I almost called these easy dinners just “sandwiches,” but to avoid the image of either a flimsy, light, and unfilling meal, or a soggy mayonnaise based dish at a picnic… I guess I’d rather not call them sandwiches.
That being said, these ciabatta creations are super versatile! (Remember, they’re not just sandwiches.) Who knew a non sandwich could be so good? And (since it’s not just a sandwich) it’s really filling.
1. Caprese Grilled Cheese
I have a serious love for a good Caprese salad. I’m talking tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella with olive oil and balsamic. What’s not to like?
But then you make it all melty and gooey AND put it between two slices of ciabatta? It’s a whole new level.
So I am introducing you to my new top-shelf grilled cheese sandwich.
It is everything you hope it will be. It’s packed with freshness, but also so, so cheesy. Totally next-level in the best way!
2. Flank Steak Mediterranean Sandwich
Get ready for some big, bold, amazing flavors! This hearty sandwich is here to take your tastebuds on a trip.
The Mediterranean is known for punchy flavors, and this dish totally NAILS it!
We’re talking grilled flank steak layered on a ciabatta roll with tomatoes and onions. And that creamy Greek-inspired sauce. Seriously, right?
It’s hearty and fresh all at the same time. I guarantee this is going to become a new summer evening go-to!
3. Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich
Okay, wait a second. This is a sandwich of mega GOODNESS and we have to break it down.
The recipe title might seem a little confusing, I know. This is a turkey sandwich that has bacon, and it is delightful!
But you could totally use turkey bacon if that’s your thing. Let me just tell you, this sandwich is a masterclass in flavors and textures.
You’re going to get that crusty bread, salty crispy bacon, soft avocado, and juicy tomatoes. Then you get the honey turkey and spicy mayo in every single bite.
The textures, the colors, the satisfying I-might-be-at-a-fancy-cafe vibe? It’s all there. The avocado and cheese just bring even more amazingness to the party.
4. Zesty Italian Burgers
Hey! Did you know ciabatta makes an excellent burger bun? Well, if you didn’t, let me prove it with these zesty Italian burgers.
This recipe takes traditional Italian ingredients and mashes them up perfectly with the classic American burger.
It has pancetta, pesto, mozzarella, and sauteed onions. It’s so juicy and salty and flavorful. Honestly, it’s probably one of a very small handful of the best burgers I’ve ever had.
I have a feeling you might just feel the same way.
5. The Ultimate Ciabatta Sandwich
Holy smokes, this sandwich! This sandwich is big, beastly, and it’s absolutely delectable. This isn’t a lunch sandwich. This is a DINNER sandwich.
Obviously, it starts with a crusty, delicious loaf of ciabatta. Then, you add layers upon layers of flavor, texture, and pure yumminess.
This sandwich has homemade sun-dried tomato pesto, gooey mozzarella, spicy chilies, and crunchy lettuce.
Of course, you can’t forget the piles of turkey, prosciutto, and salami. Every bite is mouthwatering and just so satisfying.
6. Toasted Italian Sandwich
Calling all meat eaters! We have something to talk about. This sandwich features all the best parts of Italian charcuterie, but in sandwich form.
And it tastes like a trip around Italy. There’s pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and then the meat. This baby has pepperoni, turkey pepperoni, ham, and two kinds of salami.
Are you drooling yet?
7. The Godfather Meatball Sub
This sub is going to make your mouth an offer it can’t refuse!
An offer of warm, gooey, messy, tongue-tickling deliciousness. Honestly, this sub is so good it feels criminal.
It has everything you want in a meatball sub: mozzarella, marinara, and flavorful meatballs.
But wait, there’s more! It’s slathered with herbaceous pesto and the meatballs are stuffed.
Yes, you read that right. These meatballs are stuffed with even more mozzarella. This is the kind of sandwich that will feed your soul.
8. Veggie Sandwich
A lot of these sandwiches have been pretty meat-heavy. So, this one is for my vegetarian friends reading this blog today.
It’s bursting with green good stuff. It has lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, cucumber, tomatoes, red pepper, onion, and avocado.
It also has smoky, yummy gouda, a bit of mayo, and some mustard for extra zip.
If you’re vegan, you can use vegan alternatives for the mayo and cheese. Or simply skip them altogether. We got you.
9. Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese Sandwich
This honey mustard ham and cheese sandwich is comfort food at its finest. Everyone will love this, so be sure to make enough!
It’s simple and delicious. This creation features ciabatta (obviously), your favorite ham, Swiss cheese, and homemade honey mustard.
It’s sweet, salty, and super gooey.
10. Bacon Omelet Goat Cheese Ciabatta Breakfast Sandwiches
I can’t make a ciabatta sandwich list without adding a breakfast sandwich. And we love breakfast sandwiches. I daresay this one rivals those coffee shop breakfast sandwiches.
Having this for breakfast is the best way to start your day! This one is loaded with seasoned eggs, bacon, goat cheese, kale, and a tomato. There is just no other word but love.
Every part of this sandwich is delicious, and most of it is pretty nutritious. Every bite is salty, savory, and wonderfully tangy. It’ll keep you full all morning, too.
11. Grilled Chicken Sandwich
There’s just something special about a chicken sandwich. Clearly, I’m not the only one that feels that way. And you don’t have to wait in line for this one.
This sandwich features succulent marinated and grilled chicken breasts, thick bacon, and provolone cheese.
A spicy aioli adds a bit of excitement and veggies add freshness. Even your pickiest family and friends will enjoy this iconic sammie.
12. Ciabatta Cubano Sandwich
Say “hola” to one of the most flavorful sandwiches you will ever eat. Cubanos are one of my absolute favorite sandwiches.
Although ciabatta is not commonly used to make them, this recipe is scrumptious! Seriously, there’s amazing flavor in every bite.
If you’re a fan of tangy foods, the Cubano is right up your alley. This sandwich features home-roasted pulled pork (recipe included), ham, mayo, pickles, Swiss cheese, and mustard.
Everything is juicy, melty, and just plain good.
13. Pesto Salmon Sandwiches
If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, look no further. This sandwich is perfect for lunch any day or dinner on a warm summer evening.
Did I mention that it’s utterly scrumptious? Well, it is. This sandwich is made with pesto-crusted salmon, toasted ciabatta, mayo, more pesto, cheese, and veggies.
The fish is flaky, the bread is crusty, and the veggies add amazing crunch. It’s filling but not heavy. You’ll love it!
14. Pressed Roast Beef Sandwich
I was initially going to call this recipe easy. And it is easy, I guess.
But also, there is some prep work. It doesn’t magically happen, but it’s worth every ounce of effort.
Fear not, as it’s just a bit of slicing, layering, and bougie-mayo making.
A bit of pressure turns basic sandwich ingredients into a mouthwatering sandwich. It’s also a bit easier to eat.
You enjoy ciabatta, roast beef, pesto mayo, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and apple in every bite.
So you taste some sweet, some savory, and tons of goodness. It’s O-M-Good!
15. The Ultimate BLT
The BLT is a classic sandwich for a reason. It’s just really darn good. But this recipe kicks the goodness up a notch or three.
Every good BLT has mayonnaise, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. This one has homemade lemon mayo, extra bacon, basil, a lettuce mix, and mustard.
This BLT is the A+ student that does extra credit homework on the weekends.
