Italian Piadina Sandwich Recipe with Variations

This Italian Piadina Sandwich highlights the creamy texture of fresh burrata cheese, aromatic arugula and heirloom tomatoes. This article also includes sweet and savory variations that can be made with this Italian flatbread. 

There is no denying that Italian finger foods are some of the best appetizers, snacks, and light meals.

What is more impressive is the wide range of possibilities—arancini, tomato bruschetta, chicken spiedini, and this panelle recipe, to name but a few.

But what if I told you that some of these Italian appetizers can make for some simple dinner meals as well.

Take, for example, this piadina recipe (pronounced PEE-UH-DEE-NAH).

As you may know, this Italian flatbread, also referred to as piada, originates from the picturesque Romagna region of Italy, in the Central-North area. 

I’ve already shared how easy they are to make.

Today, I am sharing one of my favorite fillings, as well as a few variations.  You will quickly realize that there are indeed endless possibilities. These can be either sweet or savory fillings. 

Just think of this flatbread as your canvas… and create!

Jump to:

• Ingredients 
• Mise en place
• How to make this piadina sandwich
• More piadina fillings
• Tips
• FAQ
• Recipe source
• Recipe

Ingredients 

• Piadina: This Italian flatbread has a slightly chewy texture, making it perfect for wrapping around fresh fillings. You can easily make a homemade version with my piadina recipe.
• Arugula: Fresh and peppery, this leafy green adds color and a slightly spicy flavor.
• Burrata: A rich, creamy Italian cheese with a soft center that melts in your mouth.
• Tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes, especially in season, add a burst of fresh flavor. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes are especially flavorful. As you can see, I am using red and yellow heirloom tomatoes.
• Maldon salt (optional): Although this is an option, I like to add just a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors of the tomatoes.
• Olive oil (optional): Drizzling high-quality olive oil over the arugula can add extra richness and flavor.

Mise en place

The first thing we need to do is make the dough for the flatbread. Combine 2 cups (284g) of “00” flour, ⅓ cups lukewarm water, ⅓ cups lukewarm milk, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and 2 teaspoons olive oil. Knead until smooth, then let the dough rest for 30 minutes. For guidance, follow the step-by-step tutorial and video linked in the piadina recipe article. 

Let’s prepare the fillings while waiting for the piadina dough to rest for 30 minutes.  

• Fresh burrata cheese: You’ll need about 250 grams (8 ounces) for 4 piadina. I like to cut it directly on a plate to catch the liquid, ensuring none of the creamy goodness is lost.
• Arugula: Rinse and spin dry about 2 cups to remove all moisture. 
• Tomatoes: Rince and dry 2 medium-sized tomatoes. Slice uniformly and set aside. I like to add a sprinkle of Maldon salt. 

How to make this piadina sandwich

• Once you’ve grilled the piadina and it’s still warm, evenly layer arugula over the entire surface of the flatbread.
• Add slices of tomatoes and fresh burrata cheese over one-half of the piadina. If desired, drizzle with olive oil. 
• Fold the piadina in half to cover the fillings.
• Eat it like any sandwich—no utensils needed. It’s truly the ultimate finger food!

More piadina fillings

A traditional piadina sandwich consists of cured meats (prosciutto), fresh cheese (squacquerone), and of course, arugula. 

Here are some other savory options: 

• Prosciutto and Mozzarella
• Salami and Provolone
• Caprese Style
• Grilled Vegetables with a spread of basil pesto or hummus
• Spinach and Ricotta
• Roasted Red Peppers and Goat Cheese
• Grilled Chicken and Avocado with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce
• Tuna Salad with Sprouts

Here are some sweet options:

• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread and Bananas
• Sweet Ricotta and Berries

As you can see, you can fill your piadina with just about any combination of food – you are truly only limited by your own imagination.

Tips

• Use quality ingredients.
• Assemble your sandwich while the piadina is warm for the best texture and flavor. If it has cooled, briefly reheat it in a dry skillet or oven to refresh its softness.
• Serve your sandwich immediately after assembling it to keep the ingredients crisp and the cheese creamy.
• Feel free to add other ingredients like roasted peppers, olives, or a spread of pesto to customize the sandwich to your taste.

FAQ

Recipe source

This popular Italian street food sandwich was not the food of my childhood. 

We did, however, have our share of panini and focaccia sandwiches. These would often be filled with salumi that my dad would make -prosciutto, capicola, salami, to name a few. 

When I first came across a piadina Romagnola recipe in the magazine La Cucina Italiana, I instantly knew I had to try it. That was over 35 years ago. 

This Italian flatbread, filled with various fillings, was an immediate hit with family and friends. It still is to this day. 

I hope you get a chance to try it!

Enjoy!

 

★★★★★ If you have made this Italian Piadina Sandwich, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Recipe

This post was originally published on April 10, 2016, May 8, 2020 and republished on September 16, 2024 with updated content, photos and a video. Thanks for sharing!