Italian Mortadella Sandwich
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This Italian Mortadella Sandwich combines thinly sliced mortadella, creamy burrata, homemade pistachio pesto, and crunchy chopped pistachios on soft, crusty Italian bread. Ready in just 10 minutes, it brings together the salty, creamy, nutty flavors that make this Italian-style panino so special.
If you love this recipe, you should try my Italian Sub Sandwich and Caprese Sandwich.
Quick Look: Italian Mortadella Sandwich
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
- Method: No-cook sandwich assembly
- Technique: Layer thinly sliced mortadella with pistachio pesto, creamy burrata, and chopped pistachios
- Flavor/Texture: Savory, nutty, creamy, salty, crunchy
Why You’ll Love This Sandwich!
You’ll find variations of this Italian mortadella sandwich all over Italy- the flavor combination is phenomenal! If you can’t travel to Italy- let this salty sandwich take you there!
This specific Mortadella Sandwich is a nostalgic recreation of one of All’antico Vinaio’s most popular sandwiches, La Paradiso. It’s incredible! It uses high-quality ingredients like Mortadella, pistachio pesto, and fresh burrata cheese to bring the flavors of Italy right to your plate.
Try my Chopped Italian Sandwich next!
Made With Amore,
“I made these for a quick picnic. My husband was so impressed! They didn’t even get soggy as they sat in the cooler for about an hour as we traveled to the mountains!”
– Robyn
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
This Italian sandwich uses a handful of classic ingredients, with each one bringing an important flavor or texture to the finished panino.
- Mortadella: Thinly sliced Italian cured meat with a rich flavor and delicate texture.
- Pistachio Pesto: Adds fresh basil flavor, nuttiness, and a spreadable texture.
- Burrata Cheese: Brings a rich, creamy center that balances the savory mortadella.
- Focaccia or Ciabatta Bread: Provides a soft interior and sturdy base.
- Fresh Pistachios: Add a crunchy texture and extra pistachio flavor.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Meat Variations: Prosciutto, capicola, or salami can be used for a different Italian-style sandwich. Try my Italian Sub Sandwich!
- Pistachio Pesto Substitutions: If pistachios are unavailable or you have allergies, you can make pesto with other nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts. I reccomend trying my Walnut Pesto recipe!
- Try a Different Type of Bread: Use focaccia, ciabatta, schiacciata, or another crusty Italian-style bread.
- Burrata Cheese Substitutions: You can substitute fresh mozzarella, a slice or two of provolone cheese, or creamy goat cheese. Ricotta or mascarpone cheese can also be used as alternatives, although they have slightly different textures and flavors.
How To Make A Mortadella Sandwich
While it boasts gourmet flavors, this sandwich is simple to assemble, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack. Follow the step-by-step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Combine the shelled pistachios, crushed garlic, fresh basil leaves, both types of cheese, and a bit of salt.
- Gradually pour in the extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream while the blender or food processor is running. Continue pulsing until the ingredients are well combined and form a smooth paste. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
- Slice the focaccia or ciabatta bread horizontally to create a top and bottom piece for each sandwich. If necessary, lightly toast the bread for added texture and flavor.
- Spread a generous amount of pistachio pesto on the bottom half of the bread slices.
- Layer the Mortadella slices evenly on top of the pistachio pesto on each sandwich.
- Carefully tear the burrata cheese into pieces.
- Distribute the cheese evenly over the top of the Mortadella layer on each sandwich.
- Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh pistachios over the burrata cheese layer. Place the top half of the bread on each sandwich to complete the assembly.
Mortadella Sandwich FAQs
Mortadella is a type of Italian cured meat similar to bologna but typically flavored with spices such as pepper and pistachios.
Toasting is optional. The sandwich is delicious with soft, fresh bread, but lightly toasting the cut sides can add extra flavor and help the bread hold the creamy fillings.
It can be served either way. This version is assembled and served cold or at room temperature, but you can warm the bread first if you prefer a toasted sandwich.
For the best taste and texture, refridgerate the sandwich and try to consume within 1-2 days. The longer it sits, the more the bread may become soggy, and the ingredients may lose their freshness.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this Italian mortadella sandwich as an easy lunch or picnic meal. Pair it with a side you can prep in advance, like Italian Fruit Salad, Classic Italian Pasta Salad, or Creamy Potato Salad. For a warm side, serve with Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes or my Polenta Fries.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Choose thinly sliced mortadella for the best texture and an even distribution of meat in every bite.
- Use good-quality bread that is sturdy enough to hold the creamy burrata and pesto.
- Let the burrata drain briefly if it is especially wet so the bread doesn’t become soggy.
- Don’t overload the sandwich so the mortadella, pistachio pesto, and burrata flavors remain balanced.
- Assemble just before serving for the best bread texture.
More Savory Sandwich Recipes
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Mortadella Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 slices Sliced Mortadella, approximately 3-4 slices per sandwich
- Homemade Pistachio Pesto
- 8 slices Focaccia or Ciabatta Bread, enough for the number of sandwiches you’re making
- 4 small balls Burrata Cheese, 1 small ball per sandwich
- Fresh Pistachios, shelled and chopped for sprinkling
Instructions
- Slice the focaccia or ciabatta bread horizontally to create a top and bottom piece for each sandwich. If necessary, lightly toast the bread for added texture and flavor.
- Spread a generous amount of pistachio pesto on the bottom half of the bread slices.
- Layer the Mortadella slices evenly on top of the pistachio pesto on each sandwich.
- Carefully tear the burrata cheese into pieces and distribute them evenly over the top of the Mortadella layer on each sandwich.
- Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh pistachios over the burrata cheese layer.
- Place the top half of the bread on each sandwich to complete the assembly.
- Serve the sandwiches whole or sliced in half, and enjoy your delicious Italian Mortadella sandwiches with pistachio pesto!
Notes
- Choose thinly sliced mortadella for the best texture and an even distribution of meat in every bite.
- Use good-quality bread that is sturdy enough to hold the creamy burrata and pesto.
- Let the burrata drain briefly if it is especially wet so the bread doesn’t become soggy.
- Don’t overload the sandwich so the mortadella, pistachio pesto, and burrata flavors remain balanced.
- Assemble just before serving for the best bread texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made these for a quick picnic. My husband was so impressed! They didn’t even get soggy as they sat in the cooler for about an hour as we traveled to the mountains!
Yes, the sturdy focaccia bread is perfect for making ahead of time. I’m happy you enjoyed them.
Thank you! Canโt wait to make this!
Enjoy!
This recipe was inspired after a visit to Roma, Italia. I hope you love it!