Perfect Mortadella Focaccia: 12 Easy Steps

Mortadella focaccia has a way of transporting me straight back to my favorite trattoria in Florence. I can still almost smell the warm, yeasty bread mingling with the delicate, savory aroma of the mortadella. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s an experience. I’ve tried countless versions, but this Mortadella focaccia sandwich recipe has become my go-to for capturing that truly authentic mortadella focaccia magic right in my own kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple to assemble, yet delivers a gourmet punch that always impresses. Let’s get cooking!

What is Mortadella Focaccia?

So, what is mortadella focaccia? It’s a delightful Italian creation that brings together two iconic elements: mortadella and focaccia bread. Mortadella itself is a large, finely ground pork sausage originating from Bologna, Italy. It’s known for its smooth texture, subtly spiced flavor, and often studded with pistachios or cubes of pork fat. When paired with focaccia, you get an incredible Italian mortadella focaccia bread experience. The soft, airy, and slightly chewy focaccia provides the perfect base for the rich, savory mortadella, creating a satisfying contrast in both texture and taste. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful combination.

Why You’ll Love This Mortadella Focaccia Sandwich

This Mortadella focaccia sandwich is a winner for so many reasons. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of savory mortadella, creamy mozzarella, zesty pesto, and briny olives is simply divine.
• Super Quick Prep: It’s an easy mortadella focaccia recipe that comes together in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Surprisingly Healthy: Packed with protein from the mortadella and cheese, plus healthy fats, it’s a satisfying meal that fuels you.
• Budget-Friendly: Using store-bought focaccia and readily available ingredients makes this a cost-effective way to enjoy gourmet Italian flavors.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love the familiar flavors and comforting textures of this delicious sandwich.
• Versatile: It’s perfect for a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or even cut into smaller pieces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Historically, Mortadella focaccia ingredients are simple yet deliver a symphony of Italian flavors. My favorite part of preparing this authentic mortadella focaccia is gathering these high-quality components. You’ll need a pound of focaccia bread, either store-bought for convenience or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious. Then comes the star: 8 ounces of thinly sliced mortadella. I always opt for a good quality one, as its delicate, savory flavor is key. For creaminess, we’ll use 4 ounces of fresh mozzarella slices. And to tie it all together with a bright, herbaceous punch, 2 tablespoons of pesto spread are essential for that classic mortadella focaccia with pesto taste. Finally, add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup of sliced black olives for bursts of intense flavor, plus fresh basil leaves for garnish and a drizzle of olive oil.

How to Make Mortadella Focaccia

Ready to assemble your masterpiece? Making this Mortadella focaccia is a breeze, and the results are truly spectacular. This Mortadella focaccia sandwich recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a delightful dinner.

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the focaccia gets warm and the cheese melts beautifully.
2. Step 2: Carefully slice your focaccia bread in half horizontally. You want even halves so your sandwich holds together well.
3. Step 3: Spread the vibrant pesto evenly across the bottom half of the focaccia. The aroma alone hints at the deliciousness to come!
4. Step 4: Artfully layer the thinly sliced mortadella over the pesto. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor in every bite.
5. Step 5: Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices on top of the mortadella. It will melt into a creamy layer, binding everything together.
6. Step 6: Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sliced black olives over the cheese. These add pops of intense flavor and a lovely brininess.
7. Step 7: Gently place the top half of the focaccia bread over all the wonderful fillings.
8. Step 8: Lightly drizzle the top of the focaccia with a bit of olive oil. This helps it get a lovely golden hue.
9. Step 9: Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in aluminum foil. This keeps everything moist and helps the cheese melt evenly.
10. Step 10: Bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mozzarella is perfectly melted and the focaccia is wonderfully warmed through. The smell will fill your kitchen!
11. Step 11: Carefully remove the sandwich from the oven. Let it rest, still wrapped, for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
12. Step 12: Unwrap your creation, garnish generously with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve your incredible how to make mortadella focaccia creation.

Pro Tips for the Best Mortadella Focaccia

Want to elevate your sandwich game? These little tricks will make your mortadella focaccia truly unforgettable:

• Always use high-quality mortadella; its delicate flavor is the star.
• Don’t skip the pesto! It adds a layer of herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Warm the focaccia gently before serving to melt the cheese perfectly and enhance the aromas.
• A light drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds a final touch of luxury.

What’s the secret to perfect Mortadella Focaccia?

The real secret to a gourmet mortadella focaccia is in the layering and gentle warming. Ensure your mortadella is sliced incredibly thin, almost translucent, and that the focaccia is just warmed through, not crisped, allowing the cheese to become gooey and the bread to remain tender.

Can I make Mortadella Focaccia ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble your mortadella focaccia up to 24 hours in advance. Store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bake it as directed, perhaps adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through. For more information on food safety and storage, you can check out resources on food safety guidelines.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Mortadella Focaccia?

Avoid soggy bread by ensuring your focaccia isn’t too oily to begin with. Also, distribute your fillings evenly to prevent one bite from being all cheese and another all mortadella. Don’t overbake, as this can dry out the bread and the mortadella.

Best Ways to Serve Mortadella Focaccia

This incredible Mortadella focaccia is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides that let its flavors shine. For a complete meal, I love serving it with a light, crisp arugula salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens offer a lovely contrast to the rich sandwich. Another easy option is a side of classic Italian potato chips for a satisfying crunch. When considering drinks, a crisp Italian white wine like a Pinot Grigio or even a light-bodied red such as a Barbera creates a wonderful Mortadella and focaccia pairing. For appetizers before the main event, think about serving some marinated olives or a small cheese board to complement the Italian theme. You can find more recipe ideas here.

Mortadella Focaccia Variations

This Mortadella Focaccia is fantastic as is, but there are so many fun Mortadella focaccia variations to explore! If you love a peppery bite, try adding a handful of fresh arugula on top of the mozzarella before closing the sandwich. For a different cheesy experience, swap the fresh mozzarella for provolone or even a creamy fontina. When considering Mortadella on focaccia ideas, don’t hesitate to experiment with spreads! A thin layer of fig jam can add a delightful sweet and savory contrast, or a swipe of spicy Calabrian chili paste offers a pleasant kick for those who like a little heat. You could even try grilling the assembled sandwich instead of baking for a smoky char. These twists keep things exciting! For more about Italian cuisine, you might find this article interesting.

Nutrition Facts for Mortadella Focaccia

Let’s look at the nutritional breakdown for this delicious Mortadella Focaccia. This is calculated per serving, assuming the recipe yields 4 servings.

• Calories: 650
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more details on our data practices, please see our privacy policy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mortadella Focaccia

Is this the best mortadella focaccia recipe for beginners?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be incredibly straightforward, making it the best mortadella focaccia recipe for anyone new to Italian sandwiches. We use readily available ingredients like store-bought focaccia and simple assembly steps, ensuring a delicious outcome without the stress. You can also review our terms of use for more information.

Can I make homemade mortadella focaccia from scratch?

While this recipe uses store-bought focaccia for ease, you can certainly make a homemade mortadella focaccia experience by baking your own focaccia bread first! A good focaccia recipe will give you a fantastic base, and then you can follow these steps for the filling. The key is a light, airy bread.

What kind of mortadella is best for this sandwich?

For the most authentic flavor, look for mortadella from a good deli or Italian specialty shop. It should be finely ground with a smooth texture, and ideally, you’ll want it sliced very thinly. The quality of the mortadella truly makes a difference in this dish.

What are some simple mortadella focaccia ideas for a party?

To serve this at a party, simply bake the large sandwich and then cut it into small, bite-sized squares or rectangles. It makes for an impressive and easy-to-handle appetizer or a delightful addition to a buffet spread. You can also arrange them on a platter with a little extra basil for garnish. If you have questions, feel free to contact us.

Perfect Mortadella Focaccia: 12 Easy Steps

---

• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Mortadella Focaccia recipe offers an authentic Italian flavor that is easy to prepare, perfect for a special lunch or impressing guests.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound store-bought or homemade focaccia bread
• 8 ounces thinly sliced mortadella
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella slices
• 2 tablespoons pesto spread
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Olive oil for drizzling

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the focaccia bread in half horizontally.
3. Spread pesto evenly on the bottom half of the focaccia.
4. Layer the mortadella slices over the pesto.
5. Arrange the mozzarella slices on top of the mortadella.
6. Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sliced black olives over the cheese.
7. Place the top half of the focaccia bread over the fillings.
8. Lightly drizzle the top of the focaccia with olive oil.
9. Wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and the focaccia is warmed through.
11. Remove from oven, unwrap, and let it rest for a few minutes.
12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving your mortadella focaccia.

Notes

• For an authentic taste, use high-quality mortadella.
• Adjust the amount of pesto to your preference.
• You can add other ingredients like roasted red peppers or arugula.
• This recipe is great for a picnic or a quick gourmet meal.
• Enjoy your delicious mortadella focaccia sandwich.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Mortadella Focaccia, Mortadella focaccia sandwich, Best mortadella focaccia recipe, Italian mortadella focaccia bread, Focaccia with mortadella and cheese, Mortadella and focaccia pairing, How to make mortadella focaccia, What is mortadella focaccia, Mortadella on focaccia ideas, Mortadella focaccia sandwich recipe, Homemade mortadella focaccia, Authentic mortadella focaccia, Mortadella focaccia with pesto, Gourmet mortadella focaccia, Mortadella focaccia for lunch, Easy mortadella focaccia recipe, Mortadella focaccia catering, Mortadella focaccia appetizer, Mortadella focaccia ingredients, Mortadella focaccia bread ideas, Mortadella focaccia variations