The salami and Swiss sandwich is simple, but done well it is one of the best cold sandwiches on a pizzeria menu. It was one of the sandwiches Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria named on its homepage. Here is how to build it.
Why salami and Swiss work together
Salami is salty, fatty and peppery, often with garlic or fennel. Swiss cheese is mild, slightly sweet and nutty. The cheese softens the salami’s intensity, and the salami gives the cheese flavor. Add something acidic, such as pepperoncini, a vinaigrette or mustard, and the sandwich comes together.
Choosing your salami
| Salami | Flavor |
|---|---|
| Genoa | Mild, garlicky, the deli standard |
| Hard salami | Firmer, drier and smokier |
| Soppressata | Coarse-ground and often spicy |
| Calabrese | Spicy with chili |
| Finocchiona | Fennel-scented |
Build it: the pizzeria method
- Bread: a sub roll, Italian loaf or ciabatta. Toast lightly for structure.
- Spread: spicy brown mustard, garlic mayo or olive oil with red wine vinegar.
- Layer: Swiss first (it keeps the bread from getting soggy), then salami folded in loose ribbons rather than laid flat.
- Crunch and acid: shredded lettuce, thin red onion, tomato and pepperoncini.
- Season: oregano, salt and cracked pepper.
Hot or cold?
Cold is traditional, but a hot version, toasted in the pizza oven until the Swiss melts, is excellent. For the full hot-sandwich lineup, see the sandwiches and gyros guide and the Italian beef guide.
Level up: the Italian sub
Stack salami with capicola, ham and provolone, and dress it with oil, vinegar and oregano. That is the classic Italian sub. Baked into dough, the same fillings make a stromboli.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of salami is best for sandwiches?
Genoa salami is the most common and mildest choice; hard salami and soppressata add more punch.
What condiment goes with salami and Swiss?
Spicy brown or Dijon mustard is classic. Oil and vinegar or garlic mayo also work well.
Can you grill a salami and Swiss sandwich?
Yes. Toast it in a hot oven or press it like a panini until the Swiss melts.
This guide is published by the team preserving the Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria website. Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria at 521 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN has permanently closed; this page offers general food information and is not an offer to order.
