As summer break unfolds and the kids’ energy levels soar, I find myself on a perpetual quest for simple yet scrumptious recipes that will keep everyone satisfied without keeping me tied to the kitchen. If you’re anything like me you’ve seen it all over tiktok. Enter the Italian chopped sandwich – a lifesaver for busy moms like me during picnics, beach days, and backyard gatherings. Join me as I share my go-to recipe for crafting these deliciously easy summer delights that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Your picnics are about to get a whole lot better. Interested? Yeah I thought so… lets dig into the ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Bread loaf like hoagie or ciabatta
- Turkey
- Salami
- Pepperoni
- Ham
- Fresh mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Ripe tomatoes
- Crisp lettuce leaves
- Pickles
- Banana peppers
- Red onion
- Black olives
Sauce:
- Olive oil
- mayo
- balsamic vinegar (I uses jalapeño lime flavor for a kick)
- parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Begin by laying out all the ingredients on a clean cutting board, ready to be chopped and assembled into the ultimate Italian chopped sandwich.
- Take the Italian bread loaf and slice it horizontally, creating a sturdy base and top for your sandwich.
- Chop the prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni into bite-sized pieces, ensuring an even distribution of meats throughout the sandwich.
- Next, chop the fresh mozzarella cheese into small slices or cubes, ready to be scattered over the meats.
- Dice the ripe tomatoes into thin slices, followed by shredding the crisp lettuce leaves into manageable pieces.
- Slice the banana peppers, red onion, and black olives into small rings or pieces, adding a burst of flavor and color to the sandwich.
- Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the chopped ingredients, infusing them with richness and depth of flavor.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add my special sauce onto the bread, lending a sweet and tangy note to the chopped mixture.
- Season the chopped mixture with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.
- Gently mix the chopped ingredients together, ensuring that all the components are evenly distributed and coated with the olive oil and seasoning.
- Pile the chopped mixture onto the bottom half of the bread loaf, spreading it out evenly to create a deliciously stacked sandwich.
- Carefully place the top half of the bread loaf over the chopped mixture, pressing down gently to secure the layers together.
- Serve the Italian chopped sandwich immediately, either as a standalone meal or accompanied by your favorite summer sides.
As a busy mom juggling a million things at once, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of simple, no-fuss recipes that pack a punch in the flavor department. These Italian chopped sandwiches are a shining example of delicious simplicity – easy to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for summer adventures with the family. So next time you’re in need of a quick and tasty meal that will keep everyone happy, give the Italian Chopped Sandwich a try. Trust me, they’ll be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike! Happy summer munching