Craving something warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor? This Toasted Italian Sandwich hits all the right notes with layers of deli meat, melty cheese, and tangy banana peppers tucked into crusty Italian bread. If you love easy sandwich ideas like this, be sure to check out more sandwich recipes your whole family will enjoy.
Growing up in an Italian family, I was practically raised on deli meats - eating salami, ham, and pepperoni from our local salumeria. I loved them so much I’d snack on them before they ever made it into a sandwich! That delicious memory what inspired this sandwich.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Toasted Italian Sandwich
- Recipes To Make With Pesto
- FREEMEALPLANNER
- Ingredients To Make Caprese Sandwich
- How To Make This Italian Sandwich Recipe
- Tips for the Best Hot Italian Sub
- FAQs For Italian Sandwich Recipe
- What To Serve With Italian Sandwiches?
- More Sandwich Recipes
- Essential Tools For Making Italian Sandwiches
- Easy Italian Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
This recipe is quick to make, super satisfying, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next game-day gathering. If you love sandwiches, check out our yummy Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt!
Why You’ll Love This Toasted Italian Sandwich
- It’s fast and satisfying. You’ll have a hot, melty sandwich on the table in less than 30 minutes.
- Packed with flavor. Layers of savory meats, gooey cheese, and tangy banana peppers make this one of my favorite Easy Italian Recipes.
- Great for meal prep or crowds. You can make several sandwiches at once, which is great for hungry kids or game-day get-togethers.
- Easy to customize. Use your favorite meats, skip the peppers, add some spice, this recipe is super flexible.
- Better than takeout. Seriously! Toasted just right and made exactly the way you like it.
Recipes To Make With Pesto
This recipe uses pesto to add flavor and color. Pesto has a rich, nutty taste and a bold green color that's not just for pasta. It's made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, and it kicks up the flavor in everything from sandwiches to pizzas.
Adding pesto to your meals is like bringing a taste of Italy to your home. Here are some of my favorite ways to use this delicious ingredient.
- Grilled Flatbread with Pesto and Mozzarella
- Chicken Pesto and Pasta Bake
- Chicken with Pesto and Sundried Tomatoes
- Cheesy Pesto Crescents
Ingredients To Make Caprese Sandwich
- Ciabatta roll: The crusty exterior and soft dough inside absorb the flavors of the pesto, making it the perfect choice for an Italian sandwich.
- Pesto sauce: Kicks things up a notch! The fresh, herby taste makes the meat's rich flavor pop.
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes: In olive oil. Provides a tangy sweetness, a chewy texture, and a burst of tomato flavor.
- Fresh mozzarella: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy element.
- Sliced Ham: Gives a slightly sweet and salty taste to the sandwich.
- Sliced Salami: Adds an extra kick and enhances the sandwich's spiciness.
- Sliced Pepperoni: Introduces a slightly smoky and spicy flavor, adding a bit of heat.
- Sliced Turkey Pepperoni: Adds variety to the sandwich and can be used as a pepperoni alternative
How To Make This Italian Sandwich Recipe
1. Slice and Toast
To make the sandwich, cut the ciabatta roll in half and toast each half for a few minutes until the edges start to brown a bit. I used the toast feature on my toaster oven for this step.
2. Spread and Layer
Spread the pesto sauce on the top slice of the roll and the sun-dried tomatoes on the bottom slice of the roll.
3. Add Meats and Cheese
Next, pile on your smoked ham, salami, black pepper salami, pepperoni, and turkey pepperoni, and top with the mozzarella slices. If you can't find any of these meats, you can skip it.
4. Bake and Melt
Toast the bottom half of the sandwich for a few minutes until the mozzarella melts and the meats warm up. You do not need to toast the pesto side again. Slice in half and serve warm.
This has become the new go-to sandwich at my house. It is better than the ones at your local sandwich shop, and it is super simple to assemble.
The toasted crust of the bread, slathered with pesto on one side and sun-dried tomatoes on the other, really complements the meat inside. The pepperoni adds just the right amount of spice to this sandwich. If spice is not your thing, leave out the pepperoni.
Tips for the Best Hot Italian Sub
Tip 1: Layer the meats and cheese evenly across the bread for a balanced sandwich.
Tip 2: For a vegetarian version, swap the meats for grilled or roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
Tip 3: If you don't eat pork, sub the ham and salami with turkey breast or sliced chicken.
Tip 4: If you don't have ciabatta bread you can use a French baguette for that similar crusty outside and soft inside.
FAQs For Italian Sandwich Recipe
Yes, you can! Preparing your sandwich in advance is a great way to save time and reduce stress, especially when you're expecting guests or have a busy schedule.
Slice up your mozzarella ahead of time and make stacks of lunch meat with the mozzarella on top. Then, when you are ready to make this Italian hoagie, you can just slice up the bread and toast it all at once.
To properly store this sandwich so it stays delicious, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil to protect it from air and moisture. Place the wrapped sandwich in an airtight container for an added protection layer. This keeps the sandwich fresh and prevents it from drying out.
Store it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next three days. Remember, when you reheat it, unwrap it and remove the bread. Toast the roll again to bring back that crunchy texture.
Yes! A toaster oven works great for this sandwich. Just place it on foil or a baking sheet and toast at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
You can also use an air fryer: heat it to 375°F, and cook the sandwich for 4–6 minutes, checking halfway through to prevent over-browning. Just keep an eye on it as every appliance cooks a little differently!
What To Serve With Italian Sandwiches?
When it comes to what to serve with these sandwiches, the options are endless! You can go traditional and serve some crispy potato chips on the side or opt for a healthier option like a fresh garden salad.
If you're feeling adventurous, why not make this Garlic Fries Recipe? It pairs perfectly with the Italian flavors of the sandwich.
More Sandwich Recipes
Once you enjoy this easy recipe, give some of these other sandwiches a try. Whether you're a fan of the hearty, meaty variety or in search of something a little lighter, there's something for everyone.
- Italian Sandwich Ideas
- Homemade Egg Salad Sandwich
- Steak Sandwich
- Santa Fe Turkey Sandwich
- Grilled Pesto Panini Sandwiches
- Panini Recipes
Essential Tools For Making Italian Sandwiches
If you've decided you want to try your hand at this recipe all you need is a toaster oven, a sharp knife for slicing the bread, and a cutting board for prep work. With these tools, you’re ready to create these delicious sandwiches that'll have everyone asking for more.
Cuisinart TOB-40N Custom Classic Toaster Oven Broiler,
Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Toaster Oven Air FryerBLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Toaster Oven, TO1745SSG, Even Toast,G.a HOMEFAVOR Knife Set, 5-piece Kitchen KnifeFarberware Plastic Cutting Board with Aqua NonslipDDJYP Women Kitchen Apron-2 Pack, Cotton Canvas
Whether you're serving this Toasted Italian Sandwich for a quick weeknight dinner, game day snack, or hearty lunch, it's sure to be a hit. With bold flavors, melty cheese, and crispy bread, it’s comfort food that comes together in minutes.
Easy Italian Recipes
📖 Recipe
Toasted Italian Sandwich
Video
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
- Cut the ciabatta roll in half and toast both sides in the toaster oven for a few minutes, just until the edges turn golden and crisp.
- Spread pesto evenly over the top half of the roll, and layer the sun-dried tomatoes onto the bottom half.
- Next, pile on the meats—ham, salami, black pepper salami, pepperoni, and turkey pepperoni—right over the tomatoes, then add slices of mozzarella on top.
- Place just the bottom half of the sandwich (with the fillings) back into the toaster oven and heat until the mozzarella is melted and the meats are warmed through. No need to re-toast the pesto side.
- Put the sandwich together, slice in half, and serve warm.
Notes
- To make this vegetarian , swap out the meat for grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers.
- Pork not your thing? Substitute the ham and salami with turkey breast or sliced chicken cold cuts.
Arline says
Delicious! Sadly, my family didn't like the pesto OR sundried tomatoes, but I did! I especially liked the sandwich Toasted and the warmth of it. At least I'll make it again! 😆
Beverly Altlan says
can you freeze the Italian sandwiches?
Vicky says
I have not tried freezing them, but I think they are probably best served right after making them.
Chloe says
I made it for lunch. Delicious.
Vicky says
So glad you enjoyed it!
sarah says
is there a way to keep these warm for several hours without getting soggy?
Vicky says
Great question! You can keep them warm by wrapping each sandwich in foil and placing them in a low oven (around 200°F). This keeps them toasty without drying them out or making them soggy. Just avoid plastic wrap or airtight containers as they trap steam and make the bread soft. Hope that helps!