Chopped Italian Sandwiches

Savor the flavors of Italy with these delectable Chopped Italian Sandwiches. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, these sandwiches are loaded with savory meats, tangy pickles, briny olives, and zesty dressing, all chopped and piled onto crusty Italian bread. Whether served cold or heated, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy your cravings for bold Italian flavors. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf Italian bread, unsliced
• 1/4 pound thinly sliced Genoa salami
• 1/4 pound thinly sliced ham
• 1/4 pound thinly sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 pound thinly sliced provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped green olives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped pickles
• 1/4 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Layer the Genoa salami, ham, pepperoni, and provolone cheese evenly over the bottom half of the bread.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped roasted red peppers, pepperoncini peppers, black olives, green olives, basil, parsley, red onion, celery, pickles, and cherry tomatoes.
5. Pour the Italian dressing over the chopped vegetable mixture and toss until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Spread the chopped vegetable mixture evenly over the layers of meat and cheese on the bottom half of the bread.
7. Place the top half of the bread over the chopped vegetable mixture to form a sandwich.
8. Wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
9. Bake the Chopped Italian Sandwiches in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is warmed through and the cheese is melted.
10. Remove the sandwich from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• Feel free to customize the sandwich filling with your favorite Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables. You can also add condiments like mustard, mayonnaise, or pesto for extra flavor.
• If you prefer a cold sandwich, you can skip the baking step and serve the Chopped Italian Sandwiches immediately after assembling.
• These sandwiches can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh until ready to serve.

Conclusion:

Chopped Italian Sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal option that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a quick and easy lunch or served as a hearty appetizer at your next gathering, these sandwiches are sure to impress. Packed with savory meats, tangy pickles, briny olives, and zesty dressing, they’re a flavor-packed taste of Italy that’s sure to please your palate.