Toasted Italian Sandwich - Mess for Less (2024)

This Toasted Italian Sandwichhas become my new favorite lunch! If I could, I would eat Italian food every day. This may have something to do with my being raised by a mother and grandparents who immigrated to the US from Italy.

All I ate as a kid was Italian food. I have distinct memories of heading to the local Italian deli or salumeria, as it was known, to pick up freshly carved deli meats such as ham, salami, and pepperoni.

When we got home, I would open up the packages and start eating the meats right away, not even waiting to make a sandwich. They were that good. I was so inspired by that memory that I created this tasty sandwich!

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Toasted Italian Sandwich

Italian sandwiches are a big hit, and it's easy to see why. First, they taste amazing with their mix of cured meats, provolone cheese, pesto sauce, and sundried tomatoes.

Toasting the bread gives it a perfect crunch that goes so well with the melted cheese, holding everything together just right. Plus, these toasted sub sandwiches are very easy to make. You can whip one up in no time!

You can customize these hot Italian sandwiches however you like, making them a great choice for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. And don't forget how versatile they are. Whether you are entertaining or just hanging out watching the game, these sandwiches are perfect!

Recipes To Make With Pesto

This recipe uses pesto to add flavor and color. Pesto has a rich, nutty taste and a bold green color that's not just for pasta. It's made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, and it kicks up the flavor in everything from sandwiches to pizzas.

Adding pesto to your meals is like bringing a taste of Italy to your home. Here are some of my favorite ways to use this delicious ingredient.

• Grilled Flatbread with Pesto and Mozzarella
• Chicken Pesto and Pasta Bake
• Chicken with Pesto and Sundried Tomatoes
• Cheesy Pesto Crescents

Ingredients To Make Caprese Sandwich

• Ciabatta roll: The crusty exterior and soft dough inside absorb the flavors of the pesto, making it the perfect choice for a toasted Italian sandwich.
• Pesto sauce: Kicks things up a notch! The fresh, herby taste makes the meat's rich flavor pop.
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes: In olive oil. Provides a tangy sweetness, a chewy texture, and a burst of tomato flavor.
• Fresh mozzarella: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy element.
• Sliced Ham: Gives a slightly sweet and salty taste to the sandwich.
• Sliced Salami: Adds an extra kick and enhances the sandwich's spiciness.
• Sliced Pepperoni: Introduces a slightly smoky and spicy flavor, adding a bit of heat.
• Sliced Turkey Pepperoni: Adds variety to the sandwich and can be used as a pepperoni alternative

Italian Sandwich Recipe

To make the Toasted Italian Sandwich, cut the ciabatta roll in half and toast each half for a few minutes until the edges start to brown a bit. I used the toast feature on my toaster oven for this step.

Spread the pesto sauce on the top slice of the roll and the sun-dried tomatoes on the bottom slice of the roll.

Next, pile on your smoked ham, salami, black pepper salami, pepperoni, and turkey pepperoni, and top with the mozzarella slices. If you can't find any of these meats, you can skip it.

Toast the bottom half of the sandwich for a few minutes until the mozzarella melts and the meats warm up. You do not need to toast the pesto side again. Slice in half and serve warm.

This Toasted Italian Sandwich has become the new go-to sandwich at my house. Seriously, it is better than the ones at your local sandwich shop, and it is super simple to assemble.

The toasted crust of the bread, slathered with pesto on one side and sun-dried tomatoes on the other, really complements the meat inside. The pepperoni adds just the right amount of spice to this sandwich. If spice is not your thing, leave out the pepperoni.

Tips For Making A Traditional Italian Sandwich

Tip 1: Layer the meats and cheese evenly across the bread for a balanced sandwich.

Tip 2: For a vegetarian version, swap the meats for grilled or roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.

Tip 3: If you don't eat pork, sub the ham and salami with turkey breast or sliced chicken.

Tip 4: If you don't have ciabatta bread you can use a French baguette for that similar crusty outside and soft inside.

Can You Prep Toasted Italian Sandwich Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can! Preparing your sandwich in advance is a great way to save time and reduce stress, especially when you're expecting guests or have a busy schedule.

Slice up your mozzarella ahead of time and make stacks of lunch meat with the mozzarella on top. Then, when you are ready to make this Italian hoagie, you can just slice up the bread and toast it all at once.

How Do You Store An Italian Ciabatta Sandwich?

To properly store this sandwich so it stays delicious, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil to protect it from air and moisture. Place the wrapped sandwich in an airtight container for an added protection layer. This keeps the sandwich fresh and prevents it from drying out.

Store it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next three days. Remember, when you reheat it, unwrap it and remove the bread. Toast the roll again to bring back that crunchy texture.

More Sandwich Recipes

Once you enjoy this easy recipe, give some of these other sandwiches a try. Whether you're a fan of the hearty, meaty variety or in search of something a little lighter, there's something for everyone.

• Homemade Egg Salad Sandwich
• Steak Sandwich
• Santa Fe Turkey Sandwich
• Grilled Pesto Panini Sandwiches

If you've decided you want to try your hand at this recipe all you need is a toaster oven, a sharp knife for slicing the bread, and a cutting board for prep work.

With these tools, you’re ready to create these delicious sandwiches that'll have everyone asking for more. Luckily, any items you don't have can be easily purchased on Amazon.

Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler, 17 Inch, BlackHamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo, Fits 9” Pizza, 4 Slice Capacity, Powerful Circulation, Auto Shutoff, Stainless Steel (31403)BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, TO1745SSG, Even Toast, 4 Cooking Functions Bake, Broil, Toast and Keep Warm, Removable Crumb Tray, TimerG.a HOMEFAVOR Knife Set, 5-piece Kitchen Knife Set Nonstick Coated with 5 Blade Guard, MulticoloredFarberware Plastic Cutting Board with Aqua Nonslip Edges and Stylish Marble Pattern-Dishwasher Kitchen Essential for Everyday Use-Durable Poly Material, Food-Safe, Easy to Clean, 11x14-InchDDJYP Women Kitchen Apron-2 Pack, Cotton Canvas Flower Apron, Floral Pattern Apron with Pockets for Women Chef Apron(Green&Blue)

Easy Italian Recipes

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