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Toasted Italian Sandwich

Irresistibly Crispy Toasted Italian Sandwich You’ll Make Again and Again

  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x

Description

This **Toasted Italian Sandwich** is everything you love about Italian flavors wrapped in golden, crispy bread. Layered with gooey mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, basil, and savory Italian meats, it’s a melty, irresistible upgrade to grilled cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or family meal, this Italian melt is comfort food with bold flavor and minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices white or Italian-style bread
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp pesto
  • 4 slices salami or pepperoni (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp butter, softened (for grilling)
  • 1 garlic clove, halved (optional, for rubbing toast)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ons: roasted red peppers, olives, sautéed mushrooms, prosciutto, or turkey

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients: Spread pesto on one side of each bread slice. Layer with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and meat (if using).
  2. Assemble: Close sandwich with the other bread slice. Butter the outer sides.
  3. Grill: Place in skillet over medium heat. Press gently and toast 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Rub with garlic clove for extra flavor if desired.
  4. Serve: Slice in half and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Use sturdy bread like ciabatta or hoagie rolls for more structure.
  • Drain sun-dried tomatoes to avoid soggy bread.
  • Cover pan briefly with lid to help melt cheese faster.
  • Don’t overfill—balance toppings to ensure even crisping.
  • Customize with Italian seasoning or garlic butter for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Sandwiches, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Toasted Italian Sandwich, Italian Melt, Crispy Italian Grilled Cheese, White Bread Sandwich Recipe, Mozzarella Pesto Sandwich, Easy Italian Sandwich Recipes

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Find it online: https://lyndyskitchen.com/toasted-italian-sandwich/