare all of the ingredients ahead of time, but assemble the sandwich just before serving so the bread stays fresh and doesn't become soggy.
What kind of coleslaw works best?
A creamy deli-style coleslaw with finely shredded cabbage works best because it stays on the sandwich more easily and gives the classic New Jersey deli texture.
Can I use ham instead of turkey?
Yes. Ham is another classic meat you'll often find on a traditional New Jersey Sloppy Joe. If you prefer ham over turkey, simply substitute it at a one-to-one ratio while keeping the roast beef. The sandwich will still have that classic New Jersey deli flavor with a slightly sweeter profile.
What should I serve with a New Jersey Sloppy Joe?
Potato chips are the classic deli pairing, but French fries, sweet potato fries, pasta salad, potato salad, or a pickle all make great sides.
Can I make this into smaller sandwiches?
Absolutely. You can cut the ingredients in half and make smaller sandwiches or sliders if you're serving them as appetizers.
Is this an authentic New Jersey Sloppy Joe?
This recipe stays true to the classic North Jersey deli sandwich while adapting it to be gluten-free and dairy-free. The substitutions are simple, and unless otherwise specified, they can easily be swapped back to their traditional counterparts at a one-to-one ratio.