Tramezzini are small triangular-shaped sandwiches made of soft white bread and a variety of delicious fillings, from canned tuna to mozzarella, vegetables such as arugula or tomatoes, most often than not, kept together with some tasty mayonnaise. The perfect finger food for parties, picnics, and potlucks, but also as an antipasto, aperitivo, or starter!
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While tramezzini sandwiches were invented in Turin [northwest Italy], and are extremely famous in Venice, this delicious treat can be found in any bar.
Now, don't picture a bar as a dark place, as it's just your regular cafe' where there's also alcohol... because on the boot, you can drink a coffee while your friend has a glass of wine, and you both enjoy a tramezzino, it's all good!
Depending on where you are or who owns the establishment, you will find different fillings, but you will always, and I mean - ALWAYS -, find the softest milk bread without crusts.
These are the softest sandwiches, and with their triangular shape [and many other shapes] and various fillings, they make for a perfect mid-morning meal or a party, and anything in between!
Tramezzini Ingredients
- White Bread: You can either opt to buy crustless bread, or you can cut the crust off yourself, as preferred. Should you find an Italian grocery shop or deli, they may sell the 'real' one, which sees the loaf cut horizontally in massive slices, rather than vertically.
- Mayonnaise: Many people say that homemade mayonnaise is the way to go, however, if you are preparing multiple trays for a large party, just ensure you buy a good quality mayonnaise, like the Italian Calve' Classica or Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise.
Optional Ingredients For Different Fillings
- Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables, Sundried Tomatoes, Garlic, Cream Cheese, Basil, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil: These ingredients make a delicious vegetarian option - the full recipe for the tramezzini is below, while for the Mediterranean Vegetables find it here.
- Prosciutto [Parma or San Daniele Ham], Parmesan Cheese, Arugula [Rocket]: Simple ingredients that together with the mayonnaise and white bread make for a delicious taste of Italy and a great meat option! This full recipe can be found below as well, and if you have leftover prosciutto, I'd recommend trying these baked and stuffed chicken breasts.
- Canned Tuna, Fresh Tomatoes, Red Onions, Capers: At last, a great fish option that is easy to make and is so colorful and tasty. The recipe is just below, while another great tuna recipe, is this pasta with tomato and tuna.
Other Filling Ideas
- Arugula and Bresaola: With a little mayonnaise on the bread, this makes for a quick snack.
- Asparagus, Flake Salt, and egg: Lightly poach or grill the asparagus and pair it with a soft-boiled egg and mayo.
- Tuna and Olives: A classic that can be amended as preferred.
- Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil: Choose fresh mozzarella and serve it cold or lightly toasted [even if tramezzini are normally served cold, this option wants to break the rules].
- Salami, Arugula [Rocket], and Asiago Cheese: Full of flavor, bold, and satisfying.
- Grilled Eggplant [Aubergine] or Artichokes, Mozzarella or Stracchino, and Basil: Sophisticated.
- Grated Boiled Eggs, and Watercress: Mixed with mayonnaise.
- Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, and Fresh Dill: Elegant and simple.
- Cucumber, Lightly Salted Butter, Mixed Fresh Herbs: This is a simple and light summer option!
- Bacon, Eggs, Lettuce: With a little bit of mayonnaise these are the perfect starter for a barbecue party.
- Ham, Mozzarella, Mustard: Mix the mustard with the mayonnaise, and enjoy this classic untoasted.
- Speck, Mild Cheddar, Sauteed Mushrooms: Delicious and unexpected.
- Humus, Cucumber Slices, Tomato Slices, and Spinach Leaves: Tasty vegan.
- Nutella, Strawberries or Bananas, Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream: The quickest dessert!
- Peanut Butter, and Jam: A twist on your classic PBJ.
- Pineapple Jam, and Coconut Flakes: Pina Colada sandwiches.
How To Make Tramezzini?
Mediterranean Vegetables and Cream Cheese
- In a bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil, soft cream cheese, thinly chopped sundried tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh basil leaves, and salt until you obtain a uniform cream.
- On a slice of bread, spread some of the flavored cream cheese and top with plenty of roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
- Top the sandwich with the second slice of bread and cut it into the desired shape using a sharp knife.
Prosciutto, Arugula [Rocket], and Parmesan Cheese
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise across a slice of bread and top with two slices of prosciutto, some arugula, and Parmesan flakes.
- Sprinkle some black pepper or olive oil if desired.
- Starting from one side, roll the bread to create a roll and safely hold it in place using toothpicks. You can decorate the top of the rolls with an olive, a sundried tomato, or a mini pickle.
- Slice the roll into inch-thick portions and serve.
Tuna, Capers, and Tomato
- Peel and thinly chop the fresh onion.
- In a bowl, add the drained tuna, mayonnaise, capers, onions, and a sprinkle of salt. Should you wish, you can add some red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper too.
- Mix well until you reach the desired consistency.
- Spread some of the tuna filling onto a slice of bread and top with thin slices of tomato.
- Close the sandwich using another slice of bread, then cut it into two triangles if using square bread, or four, if using Italian tramezzini bread.
People Also Ask [FAQs]
In a bowl, add two room-temperature yolks and a few drops of lemon juice; start whisking using an electric whisk. Start adding extra virgin olive oil a bit at a time [half cup]; once this has been added and the consistency is thick and creamy, add a tablespoon of lemon juice and another half cup of olive oil [you can substitute some of the oil with a few tablespoon avocado oil for a different flavor] always a little at a time, allowing them to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper, give it a last mix, and serve.
Panini is a sandwich that typically has an elongated shape and is toasted; it is mostly made using a whole small loaf of bread. Tramezzino [plural: tramezzini] is a cold crustless sandwich, similar to tea sandwiches.
Tramezzini bread is a moist bread made of white flour, yeast, water, sugar, milk, and often butter; once baked, its crusts are removed and the remaining loaf is sliced into long horizontal slices.
How to store tramezzini?
- In the fridge: You can store tramezzini on a platter, tightly sealed with cling film; you can also store them in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. Before serving, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- In the freezer: Stuffed tramezzini are not suitable for freezing.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Italian Finger Sandwiches
- Fresh: While tramezzini will keep well for a couple of days, it is very important that they are very well sealed when stored. The closer you can prepare them to the event, the better.
- Bread: If you can't find tramezzini or crustless bread, you can buy regular sliced bread and remove the crust from it using a sharp knife.
- Use your imagination: If you think a combination could work well, then go for it!
I hope this brings a slice of Italy to your party table or picnic basket, as I know these little filled triangles are the way to eat during the warmer months, although they are great for Christmas parties and Thanksgiving get-togethers too!
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Get in touch with any questions or suggestions, and we'll get back to you. If you tried and tested this tramezzini recipe, then please rate and comment on this recipe card! It would be kindly appreciated.
🥗 Other quick recipes:
Recipe
Italian Tramezzini Recipes: Delicious Finger Sandwiches
Ingredients
For all sandwiches
- 30 Slices of Crustless White bread [or 15 Tramezzini Slices]
Mediterranean vegetables tramezzini
- 1 Cup of Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
- 5 Sundried Tomatoes
- 2 Garlic Cloves Peeled and Crushed
- 1 Cup Cream Cheese
- 5-6 Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Prosciutto and Parmesan
- 20 Slices Prosciutto
- 2 oz Parmesan Flakes
- 1 Cup Arugula
- 5 teaspoon Mayonnaise
Tuna and Capers
- 1 Tin of Tuna Drained
- 3 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Capers Drained
- ¼ Thinly Chopped Onion
- 2 Sliced Tomatoes
Instructions
Mediterranean Vegetables Tramezzini
- In a bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil, soft cream cheese, thinly chopped sundried tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh basil leaves and salt until you obtain a uniform cream. Taste and season with salt if required.
- On a slice of bread, spread some of the flavored cream cheese and top with plenty of roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
- Top the sandwich with the second slice and cut into the desired shape using a sharp knife.
- Do the same for the other 4 sandwiches.
Prosciutto and Parmesan
- Spread a thin layer mayonnaise across a bread slice and top with two slices of prosciutto, some arugula, and Parmesan flakes.
- Sprinkle some black pepper or olive oil if desired.
- Starting from one side, roll the bread to create a roll and safely hold in place using toothpicks.
- Slice the roll into inch thick portions and serve.
- Do the same for the other 9 slices.
Tuna and Capers
- Peel and thinly chop the fresh onion.
- In a bowl, add the drained tuna, mayonnaise, capers, onions, and a little bit of salt. Should you wish, you can add some red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper too.
- Mix well until you reach the desired consistency.
- Spread some of the tuna filling onto a slice of bread and top with thin slices of tomato.
- Close the sandwich using another slice of bread, then cut into two triangles if using square slices, or four, if using Italian tramezzini slices.
- Do the same for the other four sandwiches.
Notes
- In the fridge: You can store tramezzini on a platter, tightly sealed with cling film; you can also store them in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. Before serving, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- In the freezer: Stuffed tramezzini are not suitable for freezing.
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