Description
This Simple Toasted Italian Sandwich is a quick and delicious meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Layered with classic Italian meats, melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful dressing, all toasted to perfection, this sandwich offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures in just minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 large Italian sub roll or ciabatta bread
Meats and Cheese
- 4 slices salami
- 4 slices pepperoni
- 4 slices ham or capicola
- 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 slices tomato
- 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp banana peppers (optional)
Dressings and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise or Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for toasting the sandwich so the bread becomes crispy and the cheese melts evenly.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the Italian sub roll or ciabatta bread horizontally in half, creating a top and bottom half for layering the ingredients.
- Layer Meats and Cheese: On the bottom half of the bread, layer the slices of salami, pepperoni, ham or capicola, followed by the provolone or mozzarella cheese for a hearty base.
- Add Vegetables: Top the meats and cheese with shredded lettuce, slices of tomato, thinly sliced red onion, and banana peppers if using, adding freshness and crunch.
- Season and Dress: Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar evenly over the layered ingredients, then sprinkle Italian seasoning to infuse the sandwich with classic Italian flavors.
- Spread Condiments: Optionally, spread mayonnaise or Dijon mustard on the inside of the top half of the bread to add creaminess and a tangy kick.
- Assemble and Wrap: Place the top half of the bread over the layered fillings and carefully wrap the entire sandwich in foil to prepare it for toasting.
- Toast the Sandwich: Place the foil-wrapped sandwich in the preheated oven and toast for 5-7 minutes until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted to perfection.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the oven, unwrap, slice as desired, and serve warm to enjoy the melty, crunchy Italian delight.
Notes
- Using ciabatta bread instead of an Italian sub roll is a great alternative that yields a firmer crust.
- Banana peppers are optional but add a nice tangy and mildly spicy flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a few drops of hot sauce or use spicy mustard.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Dijon mustard for a lower fat option.
- Wrap sandwiches tightly in foil to ensure even melting of the cheese during toasting.
