Italian Sandwich Recipe (2024)

This post may contain paid links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Loaded with delicious deli meat, cheese, and tomato pesto sandwiched between hearty ciabatta bread, this Italian Sandwich Recipe is a dream come true! A pressed sandwich perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic!

Italian Sandwich

There is nothing better than pressed sandwiches with layers of cured meats, salty cheese, tomato pesto, and juicy tomatoes on ciabatta bread. The trick to this unbelievably tasty pressed sandwich recipe is to weigh it down, then refrigerate it, so it presses tightly together in the fridge!

Whether you’re making dinner for your family, prepping lunches for a few days, or packing for a picnic, this Italian-pressed sandwich with pesto is a winner.

Plus, my tips and tricks will help keep your pressed sandwiches fresh and crisp all day long. I guarantee you will want to make this sandwich all of the time!

This is the perfect sandwich for a party. I make it the day before and cut and serve it right before guests arrive. Everyone loves this recipe!

Christina via email

Italian Sandwiches Ingredients

• loafciabatta breadat least 6×6″
• tomato pesto or pesto of your choice
• pepperoni
• capicola ham
• fresh mozzarella
• basil
• tomato
• calabrese salami

How to Make an Italian Pressed Sandwich

1. Slice the ciabatta loaf in half longways through the middle. Spread tomato pesto on each half and place sandwich pepperoni and capicola ham on the bottom half of the bread.
2. Top with sliced mozzarella cheese, and layer with basil leaves. Slice your tomatoes and add on top.
3. Top with calabrese salami.
4. Place the top half of the bread loaf on top and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Place a heavy pot or skillet on top to gently press the sandwich and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 8 hours.
5. When ready to serve, carefully unwrap the sandwich and slice off the edges if you want a nice square cut. Carefully cut the loaf in half and then cut each half in half again. Enjoy!

Pressed Sandwich Tips

• If you are packing this Italian sub up for a party on the go, I recommend wrapping the sandwich whole and chopping it up for everyone once you’re ready to eat.
• I recommend using sturdy bread like ciabatta bread.
• When making a pressed sandwich, you don’t want it to get soggy, so be sure the pesto you use isn’t too wet. Look for a sun-dried tomato spread if purchasing, or make your own pesto from scratch.
• For maximum flavor, we recommend using the best quality deli meats and cheese available to you, and always use fresh basil or arugula for the green if you aren’t a fan of basil!

Italian Sandwiches FAQs

Can Italian sandwiches be made ahead of time?

You can make an Italian sandwich recipe 2 days ahead of time so long as you layer the tomatoes between the meats and cheeses and don’t use too wet of a pesto sauce.

Italian Sandwich Recipes for a Party

My very favorite thing about this Italian sandwich recipe is that it makes the best party sandwiches!

Because it’s an easy way to make several sandwiches at a time, you can prepare everything ahead of time, then slice it all at once to serve a party full of guests. I usually have enough to serve 6 to 8 people following this recipe.

Not to mention, everyone loves these pressed sandwiches. They are so flavorful and perfect for pairing with a at a gathering.

What to Serve with Italian Sandwiches

• German Potato Salad
• Baked Potato Wedges
• Instant Pot Potato Salad
• Burrata Salad

Sandwich Recipes

• Philly Pork Sandwiches
• Pulled Pork Sandwich
• Roast Beef Sandwiches
• Ham Sandwiches
• Pot Roast Sandwich

Recipe