Ultimate Italian Club Sandwich: Prosciutto di Parma, Mozzarella, & Pesto Perfection

Prepare to elevate your sandwich game with this exquisite Italian Club Sandwich! Featuring the irresistible combination of savory Prosciutto di Parma, creamy fresh Mozzarella, vibrant pesto, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, these sandwiches are not just a feast for the eyes but a true delight for your taste buds. Perfectly suited for a delightful picnic under the sun or a satisfying lunch, they are designed to be both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.

Do you also cherish the simple pleasure of a well-crafted sandwich? These particular creations are masterfully layered with premium ingredients: slices of tender Mozzarella, delicate Prosciutto di Parma, sun-dried tomatoes bursting with flavor, and a fresh crunch of arugula. Each layer is generously flavored with a spread of aromatic pesto, creating a symphony of Mediterranean tastes that will transport you straight to Italy.

One of the many advantages of these Italian Club Sandwiches is their versatility. While they are undoubtedly fantastic when assembled fresh, they truly shine when prepared in advance. Wrapped tightly in plastic foil and stored in the refrigerator, the flavors are given time to meld and deepen, resulting in an even richer and more harmonious taste profile. This makes them an ideal choice for meal prepping or for busy days when you need a gourmet meal on the go without the last-minute fuss.

I can confidently say that these sandwiches will become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Their simplicity in preparation combined with their sophisticated flavor makes them a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re packing them for an outdoor adventure, serving them at a casual get-together, or simply enjoying them at home, they promise a delightful experience every time.

Why This Italian Club Sandwich Stands Out

What makes this Italian Club Sandwich a cut above the rest? It’s all about the synergy of high-quality ingredients and a thoughtful layering technique. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering a balanced and memorable flavor. The salty, delicate notes of Prosciutto di Parma are perfectly complemented by the mild, milky texture of fresh Mozzarella. The herbaceous and slightly garlicky pesto provides a foundational layer of flavor, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy counterpoint. Finally, the peppery kick of fresh arugula cuts through the richness, leaving a clean, refreshing finish.

This sandwich isn’t just a collection of ingredients; it’s an experience. It’s designed to offer a taste of the Mediterranean, embodying the fresh, bold, yet balanced flavors that Italian cuisine is renowned for. Its layered structure also ensures that every bite offers a medley of tastes and textures, from the crunch of the baguette to the chewiness of the ham and the creaminess of the cheese.

The Essential Ingredients: A Closer Look

To truly appreciate this Italian Club Sandwich, let’s delve into the stars of the show:

• Baguettes: The foundation of our sandwich. A fresh, crusty baguette provides the perfect canvas, offering a satisfying crunch on the outside and a soft, airy interior. Opt for good quality baguettes that aren’t too dense, as they will hold the fillings beautifully without becoming soggy.
• Basil Pesto: This aromatic green sauce is the heart of the sandwich’s flavor. Whether you choose a homemade pesto for maximum freshness or a high-quality store-bought version for convenience, ensure it’s rich in basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. Its bold, herbaceous profile ties all the other ingredients together.
• Prosciutto di Parma: The star cured meat. Prosciutto di Parma is renowned for its delicate, sweet, and nutty flavor, and its silky texture. It adds a sophisticated saltiness and richness that defines the Italian character of this club sandwich. Lay it thinly to allow its flavor to meld beautifully without overwhelming other components.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy and mild, fresh Mozzarella (preferably buffalo or fresh cow’s milk mozzarella) adds a luxurious texture and subtle sweetness. Slicing it thinly ensures even distribution and prevents the sandwich from becoming too bulky. Its moisture also contributes to the melding of flavors over time.
• Arugula: Also known as rocket, arugula brings a wonderful peppery, slightly bitter note that provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham and cheese. It adds a vibrant green color and a pleasant textural element.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These intensely flavored tomatoes, often packed in oil, offer a concentrated sweet and tangy burst that elevates the entire sandwich. They provide a chewiness and a depth of umami that is simply irresistible. Make sure to drain them well if they are oil-packed.
• Pine Nuts: A small but mighty addition, pine nuts contribute a subtle crunch and a delicate, buttery flavor that complements the pesto and other ingredients beautifully. A light toast before adding can further enhance their nutty essence.

Simple Preparation for Gourmet Results

Crafting these delicious Italian Club Sandwiches is a straightforward process, making them accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. The magic lies in the assembly:

1. Baguette Prep: Begin by slicing off the ends of each baguette for a clean presentation. Then, divide each baguette into three equal portions. This yields six individual sandwiches, perfect for sharing or storing.
2. Halving the Baguettes: Carefully slice each of the baguette portions lengthwise, creating a top and a bottom half. This forms the open book for your delicious fillings.
3. Pesto Power: Generously spread pesto on the inside of both the top and bottom halves of each baguette section. Don’t be shy; the pesto is key to infusing every bite with that signature Italian flavor.
4. Layering the Savory Goodness: Place the bottom baguette half in front of you. Begin layering with the thinly sliced Prosciutto di Parma, followed by the fresh Mozzarella, and then a generous handful of fresh arugula. The order helps create stability and ensures an even distribution of flavors.
5. Adding Tang and Crunch: Evenly scatter the drained sun-dried tomatoes over the arugula. If using, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top of the tomatoes for an added layer of texture and nutty flavor.
6. Completing the Sandwich: Gently place the pesto-smeared top half of the baguette over the fillings, pressing down lightly to secure everything in place.
7. The Make-Ahead Advantage: For optimal flavor melding and freshness, wrap each completed sandwich tightly in plastic foil. This not only keeps them fresh but also allows the ingredients to get to know each other, enhancing the overall taste. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Picnics, Lunches, and Beyond

These Italian Club Sandwiches are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic choice for a variety of occasions:

• Picnics: The original inspiration! These sandwiches are the quintessential picnic food. Their robust nature and delightful flavors make them ideal for outdoor dining. Remember to keep them wrapped in plastic film and store them in the vicinity of a cooling element or in an insulated bag to maintain freshness, especially on warm days. They travel well and are easy to eat on the go.
• Everyday Lunches: Elevate your daily lunch routine! Whether you’re working from home, heading to the office, or packing a school lunch, these sandwiches offer a delicious and satisfying alternative to ordinary options. The make-ahead capability means you can grab and go without any fuss.
• Casual Gatherings: Planning a get-together with friends or family? Cut these sandwiches into smaller, bite-sized pieces for elegant finger food. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser and add a touch of Italian sophistication to your spread.
• Travel Snacks: Long car ride or flight? These sandwiches are a much healthier and tastier option than most roadside or airport fare. Their self-contained nature makes them easy to manage while on the move.

Customization and Pairing Suggestions

While this recipe is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to personalize your Italian Club Sandwich with these ideas:

• Add More Veggies: For extra freshness and crunch, consider adding thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh tomato slices, or even some roasted red peppers. These additions also help keep the sandwich moist and flavorful.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other Italian cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a sharper taste.
• Olives or Artichoke Hearts: For an even more Mediterranean flair, finely chopped Kalamata olives or marinated artichoke hearts can add another layer of briny, tangy flavor.
• Make it Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the pesto or a thin slice of spicy salami can add a delightful kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the Prosciutto di Parma and load up on grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, along with extra mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Sweet Counterpart: While these are savory, if you’re craving something sweet for your picnic spread, consider pairing them with a small sandwich featuring cheese and a delicious fruit jam, or perhaps some fresh fruit.
• Side Dishes: These sandwiches pair wonderfully with a light side salad, a bowl of fresh fruit, or a simple pasta salad.

The Make-Ahead Magic

One of the true marvels of this Italian Club Sandwich is how it actually *improves* with time when made in advance. As the sandwiches rest in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic foil, all those exquisite flavors of the pesto, prosciutto, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes have a chance to mingle and harmonize. The bread subtly absorbs some of the delightful oils and essences, becoming perfectly tender without being soggy, and the overall taste deepens significantly. This makes them a fantastic option for preparing the night before an event or for having ready for the week’s lunches. Just be sure to keep them properly chilled, especially if transporting them for a picnic, to maintain their freshness and safety.

📖 Recipe

RECIPE CARD

Italian Club Sandwich with Prosciutto di Parma Ham

Andréa

This delicious savory Italian sandwich with Parma ham and Mozzarella, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes doesn’t only look great, they also taste delicious! Great to serve at a picnic or at a lunch.

5 of 44 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Cook Time

10
minutes

mins

Total Time

10
minutes

mins

Course
Lunch

Cuisine
Italian

Servings

6
sandwiches

Calories

455
kcal

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  baguettes

• 
  ▢
  
  
  8
  tablespoons
  pesto

• 
  ▢
  
  
  100
  grams
  Parma ham

• 
  ▢
  
  
  125
  grams
  Mozzarella, sliced

• 
  ▢
  
  
  50
  grams
  arugula

• 
  ▢
  
  
  8
  sun-dried tomatoes

• 
  ▢
  
  
  4
  tablespoons
  pine nuts

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

Metric –
US Customary

Instructions

• 
  ▢
  
  

  Slice the ends of the baguette. Then divide every baguette in three.

• 
  ▢
  
  

  Halve the baguettes.

• 
  ▢
  
  

  Smear pesto on both sides.

• 
  ▢
  
  

  Put the bottom in front of you and cover with Parma ham, Mozzarella, and arugula.

• 
  ▢
  
  

  Spread the sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts on the arugula.

• 
  ▢
  
  

  Cover with the top of the baguettes.

• 
  ▢
  
  

  Wrap every piece in plastic foil and store in the refrigerator until use.

Notes

• A picnic and nice weather will usually go together. Keep these sandwiches wrapped in a plastic film and then in the vicinity of a cooling element.
• Also delicious: a sandwich with egg salad, BLT, and/or cheese with jam for the sweet cravings.
• Add lettuce, cucumber, or tomato to keep the sandwich fresh.

Nutrition

Calories:
455
kcal


Carbohydrates:
46
g


Protein:
20
g


Fat:
21
g


Saturated Fat:
5
g


Cholesterol:
27
mg


Sodium:
1165
mg


Fiber:
3
g


Sugar:
3
g


Vitamin A:
767
IU


Vitamin C:
2
mg


Iron:
4
mg

Keyword
a sandwich lunch recipe, a savory picnic recipe

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!