Description

This overstuffed Italian Sandwich is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next backyard gathering. It features a stunning stack of premium deli meats, creamy cheeses, and fresh summer vegetables, all layered with a zesty herb-infused dressing inside a crusty artisan loaf. It’s an easy, no-cook masterpiece designed to be shared.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large loaf artisan sourdough or Italian baguette (approx. 18 inches)
1/2 pound thinly sliced salami
1/2 pound spicy capicola or pepperoni
1/2 pound honey-roasted ham
6 slices sharp provolone cheese
6 slices fresh mozzarella
2 large beefsteak tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1/2 small red onion, sliced into paper-thin rings
1/4 cup banana peppers or pepperoncini
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Cut the loaf in half lengthwise with a serrated knife. Pull out a small amount of bread from the top half to create a ‘trench’ for the fillings.
Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread half of the mixture onto the cut sides of the bread.
Layer the Meats: Begin building the sandwich by folding the meat slices into ‘S’ shapes or ruffles on the bottom half of the bread to create height and texture.
Add Cheese and Veggies: Layer the provolone over the meat. Top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, onion rings, and peppers.
Top and Set: Place the mozzarella slices over the vegetables and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Place the top bread on and press down firmly to set the layers.
Slice and Serve: Use long wooden skewers to secure the stack every 3 inches, then slice between them for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

For the best flavor, let the sandwich sit for 30 minutes before serving so the dressing can soak into the bread. Soak the sliced onions in cold water for 5 minutes before assembly to remove their harsh bite. If you want a warm version, wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: No-Cook / Assembly
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 3 inches)
Calories: 510
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1250mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 85mg