12 Classic Italian Sandwich Recipes To Make

When you think of Italian food, pasta or pizza are probably the first things that come to mind, but Italy has plenty of other food options that are worth some praise.

Italian-inspired sandwiches can make a great meal, for lunch or dinner, with their fresh bread, savory variety of meats, and delicious assortment of cheeses.

The Italian sub is a popular favorite that you can find at Italian restaurants, general delis, and sandwich shops alike. However, there are plenty of other Italian sandwich flavors to explore, ranging from tuna to meatballs.

If you’re craving Italian cuisine, here are some of the best Italian sandwiches you can make at home.

The Classic Italian Sub is a bold and satisfying sandwich packed with layers of flavor. A mix of pepperoni, capocollo, salami, and mortadella creates a rich, savory bite, while provolone cheese adds a smooth, slightly sharp contrast. All of this is stacked on a crusty Italian loaf that holds up to every ingredient.

Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes bring freshness, while tangy Italian dressing seeps into the bread, enhancing each bite. The combination of meats, cheese, and seasoning creates a perfect balance of spice and saltiness.

The Panino di Prosciutto e Fontina is a simple yet flavorful sandwich that brings together salty and creamy elements. Thinly sliced prosciutto delivers a delicate, savory taste, while fontina cheese melts beautifully, creating a smooth, rich texture. The combination is nestled between two slices of crusty bread, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Onions and spinach enhance the sandwich with a subtle sweetness and a touch of freshness. As the panini grills in olive oil, the bread turns golden and crisp, locking in the gooey filling. The flavors meld together, creating a warm, comforting bite.

The Mortadella Focaccia Sandwich is a delightful blend of delicate flavors and rich textures. Mortadella, a smooth and lightly seasoned Italian bologna, pairs beautifully with the airy, herb-infused focaccia. The bread’s crispy crust and soft interior provide the perfect base for this savory combination.

Pecorino cheese adds a tangy bite, balancing the mildness of the mortadella. Fresh basil enhances the sandwich with a hint of peppery freshness, while a drizzle of olive oil ties everything together. For added creaminess, a spread of mayonnaise can bring extra richness.

Italian Pinwheels are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Italian sub. Instead of bread, a soft tortilla wraps around layers of salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese, creating a perfectly balanced bite. The meats bring a rich, savory taste, while the cheese adds a smooth, slightly sharp contrast.

Crisp lettuce provides a refreshing crunch, complementing the seasoned fillings. Rolling everything together locks in the flavors, making each slice easy to enjoy. The tortilla holds everything neatly, making these pinwheels a great choice for a quick meal or snack.

The Tomato, Mozzarella, and Pesto Sandwich is a simple yet flavorful combination of fresh ingredients. Soft, creamy mozzarella melts slightly into the crusty ciabatta, creating a smooth contrast to the juicy tomatoes. The pesto adds a rich, herby depth, tying everything together with its blend of basil, garlic, and olive oil.

Each bite offers a mix of textures—chewy bread, silky cheese, and the slight crunch of fresh tomatoes. The flavors balance beautifully, making this a satisfying meat-free option. It’s light yet filling, perfect for a quick meal or snack.

The Puccia Sandwich is a deliciously soft and chewy Italian classic, made with bread that closely resembles pizza dough. Lightly crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, it perfectly holds a variety of fresh ingredients. Traditional fillings include salty prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of fragrant basil oil.

Each bite delivers a balance of flavors—savory meats, rich cheese, and peppery arugula. The bread absorbs the basil oil, enhancing the overall taste with a hint of herbal richness. For a milder, nutrient-packed twist, spinach makes a great substitute for arugula.

The Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich offers a lighter, fresher take on the classic tuna salad. Instead of a mayonnaise base, high-quality tuna is paired with hard-boiled eggs and crisp lettuce, creating a satisfying texture without the heaviness. The ciabatta roll provides the perfect crusty contrast, holding everything together beautifully.

A zesty salsa verde adds a burst of herby brightness, enhancing the flavors of the tuna and eggs. Each bite is packed with protein, making this a filling yet balanced meal. The combination of fresh ingredients keeps it both flavorful and nutritious.

The Italian-Style Meatloaf Sandwich is a comforting and hearty option that transforms classic meatloaf into a satisfying meal. Served in a soft bread roll, the tender meatloaf is paired with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, creating a deliciously warm bite.

Similar to a meatball sub, this sandwich delivers bold Italian flavors with a slightly different texture. Toasting it in the oven enhances the experience, melting the cheese and crisping up the bread for the perfect balance of crunch and softness.

The Pani ca Meusa is a bold and flavorful Sicilian sandwich made with tender slices of organ meat. Though it may seem unusual, the slow-cooked meat develops a rich, savory taste that pairs beautifully with the soft, slightly crisp bread. The texture is tender yet hearty, making each bite deeply satisfying.

A generous topping of caciocavallo cheese adds a creamy, slightly sharp contrast that balances the richness of the meat. If caciocavallo isn’t available, provolone is a great alternative, offering a similar mild yet tangy flavor. The combination creates a unique and authentic Italian experience.

The Lampredotto Sandwich is a Tuscan favorite, offering a rich and comforting taste. Made from slow-cooked beef tripe, it absorbs the flavors of onions, tomatoes, celery, and seasonings, creating a tender, stew-like texture. The result is a deeply savory and satisfying bite.

A spoonful of salsa verde adds a bright, herbaceous contrast, balancing the richness of the meat with its fresh and slightly tangy notes. This topping enhances the sandwich, making each bite more flavorful and well-rounded.

The Italian Meatball Sub is a comforting and flavorful classic that never disappoints. Juicy, well-seasoned meatballs are baked until tender, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce that enhances their savory taste. Each bite is packed with warm, comforting flavors that make this sandwich a favorite for many.

A soft hoagie roll provides the perfect base, soaking up the sauce while keeping everything together. For an extra layer of indulgence, mozzarella cheese is added on top, melting into a gooey, creamy topping that complements the bold flavors of the meat and sauce.

The Piadina is a versatile Italian flatbread that makes for a light yet satisfying sandwich. With its slightly crisp exterior and soft interior, it pairs beautifully with a variety of fillings, allowing for endless combinations. The mild flavor of the bread enhances the ingredients without overpowering them.

Classic options include mozzarella and prosciutto or fresh tomato and basil, creating a balance of creamy, salty, and fresh flavors. Drizzling olive oil over the ingredients adds a smooth, rich touch that ties everything together.