Description
A Simple Toasted Italian Sandwich that combines authentic Italian cured meats, melty cheeses, and fresh vegetables on crusty Italian bread, toasted to perfection for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal suitable for any time of day.
Ingredients
Bread
- Crusty Italian Bread (such as ciabatta or a sturdy hoagie roll), sliced into 6 to 8 inch portions
Meats
- Cured Italian Meats: Salami, Mortadella, or Capicola, sliced generously
Cheeses
- Mozzarella or Provolone Cheese, sliced
Vegetables
- Fresh Tomatoes, sliced
- Lettuce leaves
- Roasted Red Peppers
Condiments and Seasonings
- Italian Dressing or Olive Oil, lightly drizzled
- Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh Basil leaves, dried Oregano, or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Start with slicing your crusty Italian bread into sandwich-sized portions, about 6 to 8 inches long. If your bread is very thick, consider cutting it lengthwise for easier handling and better sandwich layers.
- Layer the Meats and Cheese: Add generous slices of your chosen Italian meats onto the bread, then layer on slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese. The meats and cheeses create the sandwich’s heart and give it that authentic Italian flavor profile.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Next, pile on fresh or roasted veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, and roasted red peppers. Sprinkle some dried oregano or fresh basil leaves for a fragrant touch. A light drizzle of Italian dressing or olive oil helps meld the ingredients.
- Toast the Sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich in a preheated panini press, sandwich maker, or skillet. Toast until the bread is golden and crisp, and the cheese has melted beautifully, usually about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwich carefully, slice it in half, and serve immediately. The warm, toasted bread combined with savory meats and oozy cheese makes every bite delightful.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better toasting and sturdiness under moist ingredients.
- Layer vegetables between meats and cheese to prevent sogginess and keep balance.
- Use only a light drizzle of dressing to avoid making the sandwich soggy.
- Cut the sandwich at an angle for a classic look and easier handling.
- Warm deli meats slightly before assembling for extra melty cheese and tender fillings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Italian sandwich, toasted sandwich, panini, Italian meats, mozzarella sandwich, quick lunch, easy sandwich recipe