Oh, behold, the tramezzino sandwich, one of the simplest yet most satisfying Italian sandwiches you can eat on the go and make at home. If you haven’t tried a tramezzino sandwich yet, let me show you how easy it is. In this article, I will share with you some of the most popular and my favorite tramezzinito make while in Italy.
These small, crustless sandwiches, typically made with white bread, can be filled with really whatever you like but favorite ingredients include ones that you can combine with plenty of mayonnaise such as tuna and eggs.
These are great sandwiches to make in your apartment rental and bring along with you as quick snacks or on the go lunches that fit neatly in your bag.
Fact: One sandwich is called a tramezzino. If you are eating more than one, they are called tramezzini.
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Types of Tramezzini To Make While In Italy
There are so many different kinds of tramezzini to make while in Italy, including both vegetarian and meat options.
Good To Know: Most of these tramezzini are great for if you are traveling in Italy while pregnant.
1. Tonno e Maionese (Tuna and Mayo)
Tuna salad tramezzini are one of Italy’s most popular to try. Feel free to add celery, pickles, lemon juice or mustard.
2. Prosciutto e Formaggio (Ham and Cheese)
Ham and cheese tramezzini are especially popular with kids in Italy. You can either use prosciutto cotto or prosciutto arrosto (ham or roasted deli ham). Add just a couple of slices to each sandwich paired with sliced mild cheese such as Emmental or Fontina and mayonnaise.
3. Uova e Tonno (Egg and Tuna)
Hard boiled egg and tuna is a popular flavor combination in Italy, especially in the summer heat. Simply slice hard boiled eggs into rounds and make your sandwich with tuna salad.
4. Pomodoro e Mozzarella (Tomato and Mozzarella)
Tomato and mozzarella tramezzino is the most popular vegetarian option to make. Be sure to get fior di latte mozzarella. Buffalo or fresh mozzarella won’t work here because it’s too wet and can make the sandwich soggy.
5. Insalata di Pollo (Chicken Salad)
Chicken salad tramezzini are delicious and quite filling. It’s hard to find pre-made chicken salad in Italy but you can get a rotisserie chicken (or even just half of one if you ask for mezzo pollo arrosto) and whip up a simple salad with mayo, celery, salt and pepper.
6. Gamberi E Salsa Rosa (Shrimp and Cocktail Sauce)
Tramezzini made with small shrimp and cocktail sauce is one that you are likely to see in coastal cities where tramezzini are popular such as Venice. These can be a little risky as the shrimp may be old but in a place like Venice, I have never been betrayed!
7. Vegetariano Tramezzino (Vegetarian)
Vegetarian tramezzini are harder to come by but when you see them, they are typically made with grilled vegetables and mayonnaise or cream cheese.
8. Salmone Affumicato (Smoked Salmon)
Smoked Salmon tramezzini are made with the addition of cream cheese.
Ingredients For Tramezzini To Make While In Italy
If this is your first time making tramezzini in Italy, you will need to get your hands on some basic ingredients. Choose from the following ingredients based on what kind of tramezzino you would like to make.
To learn all about how to grocery shop in Italy, be sure to read my guide to grocery stores in Italy.
Pantry / Condiments For Tramezzino To Make While In Italy
- Mayonnaise
- Salt & pepper
- Ketchup
- Cream cheese
- Pickles
Protein / Dairy For Tramezzino To Make While In Italy
- Canned tuna (2–3 small cans)
- Cooked or roasted ham from deli counter (100–150g)
- Emmental or Fontina cheese (100g)
- Eggs (4–6)
- Cooked chicken (½ rotisserie chicken)
Small cooked shrimp from freezer section or fish department (150–200g) - Fior di latte mozzarella (1–2 balls or logs)
Vegetables For Tramezzino To Make While In Italy
- Tomatoes (2–3 medium)
- Celery (1–2 stalks)
- Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers (1 each)
- Arugula (1 small bag), optional
Bread For Tramezzino To Make While In Italy
- Soft white sandwich bread (pane per tramezzini), several loaves – crustless if possible, or trim yourself
How To Make Tramezzini While In Italy
Not only are tramezzini a tasty snack to eat while in Italy but they are also super easy to make, even if you have limited space or have opted for a hotel room.
Follow these simple instructions to make any tramezzino sandwich:
- Prepare fillings of your choice: this means mixing the tuna with mayo, boil the eggs to your liking, grill or cook any vegetables, slice cheese).
- Trim crusts from bread if not already done.
- Assemble by spreading your filling choice evenly onto the two slices of bread. Be sure to add plenty of mayonnaise.
- Close the tramezzino sandwich with the fillings facing each other, pressing gently.
- Cut diagonally into triangles.
- Wrap in plastic film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, if possible (this helps to set the sandwich).
Tips For Making Tramezzini
If you are trying your hand at tramezzini for the first time, keep these tips in mind when assembling your Italian sandwiches:
- Use soft crustless white bread: You can find specific tramezzino bread at the grocery store with the crusts cut off but if you are using regular white bread, be sure to remove the crusts.
- Use plenty of mayonnaise: This is what makes or breaks a good tramezzino sandwich. Calve mayonnaise is the absolute best brand in Italy.
- Serve in triangles: Tramezzini are in part, defined by their triangle shape. Cut each sandwich on the diagonal before packing.
- Pack Carefully: If you are packing tramezzini to fit in your bag or in a backpack, be aware that they are soft and can easily be squished. Pack in containers or make sure they are the last item to go into your bag.
- Play With Flavors: Italians are traditionalists when it comes to flavor combinations but don’t let that keep you from getting creative. Add any combination of meats, cheeses or vegetables to your liking.
If you love this Italian snack, you might also want to read about the best Italian street food, region by region.
