Folded Pizza Sandwich Recipe

Name: Folded Pizza Sandwich
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 (1 pound) refrigerated fresh pizza dough; Cooking spray; 2 teaspoons grated garlic (from 2 large cloves); 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups (about 2 ounces) fresh baby spinach; 2 (4 ounce) balls burrata cheese, drained; 1 (6 ounce) package mixed cured meats (such as salami, capocollo, mortadella, prosciutto, and/or sopressata); 1/2 cup drained sliced pepperoncini; Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Cook Time: 10 minutes

If you love folding your pizza, youll love this take on a sandwich. This recipe transforms a traditional Italian sub by using a fluffy, tender pizza crust as the bread and fresh, creamy burrata as the cheese. Whether you choose your favorite homemade pizza dough or opt for store-bought dough, this beautiful baked sandwich will satisfy all your Italian cravings. The salty cured meats, creamy burrata, tangy vinaigrette, balsamic vinegar, and garlicky bread come together to create a delightful treat!

Ingredients

This recipe makes 4 servings:

1 (1-pound) refrigerated fresh pizza dough
Cooking spray
2 teaspoons grated garlic
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups fresh baby spinach
2 (4 ounce) balls burrata cheese, drained
1 (6 ounce) package mixed cured meats (salami, capocollo, mortadella, prosciutto, and/or sopressata)
1/2 cup drained sliced pepperoncini
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Directions

Follow these steps for a perfect sandwich:

Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and place the pizza dough in a medium bowl greased with cooking spray. Cover it lightly with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature until it becomes soft and pliable (about 1 hour).
Step 2: While the dough is resting, preheat the oven to 450F (230C) with a rack in the center position.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the grated garlic and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set both mixtures aside.
Step 5: Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a large sheet of parchment paper. Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces.
Step 6: Take one piece of dough at a time and stretch and roll it into a 7-inch circle.
Step 7: Brush the dough circle with the garlic-oil mixture, then fold the dough in half. Brush the top lightly with the garlic-oil mixture again and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Repeat the process with the remaining dough pieces and garlic-oil mixture.
Step 9: Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes puffed and golden. Once done, let it cool for about 3 minutes.
Step 10: While the bread is cooling, toss the fresh spinach with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette in a medium bowl.
Step 11: Tear the burrata cheese into 8 pieces and gently open each pizza bread.
Step 12: Place 2 pieces of burrata on the bottom half of each pizza bread.
Step 13: Stuff each pizza bread evenly with the spinach, mixed cured meats, and pepperoncini slices.
Step 14: Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette and balsamic glaze over the stuffed pizza breads.
Step 15: Serve the sandwiches immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 738
Total Fat: 43g (55% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 14g (69% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 83mg (28% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1793mg (78% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 58g (21% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 6g
Protein: 30g (59% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 16mg (18% Daily Value)
Calcium: 325mg (25% Daily Value)
Iron: 5mg (25% Daily Value)
Potassium: 381mg (8% Daily Value)

Folded Pizza Sandwich Recipe

If you love folding your pizza, youll adore this savory and indulgent take on an Italian sandwich. The Folded Pizza Sandwich blends the warmth and comfort of pizza with the satisfying crunch of a sandwich. Its key ingredients include rich, fresh burrata, salty cured meats, and the tangy zest of balsamic glaze, all wrapped in a golden, crispy pizza dough. Perfect for dinner or a quick treat, this innovative dish is a delightful fusion of two beloved Italian culinary staples.

History and Origins

The origins of the Folded Pizza Sandwich are closely tied to the rich and diverse history of Italian cuisine. While the exact birthplace of this dish is unclear, it is likely inspired by the traditional Italian focaccia bread, often stuffed with savory ingredients such as meats, cheese, and vegetables. This sandwich variation brings together the flavors of Italy, combining pizza dough, burrata, and cured meats into a hand-held meal. As pizzas began to evolve in Italy and across the world, it was only natural for pizza lovers to experiment with folding the pizza dough and turning it into a portable, sandwich-like form.

Regional Characteristics

While the Folded Pizza Sandwich is not a specific regional dish, it draws influence from various Italian regions. Burrata cheese, originating from Puglia in southern Italy, is one of the stars of this sandwich, providing a creamy and luxurious texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the pizza crust. The use of mixed cured meats, such as salami and prosciutto, reflects the rich charcuterie tradition found throughout Italy. The addition of pepperoncini offers a kick of spice, often seen in Italian subs and sandwiches, while balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness. This combination of ingredients makes the sandwich a versatile creation, appealing to pizza and sandwich lovers alike.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

At first glance, the Folded Pizza Sandwich may resemble other Italian-inspired sandwiches, such as the panini or calzone. However, what sets this dish apart is the use of pizza dough, which is lighter and airier than the typical panini bread or calzone crust. The sandwich is also stuffed with an array of fresh, high-quality ingredients like burrata, a cheese that melts beautifully inside the dough, and a balance of cured meats and vegetables. Unlike a calzone, which is completely sealed, the pizza dough is only folded in half, creating a crispy, open-faced sandwich thats perfect for eating on the go.

Where is the Folded Pizza Sandwich Typically Served?

The Folded Pizza Sandwich can be found at many Italian-American restaurants and pizza joints, especially in areas with large Italian communities. It is often served as a hearty lunch or dinner option, making it a great choice for casual dining. In some restaurants, it may be offered as part of a specialty sandwich menu or as a creative twist on traditional pizza. Its portability also makes it a popular choice for street food vendors, particularly at food markets or festivals where unique Italian-inspired dishes are showcased.

Fun Facts About the Folded Pizza Sandwich

The idea of folding pizza dough into a sandwich form was likely influenced by the growing trend of handheld foods like burritos and wraps, which have become popular in many global cuisines.
Burrata cheese, a key ingredient in this sandwich, is a relatively modern creation, first made in the 1950s in the Puglia region of Italy. Its creamy interior quickly gained popularity among food lovers worldwide.
While pizza dough is traditionally flat, folding it into a sandwich shape is an easy and creative way to enjoy pizza flavors without needing a fork and knife!
The use of balsamic glaze is a nod to the Italian tradition of incorporating sweet and savory elements in cooking, particularly in northern Italy where balsamic vinegar is a key ingredient in many dishes.

This Folded Pizza Sandwich offers a wonderful blend of Italy's best flavors, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to indulge in a quick, flavorful meal. Whether you're a fan of pizza, sandwiches, or just looking for something new to try, this dish is sure to hit the spot.

FAQ about Folded Pizza Sandwich Recipe

Yes, you can use frozen pizza dough. Just make sure to allow it to thaw and rise according to the instructions on the packaging before using it for this recipe.

Leftover folded pizza sandwiches should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can use a toaster oven or a regular oven to warm them up, ensuring they stay crispy.

Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough ahead of time. After making the dough, you can cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before working with it.

Yes, if you cannot find burrata, you can substitute it with fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture. However, the flavor profile will slightly change.

The folded pizza sandwiches should bake for 8 to 10 minutes in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) until they are puffed and golden.

Yes, you can skip the balsamic glaze if you prefer. You can also use a drizzle of olive oil or another glaze such as honey mustard if you'd like a different flavor.

You can use a variety of cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, capocollo, mortadella, or sopressata. Feel free to mix and match depending on your preferences or what you have available.

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the cured meats and adding more vegetables like grilled mushrooms, artichokes, or olives to the filling.

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked folded pizza sandwiches. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To cook, bake from frozen for 12 to 15 minutes at 450°F (230°C).

To enhance the flavor of the crust, you can mix in some dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme into the dough before rolling it out, or brush the dough with additional garlic-infused olive oil.