Toasted Italian Sandwich

This toasted Italian sandwich is packed with layers of flavorful meats, melty provolone cheese, tangy veggies, and a creamy herb spread — all toasted to golden perfection. Ready in under 15 minutes, it's a quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

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I gotta tell ya – there’s nothing that hits the spot quite like a toasted italian sandwich when you’re crazy hungry. First time I made this for my family, they literally wouldn’t stop talking about it for days! The combo of those Italian meats, melty cheese, and that perfect crunch when you bite in… it’s seriously next level. And guess what? You don’t need any fancy equipment or chef skills to make this at home. Stick with me and I’ll show you how to make the best toasted italian sandwich that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Toasted Italian Sandwich Recipe

Making a good toasted italian sandwich used to frustrate me so much. Either the bread would get too soggy or the cheese wouldn’t melt right. After tons of trial and error (and some pretty sad sandwiches), I finally nailed it!

Last weekend, my brother-in-law (who’s super picky btw) came over for lunch, and I served these sandwiches. He actually asked for the recipe – that NEVER happens!

What’s awesome about this sandwich is you can customize it based on whatever you have in your fridge. No salami? Use more ham! Don’t like provolone? Switch it up with mozzarella! This toasted italian sandwich recipe is super flexible.

And the best part? The whole thing comes together in under 15 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you just can’t with the whole cooking thing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread

• 1 loaf ciabatta bread or homemade sourdough sandwich bread – The type of bread makes a huge difference! Ciabatta gives you that authentic Italian sandwich experience with its chewy inside and crusty outside. Our sourdough works amazingly too with that slight tang!
• 2 tbsp butter, softened – This helps get that golden toasty outside. Margarine works too but butter tastes way better.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – Use the good stuff if you have it. The flavor really comes through.

For the Filling

• 4 slices provolone cheese – This melts perfectly and has that slight sharpness that makes the sandwich special.
• 4 slices genoa salami – The thin slices work best here. The fat in the salami adds amazing flavor when it heats up.
• 4 slices pepperoni – Adds that spicy kick that takes this sandwich to another level.
• 4 slices ham – Get the good Italian ham if you can find it! Makes a huge difference.
• 4 slices capicola – This is optional but so worth it if you can find it.
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, drained – The jarred kind work perfectly fine here.
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced – These add a tangy spice that cuts through the richness.
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced – Kalamata are awesome but regular black olives work too.

For the Spread

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise – Helps create that creamy base for the sandwich. I use full-fat but light works too.
• 1 tbsp Italian dressing – The secret ingredient that adds so much flavor!
• 1 tsp dried oregano – Gives that classic Italian flavor.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – Fresh is best but garlic powder works in a pinch.

How to Make the Best Toasted Italian Sandwich

Step 1: Prep the Bread

1. Slice your loaf of bread horizontally. If using ciabatta or french baguette, you might need to remove some of the inside to make room for fillings.
2. Mix the softened butter with half the dried oregano, and spread on the outside of both bread halves. This gets super crispy when toasted!

Step 2: Make the Spread

1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, Italian dressing, remaining oregano, and minced garlic.
2. Spread this mixture on the inside of both bread halves. Don’t be stingy – this is where tons of flavor comes from!

Step 3: Layer Your Ingredients

1. On the bottom half of bread, start layering in this order: 2 slices provolone, all the meats (salami, pepperoni, ham, capicola), roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, olives, then top with remaining 2 slices of provolone.
2. The cheese on both top and bottom helps hold everything together when it melts!

Step 4: Toast It Up

1. Close the sandwich and press down slightly to compact ingredients.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. You could also use a panini press if you have one, but a regular skillet works just fine.
3. Place the sandwich in the skillet and put another heavy pan on top to press it down. A cast iron works perfect for this!
4. Cook for about 3-4 mins on each side, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melty. You’ll know it’s ready when you see the cheese starting to ooze out a bit.
5. If the bread is getting too brown but cheese isn’t melted yet, lower the heat and give it a bit more time.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove from heat and let it rest for just a minute (trust me on this – it helps the flavors settle).
2. Slice diagonally cause it just looks better that way!
3. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and the cheese is all gooey and perfect.

Delicious Variations to Try

Veggie Lover’s Toasted Italian

Swap the meats for grilled zucchini, eggplant, and extra roasted red peppers. Add some fresh basil and extra provolone to keep it satisfying.

Spicy Toasted Italian

Add sliced jalapeños, use spicy salami, and mix some red pepper flakes into your spread. This one’s got a serious kick!

Breakfast Toasted Italian

Add a fried egg, some crispy prosciutto instead of the other meats, and use fontina cheese. Amazing for weekend brunch!

Mediterranean Toasted Italian

Add artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the regular ingredients. The salty-tangy combo is unreal.

Pesto Toasted Italian

Swap the mayo-Italian dressing spread for basil pesto. Then add fresh tomato slices and use mozzarella instead of provolone. Simple but so good!

Toasted Italian Sandwich

The Crispy Chef

This toasted Italian sandwich is packed with layers of flavorful meats, melty provolone cheese, tangy veggies, and a creamy herb spread — all toasted to golden perfection. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 7 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Sandwiches

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet or panini press
• Small mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Knife

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• For the Bread:
• 1 loaf ciabatta bread or sourdough sandwich bread
• 2 tbsp butter softened
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• For the Filling:
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 4 slices genoa salami
• 4 slices pepperoni
• 4 slices ham
• 4 slices capicola optional
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers drained
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini sliced
• 1/4 cup black olives sliced
• For the Spread:
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Italian dressing
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic minced

Instructions

 

• Prep the Bread:
• Slice bread horizontally. Optionally hollow some of the inside for more room.
• Mix butter with half the oregano and spread on the outer sides of the bread.
• Make the Spread:
• In a bowl, mix mayo, Italian dressing, remaining oregano, and garlic.
• Spread on the inside of both bread halves generously.
• Layer the Ingredients:
• On the bottom half, layer 2 slices provolone, all meats, roasted peppers, pepperoncini, olives, then top with 2 more slices of provolone.
• Toast the Sandwich:
• Close sandwich and press lightly.
• Heat skillet over medium heat. Toast sandwich using a heavy pan on top as a press.
• Cook 3-4 mins per side, until golden brown and cheese is melty. Lower heat if needed.

Notes

You can substitute meats or cheese based on what you have.

Try adding pesto, jalapeños, or grilled vegetables for a twist.

Sandwich is best fresh, but can be stored in foil and reheated in oven or toaster oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 28gFat: 38g

Keyword toasted Italian sandwich

Tried this recipe?Mention @Thecrispycheff or tag #Thecrispychef!

FAQ About Toasted Italian Sandwiches

What is an Italian toasted sandwich called?

An Italian toasted sandwich is often called a “panini” in Italy, which literally just means “sandwiches” in Italian. In America, you might hear it called an Italian press, a toasted italiano, or simply an Italian grilled sandwich. Whatever you call it, the combo of Italian meats, cheeses, and veggies pressed between crispy bread is what makes it special!

What is on the toasted italiano?

A traditional toasted italiano typically includes Italian deli meats like salami, pepperoni, ham, and sometimes capicola or mortadella. It’s usually layered with provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, and olives. The spread often contains mayo, Italian dressing, and Italian herbs. All this goodness gets pressed between crusty Italian bread until hot and melty!

What is an authentic Italian sandwich?

An authentic Italian sandwich (or “panino” for just one sandwich) varies by region in Italy, but typically features simple, high-quality ingredients. In most regions, it includes 1-2 types of Italian meats like prosciutto or mortadella, maybe some cheese like mozzarella or provolone, and minimal toppings. Italians often use good olive oil instead of mayo and let the quality ingredients speak for themselves. Unlike American versions, authentic Italian sandwiches often aren’t as loaded with ingredients.

What is on the Panera Italian sandwich?

Panera’s Italian sandwich (called the Toasted Frontega Chicken) includes smoked, pulled chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, red onions, chopped basil, and chipotle mayo on black pepper focaccia bread. Their more traditional Italian sandwich has salami, ham, provolone, an olive spread, and greens on their artisan ciabatta. Both are toasted to melty perfection!

What is the old Italian sandwich at Panera?

The old Italian sandwich at Panera was called the Italian Combo. It featured pepperoni, salami, ham, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and a mayo-based spread with Italian seasonings, all on Ciabatta bread. Many customers miss this sandwich since it was discontinued, but my homemade toasted italian sandwich recipe is honestly even better!

Storage and Reheating Tips

These toasted italian sandwiches are definitely best eaten fresh while the bread is crispy and the cheese is melty. But if you need to make them ahead or have leftovers:

Store any leftover sandwich wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, unwrap it and toast in a 350°F oven for about 10 mins. You can also use a toaster oven which works great.

For meal prep, you can also assemble the sandwiches without toasting them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. Then just toast them when you’re ready to eat!

Make This Toasted Italian Sandwich Your Own!

I still remember the first time I made these sandwiches for my dad, who grew up in New Jersey eating authentic Italian deli sandwiches. He’s super picky about his Italian food, but even he had to admit these were “pretty darn good” – which is basically a five-star review coming from him!

What I love about cooking is taking something traditional and making it your own. This toasted italian sandwich balances those classic Italian flavors we all love with whatever twists make it perfect for you and your family.

So don’t stress about following this recipe exactly – use what you have, adjust to your taste, and make it how YOU like it. That’s what makes cooking at home so much better than anything you can buy! Tag me if you make this – I love seeing your creations!