Zesty Italian Chopped Sandwich with Crispy Artichokes Recipe

In the world of comfort food, this zesty Italian chopped sandwich with crispy artichokes stands as a delightful culinary adventure.

Layers of savory meats and tangy vegetables create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp, golden-brown artichokes add an unexpected crunch to this hearty sandwich.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of textures and tastes that transport you straight to an Italian deli.

The combination of fresh ingredients and bold seasonings makes this sandwich more than just a meal—it’s an experience.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe transforms an ordinary lunch into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients in the Italian Chopped Sandwich

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Delivers ultra-light, crunchy texture that transforms artichokes into a golden, irresistible bite.
• Espelette Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and vibrant color to elevate the artichoke's flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumbs adhere and creates beautiful golden-brown crispiness.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall seasoning of the crispy artichokes.

• Red Wine Vinegar: Introduces tangy brightness that cuts through rich ingredients.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides sharp, complex undertones to the vinaigrette.
• Mustard Seeds: Deliver subtle nutty crunch and intense mustard essence.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens and lifts the entire dish with its zesty punch.
• Fresh Rosemary: Contributes aromatic, piney notes that complement Mediterranean flavors.
• Dried Oregano: Offers classic Italian herbaceous undertones.
• Castelvetrano Olives: Bring buttery, mild green olive richness to the mayo.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, verdant notes and vibrant color.
• Garlic: Introduces pungent depth to the mayo.

• Iceberg Lettuce: Creates crisp, refreshing base for the chopped salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provide juicy, sweet bursts of freshness.
• Red Onion: Delivers sharp, crisp bite and beautiful color.
• Pepperoncini: Introduces tangy, mild heat and classic Italian sandwich flavor.

Tools to Layer Crispy Artichokes Like a Pro

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting artichokes evenly and creating crispy edges.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending vinaigrette and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Blender or Food Processor: Great for creating creamy olive mayo with a smooth consistency.
• Cutting Board: Helps chop ingredients cleanly and safely.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precisely chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for tossing artichokes and preparing different components.
• Broiler or Toaster Oven: Ideal for toasting rolls quickly and evenly.

How to Assemble This Crunchy Italian Sandwich

• Artichoke Transformation

Spread artichoke halves on a baking sheet, creating a golden crispy landscape with a sprinkle of panko and a drizzle of olive oil. These little veggie gems will turn into crunchy delights after a cozy bake in the oven.

• Flavor Fusion

Whip up a zesty vinaigrette that dances with tangy notes, blending herbs and liquids into a vibrant dressing that will make your taste buds sing.

• Creamy Olive Dream

Craft a luscious olive mayo by blending smooth ingredients into a silky spread that adds rich complexity to the sandwich.

• Sandwich Symphony

Layer chopped ingredients with the vinaigrette on toasted rolls, crown with crispy artichoke crunchies, and create a masterpiece that celebrates Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

Customizations for That Perfect Flavor Balance

• Crush panko breadcrumbs even finer for an extra crispy coating that adheres perfectly to artichoke edges, creating a delightful textural experience.
• Replace rosemary and oregano with fresh thyme or basil for a personalized flavor profile that matches your garden or seasonal herb availability.
• Prepare crispy artichokes and olive mayo up to two days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to streamline sandwich assembly when hunger strikes.
• Add sliced salami, prosciutto, or grilled chicken to transform this sandwich into a more substantial meal that satisfies larger appetites or provides extra protein punch.

How to Serve a Loaded Italian Sandwich

• Rustic Italian Feast Companion: Pair this hearty sandwich with a crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the bold flavors and enhance your dining experience.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Serve alongside marinated roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella chunks, and cured salami to create a vibrant, colorful spread that celebrates Italian appetizer traditions.
• Herb-Infused Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with shaved parmesan, lemon zest, and extra virgin olive oil to provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the rich sandwich ingredients.
• Summer Picnic Perfect: Pack this sandwich for outdoor dining with chilled antipasto skewers and a light cucumber salad for a delightful al fresco meal that transports you straight to the Italian countryside.

Storing Your Sandwich So It Doesn’t Get Soggy

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Slice and chop vegetables ahead of time in a sealed container, keeping them fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator for quick sandwich assembly.
• Artichoke Crunch Conservation: Store crispy artichoke chips in an airtight container with a paper towel to maintain their crispiness, enjoying them within 24 hours for maximum texture.
• Vinaigrette Lifespan Management: Refrigerate homemade dressing in a glass jar with a tight lid, which stays fresh and flavorful for 5-7 days when sealed properly.
• Sandwich Assembly Tip: Layer ingredients just before serving to prevent bread from becoming soggy, ensuring a delightful eating experience with crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

Hearty Italian Chopped Sandwich with Crispy Artichokes Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Hearty italian chopped sandwich with crispy artichokes delivers robust Mediterranean flavors. Crusty bread, zesty salami, provolone, and crisp artichoke chips create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 Italian rolls
• 8–10 slices salami
• 4–5 slices provolone cheese
• 1 head iceberg lettuce
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup canned garbanzo beans
• ¼ cup sliced red onion
• 2 tbsps drained sliced pepperoncini
• 1 can artichoke hearts
• ½ cup panko or dried plain breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup olive oil (for crispy artichokes)
• ½ tsp Espelette pepper or paprika
• Dash of salt
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• ½ cup Castelvetrano olives
• ¼ cup olive oil (for vinaigrette)
• 2 tbsps red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
• ½ clove garlic, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar (for mayo)
• 1 tsp olive oil (for mayo)
• Dash of salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Artichoke Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F, line baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice artichoke hearts in half, coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs and olive oil, then season with paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. Artichoke Roasting: Bake artichokes for 35-40 minutes, rotating sheet midway to ensure uniform golden crispiness and even browning.
3. Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, lemon juice, rosemary, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, balancing herb and acid notes.
4. Olive Mayo Development: Blend kalamata olives, parsley, mayonnaise, garlic, white wine vinegar, and olive oil in food processor until smooth and creamy.
5. Ingredient Preparation: Uniformly chop salami, provolone, pepperoncini, red onion, and lettuce into consistent bite-sized pieces.
6. Bread Toasting: Broil ciabatta rolls until edges turn golden and crisp, creating a sturdy sandwich foundation.
7. Sandwich Assembly: Spread olive mayo generously on toasted rolls, layer chopped ingredients, drizzle vinaigrette for brightness, and crown with crispy artichoke halves to provide textural contrast.

Notes

• Prep Crispy Artichokes Strategically: Cut artichoke hearts exactly in half to maximize surface area for optimal crispiness and even roasting.
• Control Breadcrumb Coating: Apply panko generously but evenly, ensuring each artichoke piece gets complete golden coverage without clumping.
• Master Vinaigrette Balance: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly, tasting and adjusting herb and acid levels for perfect flavor harmony.
• Layer Sandwich Mindfully: Build sandwich from bottom up, distributing chopped ingredients uniformly to guarantee every bite delivers consistent flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 40mg