Italian Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich

Italian roasted red pepper sandwich lovers, this one’s for you. With creamy burrata, smoky peppers, and salty salami, it’s the kind of sandwich that turns a regular lunch into something extra special.

Get ready to build your new favorite Italian roasted red pepper sandwich — the bold, balanced bite you didn’t know you were craving.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich

Italian roasted red pepper sandwich — the words alone bring a flood of flavor to my mind. I still remember the first time I tasted something like this. It was during one of those impossibly perfect fall afternoons in Central Park, just before the leaves turned fully gold. A friend had packed sandwiches from her favorite little Italian deli downtown — thick ciabatta stuffed with creamy burrata, smoky roasted red peppers, and salty ribbons of prosciutto and Calabrian salami. One bite, and I was transported.

This sandwich is bold, balanced, and totally satisfying. You get the smoky sweetness from the peppers, that rich creaminess from the burrata, the zing of chopped olives, and a touch of peppery arugula — all nestled between crusty, chewy bread that holds everything like a promise.

It’s got all those Mediterranean flavors that make you close your eyes for just a second. If I’m serving this for lunch, I love to pair it with this light summer side dish — a creamy cucumber avocado broccoli salad that keeps everything fresh and simple.

This isn’t just a burrata sandwich. It’s an Italian deli sandwich dream, packed with comfort, elegance, and just the right amount of messy.

Printable Recipe Card : Italian Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich

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Ingredients That Make It Irresistible

A truly unforgettable Italian roasted red pepper sandwich starts with exceptional ingredients. This isn’t the time to skimp — trust me, the quality makes all the difference.

I like to shop for this sandwich like I’m browsing an Italian market: slow, thoughtful, and just a little indulgent. That means freshly sliced meats, good cheese, and bread that smells like it just came out of the oven.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Roasted red peppers – Store-bought or homemade, just make sure they’re soft, smoky, and sweet
• Heirloom tomatoes – Sliced and seasoned with a pinch of salt and black pepper (my Nonna swore this draws out the sweetness!)
• Burrata – Or fresh mozzarella if you prefer — that creamy center makes every bite melt
• Chopped olives or tapenade – Briny goodness to cut through the richness
• Calabrese salami – For that spicy, flavorful kick
• Prosciutto – Thin and delicate, it practically melts on the tongue
• Fresh basil – Whole leaves for a fragrant pop
• Fresh baby arugula – Or swap for butter lettuce if your kids find arugula too peppery
• Optional: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar and good olive oil
• Ciabatta, sourdough, or baguette – Pick a crusty bread that won’t collapse under all that goodness

Eva’s Note: If I’m making this for the kids, I tone down the heat by subbing regular salami for the Calabrese — and sometimes add a little swipe of mayo or even hummus if they’re feeling fancy.

The result? A burrata sandwich that’s layered, luscious, and just begging to be shared — the kind of Italian roasted red pepper sandwich that makes even a regular weekday feel special.

How to Assemble the Perfect Italian Sandwich

Building the perfect Italian roasted red pepper sandwich isn’t just about stacking ingredients — it’s about layering intention, flavor, and a little love into every bite. This is the kind of sandwich that feels like it came from an Italian grandma’s kitchen and your favorite antipasto bar all at once.

1. Start with the bread

Slice your ciabatta (or sourdough or baguette) lengthwise. Lightly toast both sides — just enough to warm it and give it some crunch.

Eva’s Note: This step helps prevent sogginess and brings out that nutty bread flavor.

2. Drizzle & spread

Brush the inside of the bread with a little olive oil. If you love a tangy note, add a quick swipe of balsamic vinegar or tapenade on one side.

3. Add your leafy buffer

Lay down a bed of fresh arugula or lettuce. This creates a protective layer between the juicy ingredients and the bread — super important!

4. Layer the meats

Start with a layer of prosciutto, then add your Calabrese salami. The prosciutto hugs the bread, and the salami adds a spicy, chewy contrast.

5. Tuck in the tomatoes

Place your seasoned heirloom tomatoes right between the meat layers.

Eva’s Note: I always tuck the tomatoes between meats to keep the bread from soaking — mama taught me that trick, and she was always right.

6. Add burrata & peppers

Gently spoon or tear burrata onto the tomato layer. Then pile on your roasted red peppers, letting them fall in folds and curls.

7. Finish with flavor

Scatter some chopped olives, add a few torn basil leaves, and close up the sandwich.

8. Let it rest

Wrap your sandwich in parchment and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle and the flavors mingle like old friends.

Eva’s Note: Think of it like letting a story settle before the first bite — it’s always better with a pause.

This isn’t just a ciabatta sandwich — it’s an antipasto sandwich turned handheld masterpiece. It’s the kind of Italian roasted red pepper sandwich that tells its own story, one layer at a time.

Variations to Try (Vegetarian, Spicy, or Sweet)

One of my favorite things about this Italian roasted red pepper sandwich is how flexible it is. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can mix, match, and make it your own. Whether you’re vegetarian, spice-loving, or craving a little sweetness, there’s a version for every mood and moment.

🌱 Vegetarian Italian Sandwich

Skip the meats and double down on the Mediterranean flavors.
Try this: grilled eggplant slices, marinated artichoke hearts, extra olives, and a generous helping of burrata. My daughter Lily calls this her “market lunch” — we make it after hitting our neighborhood farmers market on sunny Saturdays. It’s a vegetarian variation of an Italian sandwich that’s just as comforting and full of heart.

🌶️ Turn Up the Heat

Love a spicy kick? Stick with Calabrese salami, but add a smear of Calabrian chili paste or crushed red pepper oil. It gives this Italian roasted red pepper sandwich a boldness that spice-lovers swoon over. Noah’s my spice tester — if he gives it a thumbs up, I know it’s fire (literally and figuratively).

🍯 Sweet & Savory Twist

This one’s for the fig jam lovers. Spread a thin layer on the bread before adding the meat and cheese. Add some arugula and a little drizzle of honey over the burrata. It’s sweet, creamy, salty — a whole mood in sandwich form.

No matter which twist you try, each one becomes a fresh take on the classic Italian roasted red pepper sandwich — with all the love and flavor still tucked inside.

Serving & Storing Tips

This Italian roasted red pepper sandwich is a showstopper whether you’re eating it fresh off the cutting board or packing it up for later. Here’s how to keep it tasting amazing no matter when — or where — you enjoy it.

🧺 Picnic-Perfect

This sandwich loves an outdoor lunch. Wrap each one tightly in parchment paper and tie with a little kitchen twine — it keeps things neat and brings that sweet, old-school deli charm. We’ve packed these for road trips upstate, with thermoses of lemonade and a cooler full of grapes. Zero complaints.

🔥 Toast It, Don’t Miss It

Want to level up the flavor? Warm it in the oven for 8–10 minutes at 350°F, or press it in a panini maker until the burrata softens and the salami perfumes the kitchen.

Eva’s Favorite Way to Toast It: I wrap it in foil and stick it in the toaster oven until the cheese just starts to ooze. It’s melty, crisp, and absolutely dreamy.

⏳ Make-Ahead Tip

If you’re prepping ahead, assemble everything except the tomatoes and burrata. Add those just before eating to keep things fresh. Or pack each ingredient separately and let everyone build their own at the table — my kids love doing this at picnics or playdates.

When stored right (airtight container, chilled), this Italian roasted red pepper sandwich can be made up to a day ahead — just don’t forget that parchment wrap for max freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions about Italian Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich

This Italian roasted red pepper sandwich isn’t just a sandwich — it’s a little act of self-care. It’s the thing I make when I need something bold, comforting, and just a little fancy. Whether I’m feeding hungry kids after school, packing lunch for my husband, or treating myself on a quiet afternoon, it never fails to deliver.

So grab your crusty bread, your burrata, your smoky roasted red peppers, and start layering. Add a little love and let it rest. That’s the secret.

Thank you for spending time with me in the kitchen today. I hope this Italian roasted red pepper sandwich finds a permanent place in your recipe box — and in your heart.
👉 Come say hi and share your sandwich photos with me over on Facebook!

With love, and olive oil on my hands,
Eva 💛