Focaccia Sandwiches

These Focaccia Sandwiches are a brilliant twist on traditional deli stacks, offering bold Mediterranean flavors layered between herbaceous focaccia. With a mix of savory meats, creamy provolone, crisp romaine, and a zesty olive mayo, every bite is satisfying and packed with texture.

Perfect for parties, picnics, or a simple lunch spread, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. You can prep the ingredients in advance and assemble quickly before serving. Plus, the presentation—bright layers and rustic bread—is as impressive as the taste.

Full Recipe:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives, drained

• 1 focaccia bread (about 12 ounces), split horizontally

• 4 romaine leaves

• 1/4 pound shaved deli ham

• 1 medium sweet red pepper, thinly sliced into rings

• 1/4 pound shaved deli turkey

• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced

• 1/4 pound thinly sliced hard salami

• 1 jar (7 ounces) roasted sweet red peppers, drained

• 4 to 6 slices provolone cheese

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and chopped olives until evenly combined.

2. Spread the mayo-olive mixture onto the bottom half of the focaccia bread.

3. Layer the romaine leaves evenly on top of the spread.

4. Add ham, sweet red pepper rings, turkey, tomato slices, salami, roasted red peppers, and finally provolone cheese in the order listed.

5. Carefully place the top half of the focaccia bread over the layers.

6. Press gently and cut the sandwich into 24 small squares using a sharp serrated knife.

7. Secure each piece with a toothpick before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 113 kcal per serving | Servings: 24 mini sandwiches

Focaccia Sandwiches: A Mediterranean Delight with Flavorful Layers

Focaccia sandwiches are an absolute treat, offering a delightful combination of savory ingredients stacked between soft, herb-infused focaccia bread. This recipe is simple to make, yet sophisticated in flavor. Packed with fresh vegetables, hearty meats, and creamy cheese, it’s the perfect choice for a lunch, picnic, or casual gathering. Not only do these sandwiches taste amazing, but they also come with a range of health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional perks, preparation tips, variations, and why this recipe is a must-try for any home cook or sandwich enthusiast.

Health Benefits of Focaccia Sandwiches

Though sandwiches are often considered a quick indulgence, the ingredients used in focaccia sandwiches can be surprisingly healthy when chosen wisely. Let’s take a look at the components and how they contribute to your diet.

1. Fresh Vegetables: Romaine, Tomatoes, and Red Peppers
   The inclusion of fresh romaine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and sweet red peppers not only adds vibrant color to your sandwich but also packs in a plethora of nutrients. Romaine lettuce is an excellent source of fiber, which supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also contains antioxidants such as vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risks of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Additionally, red peppers are loaded with vitamin C, which promotes skin health and boosts the immune system.

2. Lean Meats: Ham, Turkey, and Salami
   While deli meats sometimes get a bad reputation, when used in moderation, they can still be a valuable source of protein and essential nutrients. Turkey and ham are leaner meats, providing a healthy dose of protein to help build and repair tissues. Turkey, in particular, is lower in fat than other meats, making it a great choice for those watching their calorie intake. On the other hand, salami adds a more indulgent element to the sandwich, but it can still be enjoyed in moderation. Salami provides protein, but it’s also rich in sodium, so it’s important to balance this with the other, lower-sodium ingredients in the sandwich.

3. Provolone Cheese
   Provolone cheese offers a creamy, mildly tangy flavor to the sandwich. It’s also a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Calcium also plays a role in nerve function and muscle contraction. However, like most cheeses, provolone should be consumed in moderation, as it can be high in saturated fat. Opting for a reduced-fat version is a good way to keep things lighter without sacrificing flavor.

4. Olive Mayo
   The mayonnaise in this recipe is combined with olives to create a flavorful spread. While traditional mayonnaise is often made with oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, opting for olive oil-based mayo provides a healthier option. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and better overall cholesterol levels. The olives add an extra punch of antioxidants, including vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from damage.

Preparation Tips for Focaccia Sandwiches

Making focaccia sandwiches is quick and easy, but there are a few preparation tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. First and foremost, the key to a great sandwich is using high-quality ingredients. If possible, opt for freshly baked focaccia bread. You can either make it yourself at home or buy it from a local bakery. When preparing the sandwich, be mindful of layering the ingredients for the best taste and texture.

Start by spreading the olive mayo mixture evenly on the bottom half of the focaccia bread. This helps to keep the bread moist while adding flavor. Be generous with the fresh romaine lettuce, as it provides a nice crunch and balances the richness of the meats and cheese. Layering the meats—ham, turkey, and salami—in a way that ensures each bite has a bit of everything will give your sandwich a perfect balance of savory flavors. Don’t forget to include the roasted red peppers and tomato slices for a burst of freshness in every bite. Finally, placing the provolone cheese towards the top of the sandwich will allow it to melt just enough from the residual heat when you cut and assemble the sandwich.

Variations of Focaccia Sandwiches

One of the best things about focaccia sandwiches is their versatility. While the classic recipe with deli meats and provolone is delicious, there are endless ways to customize these sandwiches to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Vegetarian Focaccia Sandwich
   For a lighter, plant-based option, you can omit the deli meats entirely and replace them with roasted vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms. You could also include a layer of hummus or pesto for extra flavor. Adding slices of avocado will give the sandwich a creamy texture, and you can still use provolone cheese for that satisfying dairy component.

2. Spicy Focaccia Sandwich
   If you like a little heat, try adding some spicy ingredients to your focaccia sandwich. Jalapeños, banana peppers, or even a drizzle of hot sauce can take the flavor profile to the next level. You can pair these with spicy deli meats like pepperoni or spicy Italian sausage for a sandwich with a real kick.

3. Grilled Focaccia Sandwich
   For an extra crispy and savory touch, you can grill the entire focaccia sandwich after it’s assembled. Grilling will add a beautiful crunch to the bread and give the cheese a melty, gooey texture. It also allows the flavors to meld together as the heat enhances the taste of the olives, meats, and cheese.

4. Mediterranean Focaccia Sandwich
   Make your sandwich more Mediterranean-inspired by swapping the deli meats for grilled chicken or lamb. Adding a dollop of tzatziki sauce, some Kalamata olives, and a few fresh cucumber slices will transport your sandwich to the Greek islands. The tangy yogurt-based tzatziki adds a creamy contrast to the rich focaccia and complements the savory meats and fresh veggies.

The Appeal of Focaccia Sandwiches

Focaccia sandwiches are an absolute crowd-pleaser. The combination of textures—soft, fluffy focaccia, crispy lettuce, tender meats, and creamy cheese—makes each bite satisfying and filling. The sandwich’s bold flavors and rich, savory ingredients appeal to a wide variety of taste preferences, from meat lovers to those who prefer lighter, vegetable-based options.

These sandwiches are incredibly easy to prepare, which makes them perfect for a quick lunch or a no-fuss dinner. They also hold up well when made ahead of time, which makes them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to prepare food in advance. Plus, the ability to customize your sandwich means you can create a dish that suits your specific dietary needs or flavor preferences.

The Mediterranean flair of the focaccia bread paired with fresh, healthy ingredients gives the sandwich a sophisticated touch, making it feel like a gourmet meal without the gourmet price tag. Whether served as an appetizer at a dinner party or enjoyed as a main dish, focaccia sandwiches bring flavor, freshness, and fun to the table.

Conclusion

Focaccia sandwiches are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you prefer the classic version with deli meats and provolone or opt for a vegetarian or grilled variation, the sandwich’s rich, savory layers are guaranteed to satisfy. The health benefits of the fresh vegetables, lean meats, and olive mayo spread add a nutritious element to the indulgence, making this recipe a balanced choice for any meal. With endless customization options and a fast, easy preparation process, focaccia sandwiches are a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their sandwich game.