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The BEST Loaded Grilled Italian Sandwich is filled with mouthwatering cured meats, marinated veggies, olive tapanade, fresh greens, and melty cheese!

italian sandwich

Why this recipe works:

Whether you’re hosting a party, having friends over to watch the game, or are just craving something delicious, this warm Italian sandwich has everything your taste buds desire!

If there’s one thing my husband loves, it’s a good sandwich. Now, show him a sandwich like this that’s full of the things he loves – namely cured Italian meats like salami and prosciutto – and he’s one happy man.

This sandwich is amazing because so many different flavors and textures come together in between two pieces of crusty bread.

italian sandwich ingredients like meat, olive tapanade, bread

Here’s how to make it:

  • You must scoop the inside of the loaf out to make room for all the fillings. This way you have this wonderful void in which you can properly layer your filling ingredients without risk of dislocating your jaw while attempting to eat such a massive sandwich. Creative, right?
  • Load up the inside of the sandwich with as many cured meats as you desire, provolone, olive tapenade, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and arugula.
  • The final step is to grill it up so the cheese gets all nice and melty and all of the other ingredients are heated through. To do this, wrap it up tight in aluminum foil and bake until your Italian sandwich is hot and wonderful.

step by step process photos for how to make an italian sandwich

Cooking Tips:

  • After you scoop the center out of the bread, don’t waste it. Just let it dry out and then run it through the blender or the food processor to turn it into bread crumbs.
  • Be sure to use a heavy duty aluminum foil so that it doesn’t easily rip.
  • You can easily grill this sandwich on the BBQ or use the oven as indicated in the recipe. Either works perfectly.

What is the best kind of bread to use?

One of my pet peeves when it comes to sandwiches, though, is either a sandwich that’s too big to bite (or if you’re successful, it’s not pretty) or a sandwich that has too much bread. One really must have the right bread to filling ratio.

I recommend you plan on using a nice crusty Italian loaf like I did.

Now keep in mind you have to choose a bread with a pretty tough outside to hold up to the large amount of tasty ingredients, but once you do the end result is so incredibly worth it.

slice of sandwich with cured meat

Favorite Italian recipes:

I love anything Italian. If you love the flavors in this sandwich recipe, you’ll surely love these. I have a TON of recipes on my site, but here are a few of my favorites.

Did you make this sandwich? Be sure to leave me a comment below to let me know what you think!

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Loaded Grilled Italian Sandwich Recipe

Prep15 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total45 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Just imagine how tasty these mouthwatering cured meats, marinated veggies, fresh greens, and melty cheese on this Loaded Grilled Italian Sandwich taste!

Ingredients 

  • 16 ounces Italian bread 1 loaf
  • 12 ounces kalamata olives
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup marinated artichokes
  • 1 cup roasted red bell peppers
  • 6 ounces sliced cured Italian meat salami, prosciutto, etc.
  • 6 ounces sliced provolone
  • 2 cups arugula
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Instructions 

  • Slice loaf of bread in half and scoop out as much of the inside as possible while leaving the crust in tact. Use the bread that you removed for bread crumbs or another alternative.
  • Drain the olives and puree in the food processor with the garlic and 1 tablespoon of the oil marinade from the artichoke hearts. Spread entire mixture over both sides of bread. 
    Just imagine how tasty these mouthwatering cured meats, marinated veggies, fresh greens, and melty cheese on this Loaded Grilled Italian Sandwich taste!
  • Then top both sides with sliced cheese and meat.
    Just imagine how tasty these mouthwatering cured meats, marinated veggies, fresh greens, and melty cheese on this Loaded Grilled Italian Sandwich taste!
  • Layer remaining ingredients and close sandwich. 
    Just imagine how tasty these mouthwatering cured meats, marinated veggies, fresh greens, and melty cheese on this Loaded Grilled Italian Sandwich taste!
  • Wrap in aluminum foil. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, with the last 10 minutes or so uncovered, until the cheese has completely melted.
    Just imagine how tasty these mouthwatering cured meats, marinated veggies, fresh greens, and melty cheese on this Loaded Grilled Italian Sandwich taste!
  • Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

  • After you scoop the center out of the bread, don't waste it. Just let it dry out and then run it through the blender or the food processor to turn it into bread crumbs. 
  • Be sure to use a heavy duty aluminum foil so that it doesn't easily rip.
  • You can easily grill this sandwich on the BBQ or use the oven as indicated in the recipe. Either works perfectly.

Nutrition

Calories: 558kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Cholesterol: 31mg, Sodium: 1827mg, Potassium: 294mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 690IU, Vitamin C: 11.7mg, Calcium: 205mg, Iron: 2.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave me a comment below

This post was originally created in September 2016 and has been updated with more cooking tips and information for your reading pleasure. Don’t worry – I didn’t change the recipe!

Hi! I’m Krissy.

I love to create the BEST versions of your favorite recipes. If you love to cook, love to eat, or just have a deep appreciation for good food, you're in the right place! Stick around... I have hundreds of recipes for you to make.

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