Imagine biting into a sandwich that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Italy, with the aroma of fresh herbs and roasted peppers enticing your senses.
This Italian Sandwich isn’t only quick and easy to prepare, but it also delivers a cozy, indulgent experience that makes it a household favorite.
As layers of meats, cheeses, and vegetables come together, they create a symphony of flavors that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Let’s bring this delicious creation to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 plate
Ingredients
- 2 Italian sandwich rolls
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 slices salami
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices mortadella
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Italian Sandwich, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe (2 minutes)
- Spend a couple of minutes reading through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the ingredients and steps.
- Gathering Ingredients and Tools (3 minutes)
- Collect all the ingredients: Italian sandwich rolls, provolone cheese, salami, ham, mortadella, arugula, roasted red peppers, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and dried oregano.
- Gather tools: knife, cutting board, and plate.
- Prepping Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Slice the Italian sandwich rolls in half lengthwise.
- Make certain all other ingredients like roasted red peppers are ready for assembly.
- Assembling the Sandwich (5 minutes)
- Layer the ingredients as instructed: provolone cheese, salami, ham, mortadella, arugula, roasted red peppers.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle oregano.
- Final Touches (2 minutes)
- Close the rolls, press down gently, and cut each sandwich in half if desired.
- Place the sandwiches on a plate for serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
If you choose to toast the sandwich rolls or add extra ingredients, you might need to adjust the timeline slightly.
Recipe Instructions
Slice the Italian sandwich rolls in half lengthwise using a knife.
Layer 2 slices of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
Add 2 slices each of salami, ham, and mortadella over the cheese.
Place a handful of arugula on top of the meats.
Evenly distribute the roasted red peppers over the arugula.
Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top ingredients.
Sprinkle dried oregano over the sandwiches.
Close the rolls with the top halves and press down gently.
Cut each sandwich in half if desired and serve on a plate.
Serving Tips
- Potato Chips: A classic and crunchy side that complements the sandwich’s flavors.
- Pickles: Add a tangy and invigorating contrast to the rich meats and cheeses.
- Pasta Salad: A light and flavorful addition that pairs well with Italian ingredients.
- Tomato Basil Soup: A warm and comforting option that enhances the Italian theme.
- Fresh Fruit: Provides a sweet and juicy balance to the savory sandwich.
Storage
To store Italian sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
For ideal freshness, avoid adding wet ingredients until serving.
Freezing
To freeze Italian sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Store in an airtight container.
Thaw in the fridge before reheating or enjoying cold.
Reheating
To reheat an Italian sandwich, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture.
Final Thoughts
Assembling an Italian sandwich is quick and easy. In just 15 minutes, you can have a delicious lunch ready.
The combination of provolone cheese, salami, ham, and mortadella creates a rich and savory flavor.
Adding arugula and roasted red peppers provides a fresh and tangy contrast.
Drizzling olive oil and balsamic vinegar enhances the taste with a hint of acidity.
Sprinkling dried oregano adds an aromatic touch.
For extra texture, consider toasting the rolls lightly. Feel free to customize your sandwich with additional Italian ingredients like artichokes or different cheeses.
Enjoy your homemade Italian sandwich!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Alternative Meats for This Italian Sandwich?
You can swap the meats with prosciutto for a savory, delicate taste, or pancetta for a rich, crispy texture. Consider coppa for a spicy kick or turkey for a lighter, leaner option that’s still flavorful.
Can the Sandwich Be Made Vegetarian?
Swap the meats for grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. Incorporate marinated artichokes for depth. Enhance flavor with sun-dried tomatoes and extra provolone slices. You’ll create a delicious vegetarian twist on a classic favorite.
How Can I Make the Sandwich Spicier?
To spice up your sandwich, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also spread a zesty pepperoncini aioli or use spicy Italian sausage for a fiery twist, enhancing both flavor and excitement.
What Sides Pair Well With an Italian Sandwich?
You’ll find that a side of tangy balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts or crispy garlic-parmesan fries complements the flavors beautifully. Consider a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness and enhance your meal’s freshness.
Are There Gluten-Free Options for the Sandwich Rolls?
You can easily find gluten-free sandwich rolls at most grocery stores, ensuring no one misses out. Opt for brands that offer a hearty texture, complementing the rich flavors of your chosen ingredients, enhancing the overall experience.
Italian Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 plate
Ingredients
- 2 Italian sandwich rolls
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 slices salami
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices mortadella
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Slice the Italian sandwich rolls in half lengthwise using a knife.
- Layer 2 slices of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each roll.
- Add 2 slices each of salami, ham, and mortadella over the cheese.
- Place a handful of arugula on top of the meats.
- Evenly distribute the roasted red peppers over the arugula.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top ingredients.
- Sprinkle dried oregano over the sandwiches.
- Close the rolls with the top halves and press down gently.
- Cut each sandwich in half if desired and serve on a plate.
Notes
