Italian Melt Sandwich

This is slightly spicy and super delicious.  Perfect for game day (sports) or game night (board games)! I mean, who doesn’t just love a great sandwich? This is probably my favorite.

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 tsp dried oregano
2 Tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños
1 pinch black pepper
1 loaf ciabatta bread, halved lengthwise
1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
6 thin slices spicy salami
6 thin slices prosciutto
6-12 thin slices pepperoni
6 slices provolone cheese (not smoked flavor)
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn
3 red and orange pepper, roasted and sliced
2 cups baby arugula

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 

• To make the vinaigrette. In a jar or small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, until combined. Add the jalapeños, and a pinch of pepper. 
  Lay the bottom piece of ciabatta bread cut side facing up on a baking sheet. Spread the vinaigrette over the bread. Layer the basil, salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni on top. Add the provolone and mozzarella.

• Transfer to the oven and bake 10 minutes, until the cheese begins to melt. Remove from the oven and add the arugula, bell peppers, and top half of the ciabatta bread. Gently cover the sandwich with foil and return to the oven and bake another 10 minutes more, or until the cheese has melted. Remove the foil and cook an additional 5-10 minutes, until the bread is toasted. 

• Remove from the oven and let sit 3-4 minutes. Slice into 4 larger or 8 smaller sandwiches.