The chopped Italian sandwich is a delightful medley of vibrant flavors and textures, making it a beloved favorite among sandwich enthusiasts. This Italian-American classic is perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic treat, or even a hearty dinner option. Here’s everything you need to know to create the ultimate chopped Italian sandwich that bursts with flavors and satisfies your cravings.
Ingredients
- Bread:
- 1 large Italian sub roll or ciabatta bread, halved horizontally
- Meats:
- 3 oz Genoa salami, thinly sliced
- 3 oz mortadella, thinly sliced
- 3 oz capicola, thinly sliced
- 3 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
- Cheese:
- 4 oz provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- Condiments:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the Italian sub roll or ciabatta bread horizontally. If desired, lightly toast the bread for added texture and flavor.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Layer the Sandwich:
- Start with a generous layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of the bread, followed by a light spread of Dijon mustard.
- Layer the meats starting with Genoa salami, then mortadella, capicola, and prosciutto.
- Add a layer of provolone cheese on top of the meats.
- Add the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, diced tomato, red onion, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, and black olives.
- Drizzle the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss well to combine.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spoon the dressed vegetable mixture over the layer of provolone cheese.
- Place the top half of the bread over the assembled ingredients and press down gently.
- Serve:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the sandwich into desired portions. Serve immediately, and enjoy the explosion of flavors in each bite.
Tips for the Perfect Chopped Italian Sandwich:
- Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all the ingredients are fresh, especially the vegetables, for the best flavor and texture.
- Quality Meats and Cheese: Opt for high-quality deli meats and cheese to elevate the taste of your sandwich.
- Customize Your Sandwich: Feel free to customize the sandwich to your liking. Add or omit ingredients based on your preferences.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the vegetable mixture and dressing ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the sandwich just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.
What to Serve with a Chopped Italian Sandwich ?
A chopped Italian sandwich is a hearty and flavorful meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some perfect accompaniments that complement the rich and diverse flavors of the sandwich:
1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad
- Ingredients: Cooked pasta (like rotini or fusilli), cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, Italian dressing.
- Description: This colorful and refreshing pasta salad adds a delightful crunch and zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory meats and cheese of the sandwich.
2. Garlic Parmesan Fries
- Ingredients: Potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Description: Crispy and flavorful, these fries are a great side dish. The garlic and Parmesan complement the Italian theme, adding a satisfying crunch.
3. Caprese Salad
- Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, balsamic glaze, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Description: A simple yet elegant side, the Caprese salad’s fresh ingredients and tangy balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty sandwich.
4. Antipasto Platter
- Ingredients: A variety of cured meats (like salami and prosciutto), cheeses, marinated olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and breadsticks.
- Description: An antipasto platter offers a variety of flavors and textures that complement the chopped Italian sandwich and provide a visually appealing addition to your meal.