Name: Toasted Italian Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 Ciabatta roll; 1 tablespoon pesto sauce; 1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomatoes; 2 slices fresh mozzarella; 3 slices ham; 1 slice salami; 1 slice cracked black pepper salami; 1 slice pepperoni; 1 slice turkey pepperoni

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Introduction

The Toasted Italian Sandwich is a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. Crispy ciabatta bread holds layers of savory Italian meats, fresh mozzarella, and bright pesto for a delightful combination that’s both hearty and fresh.

A sandwich cut in half and stacked, showing four main layers between two pieces of golden toasted bread with a slightly crusty texture. The bottom and top layers are light brown, crusty bread with visible air holes. Inside, there is a thin pink layer of ham, topped by a smooth white layer of melted cheese, followed by a thick layer of greenish spread, likely pesto or herb sauce, adding visible small bits and a moist texture. The sandwich halves rest on a white marbled surface with a few breadcrumbs scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Ciabatta roll
1 tablespoon pesto sauce
1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomatoes
2 slices fresh mozzarella
3 slices ham
1 slice salami
1 slice cracked black pepper salami
1 slice pepperoni
1 slice turkey pepperoni

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the ciabatta roll in half and toast both sides in the toaster oven for a few minutes until the edges turn golden and crisp.
Step 2: Spread pesto evenly over the top half of the roll, and layer the chopped sun-dried tomatoes onto the bottom half.
Step 3: Pile on the meats—ham, salami, cracked black pepper salami, pepperoni, and turkey pepperoni—over the tomatoes, then add the slices of fresh mozzarella on top.
Step 4: Place just the bottom half of the sandwich with the fillings back into the toaster oven. Heat until the mozzarella melts and the meats warm through. Avoid re-toasting the pesto side.
Step 5: Assemble the sandwich by placing the top half over the melted fillings. Slice in half and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers for a sweeter touch.
Use provolone or fontina cheese if fresh mozzarella is unavailable.
Add a handful of fresh arugula for a peppery crunch.
For a vegetarian version, omit meats and add grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwich wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or oven to preserve crispness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

This image shows a sandwich cut in half and placed on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has a golden-brown toasted crust on top and bottom. The bottom layer is a crispy light brown bread slice. Above it, there are thin slices of pink ham, topped with white melted cheese. On top of the cheese, there is a layer of green pesto spread visible near the top inside of the sandwich. The layers are thick but well balanced, and the sandwich looks fresh and appetizing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this sandwich without a toaster oven?

Yes, you can toast the bread slices in a skillet or under a broiler and warm the assembled sandwich in a regular oven preheated to 350°F until the cheese melts.

What can I substitute for pesto if I don’t have any?

A good substitute is a spread of mayonnaise mixed with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil and minced garlic for a milder, herbal flavor.