A Toasted Italian Sandwich is the ultimate combination of warm, melty, and flavorful goodness. Layers of savory meats, melted cheese, and tangy toppings are stacked between toasted bread for a satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering.
If you love Italian flavors, this sandwich will become your new favorite go-to!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Oven or sandwich press
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 large ciabatta or Italian bread loaf, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 6 slices salami
- 6 slices pepperoni
- 6 slices mortadella (or substitute with turkey or chicken slices)
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup banana peppers or pepperoncini slices
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Bread: Brush the cut sides of the bread with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Assemble Sandwich: On the bottom half of the bread, layer the provolone cheese, salami, pepperoni, and mortadella. Top with roasted red peppers, banana peppers, and spinach leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using. Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich.
- Toast in Oven: Place the assembled sandwich on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the sandwich from the oven, let it cool slightly, and slice into individual portions. Serve warm.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
Expert Tips
- Customize Your Meats: Use your favorite deli meats like turkey, chicken, or roast beef for a personalized twist.
- Crispier Bread: Toast the bread halves separately before assembling for extra crispness.
- Add a Spread: Enhance the flavor with a thin layer of pesto, mayonnaise, or Dijon mustard.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meats and add grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
FAQs
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble just before toasting.
What other cheeses work well?
Mozzarella, fontina, or even sharp cheddar are great substitutes for provolone.
Can I use a sandwich press?
Yes, a sandwich press will create a perfectly toasted and pressed sandwich.
What bread works best?
Ciabatta, focaccia, or a sturdy baguette are ideal for this sandwich.
Storing & Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftover sandwich portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese slices or omit the cheese altogether.
- Spicy Kick: Add a layer of spicy giardiniera or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread or rolls.
Toasted Italian Sandwich
Equipment
- - Baking sheet
- - Parchment paper or foil
- - Sharp knife
- - Cutting board
- - Oven or sandwich press
- - Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- - 1 large ciabatta or Italian bread loaf sliced in half lengthwise
- - 1/4 cup olive oil
- - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- - 6 slices provolone cheese
- - 6 slices salami
- - 6 slices pepperoni
- - 6 slices mortadella or substitute with turkey or chicken slices
- - 1/2 cup roasted red peppers sliced
- - 1/4 cup banana peppers or pepperoncini slices
- - 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze optional
Instructions
- **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- **Prepare Bread:** Brush the cut sides of the bread with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- **Assemble Sandwich:** On the bottom half of the bread, layer the provolone cheese, salami, pepperoni, and mortadella. Top with roasted red peppers, banana peppers, and spinach leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using. Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich.
- **Toast in Oven:** Place the assembled sandwich on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- **Slice and Serve:** Remove the sandwich from the oven, let it cool slightly, and slice into individual portions. Serve warm.
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