Salami Sandwich with Parmesan Crisps and Zesty Mostarda

This is not your ordinary salami sandwich. I took the zippy mustard and crunchy chips I loved as a kid and turned them into a refined Italian sandwich that still delivers bold flavor and texture.

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Think of this as the grown-up version of the salami-on-white-bread sandwich from your teenage years. Use high-quality salami, swap potato chips for crisp Parmesan frico, and spread the bread with aromatic mostarda instead of plain yellow mustard for a more sophisticated sandwich experience.

Ingredients

• Italian white bread: Visit a local Italian bakery and pick up soft, pillowy sandwich bread with a pleasant crust.
• Genoa salami: Genoa is common at Italian markets; Finocchiona (a fennel salami) is an excellent alternative for extra aroma.
• Parmesan cheese: Use real Parmigiano-Reggiano for the crisps. Pre-grated or low-quality substitutes won’t melt into the crisp, lacy wafers you want.
• Mostarda: If you have time, make a homemade mostarda to add bright, spicy-sweet contrast. Store-bought mostarda works well if you need a shortcut.

Instructions

Make the Parmesan crisps (frico):

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grate Parmigiano-Reggiano using the small side of a box grater; grating so the cheese strands are a bit longer helps create a lacier texture.

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of grated cheese per crisp into small, well-spaced piles on the parchment. Flatten them slightly if desired.

Bake 3–5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and just beginning to brown at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool completely; the crisps will firm up as they cool.

Assemble the salami sandwich:

Lay 1–2 layers of salami on a slice of bread. Add two Parmesan crisps, spread a thin layer of mostarda over the crisps or on the other slice of bread, then top with the remaining slice. Press gently to combine.

Keep the sandwich simple: one layer of each ingredient lets each flavor and texture shine.

Related Recipes

• Italian Steak Sandwich with Grilled Radicchio — another elevated take on a classic sandwich.
• Grilled Eggplant Sandwich with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil — a great vegetarian option for summer.

Recipe