Italy is known for its mouthwatering food, from freshly made pasta to rich, homemade sauces. But Italy is also famous for its hearty sandwiches, with each region offering unique recipes highlighting local ingredients and flavors. Here’s a look at some of our favorite Italian sandwiches that should be on every foodie’s bucket list.

Popular Regional Italian Sandwich Specialties

Panuozzo – Naples

Let’s start in Naples, located in the Campania region, to try the delicious Panuozzo sandwich, often called the “pizza sandwich.” This sandwich was created in the 1980s by Giuseppe Mascolo, an owner of an Italian pizzeria. The sandwich is made from pizza dough that’s baked, sliced open, and filled with various tasty ingredients. Typical fillings include mozzarella, prosciutto, sausage, vegetables, eggplant parmigiana, and Neapolitan broccoli rabe. Variations may include sardines, provola cheese, and mushrooms. The sandwich is toasted again until the cheese melts and the flavors blend perfectly.

Panino con la Porchetta – Central Italy

Next, we head to Central Italy, specifically Lazio, the region around Rome, to try the iconic Panino con la Porchetta. This sandwich is built around slices of porchetta, a slow-roasted, seasoned pork with crispy skin and tender meat. The flavors come from the town of Ariccia, where this dish has its roots in Ancient Rome. The meat is layered on crispy ciabatta bread and served at food stands and casual Italian restaurants. It’s a savory sandwich, perfect for picnics or a grab-and-go meal exploring central Italy.

Tramezzino – Piedmont

Now, let’s travel to Piedmont, a region in northwest Italy, for the elegant Tramezzino. This sandwich is similar to a British finger sandwich but has an Italian twist. The Tramezzino is made with soft white bread (with the crusts removed) and filled with ingredients like tuna, mayonnaise, ham, or artichokes. The bread is never toasted, and the sandwich is meant to be enjoyed soft, typically as a snack between meals. It’s commonly found at Italian cafes, and we recommend pairing it with an Aperol spritz or espresso for the whole experience.

Piadina – Emilia-Romagna

Another must-try sandwich is the Piadina from the Emilia-Romagna region. This flatbread sandwich is a street food staple and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cured meats (such as prosciutto), fresh cheeses (like stracchino), and vegetables (such as arugula). The Piadina is folded in half and can be eaten at room temperature or heated in a skillet. It’s perfect for grabbing on the go from street food vendors or at events and festivals.

A Sandwich for Every Region

Bricco Salumeria brings Italy various excellent sandwich flavors to Boston, MA. Learn more about the flavors of specific Italian areas or check off something from your foodie bucket list—we recommend trying them all. Whether traveling through Italy or visiting an Italian deli near you, sampling these regional sandwiches is a delicious way to experience the flavors of Italy. Want to try delicious Italian sandwiches? Visit Bricco Salumeria today or contact us to learn more!