Tramezzino with Prosciutto and Mozzarella

Soft, crustless white bread gives the tramezzino its unmistakably light, neat character: an Italian sandwich made for serving cold, usually cut into tidy triangles and filled with simple, savoury ingredients. Here, mild prosciutto cotto-style ham and mozzarella sit inside a thin layer of mayonnaise, with freshly ground black pepper adding a clean finish. The pleasure is in the soft bread, creamy filling and precise shape, so drying the mozzarella well and chilling before slicing make a real difference. It is an easy no-cook lunch, well suited to salads, crisps or pickles on the side.
Cuisine style Italian café-style sandwich
Cooking style No-cook preparation • Make-ahead friendly • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Simple filling: A short list of mild, creamy and savoury ingredients keeps the sandwich clean-tasting and balanced.
  • Soft, creamy texture: Mayonnaise and well-drained mozzarella give the filling smoothness without making the bread heavy.
  • Neater after chilling: A short chill firms the filling just enough for tidy triangles and a more polished finish.

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Timing notes

  • Chill before slicing: The resting time helps the sandwich compress slightly, making it easier to cut cleanly without squeezing out the filling.
  • Serve cold: Tramezzini are at their best straight from the fridge or after a brief stand at room temperature if the bread feels too firm.

Ingredient notes

  • Use soft white bread: Fresh, soft bread is important for the signature tender texture; dry or sturdy bread will make the sandwich feel less delicate.
  • Dry the mozzarella well: Moisture from mozzarella can quickly soften the bread, so pat it dry thoroughly before layering.
  • Prosciutto cotto style: A cooked ham-style prosciutto keeps the flavour mild and classic for this type of Italian sandwich.

Texture tips

  • Keep the bread light: Spread the mayonnaise thinly and evenly; too much filling or moisture can weigh down the sandwich.
  • Cut cleaner triangles: Use a sharp bread knife and a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down hard.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with something crisp: A simple salad, crisps or pickles work well against the soft, creamy sandwich.
  • Keep the presentation simple: Arrange the triangles neatly and serve chilled for the clean café-style look associated with tramezzini.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Lay the bread slices on a board and trim off the crusts with a bread knife. Pat the mozzarella dry, then slice it thinly so it sits flat in the sandwich.
  2. Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise over one side of each bread slice. Season the mayonnaise lightly with black pepper.
  3. On three slices, layer the prosciutto evenly, then add the mozzarella in a single layer. Top with the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise-side down, and press very gently to seal.
  4. Chill the sandwiches for 30 minutes so they slice neatly and stay soft. Cut each sandwich into two triangles and serve cold.

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Recipe notes

Serving suggestions

This recipe pairs well with:

Serve with a simple salad Add crisps on the side Pair with pickles

Tips

  • For the cleanest triangles, chill the assembled sandwiches before slicing and use a gentle sawing motion with a bread knife.
  • If the mozzarella is very wet, pat it dry well so the bread stays soft rather than soggy.

Substitutions

  • Replace mozzarella with fresh mozzarella for a softer, milkier filling, but pat it dry very well before using.
  • Replace black pepper with smoked paprika for a warmer, slightly smoky finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 1 days
  • Store the tramezzini in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 24 hours for the best texture. Serve straight from the fridge; if the bread feels firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating.

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Tramezzino with Prosciutto and Mozzarella
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 40min (10min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Gluten Milk Wheat
Beginner friendly With serving suggestions Kid friendly

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Equipment you'll need

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