This Picnic Focaccia Sandwich is layered with a creamy onion and chive spread, stacked high with meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables, then finished with a drizzle of zesty Italian dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead sandwich for warm summer days.
I love using focaccia bread for this recipe—it’s soft, flavorful, and sturdy enough to hold all of those delicious layers. I don’t always find it easily, but one morning I spotted a loaf at Panera Bread and knew exactly what I was going to make.
We enjoyed this on a beautiful picnic day, but I’ve also served it at parties and even a baby shower. It always gets compliments!
HOW TO MAKE PICNIC FOCACCIA SANDWICH
Ingredients
(Full measurements in recipe card below)
- Focaccia bread
- Chive & onion cream cheese spread
- Spring mix (or lettuce)
- Sliced ham
- Sliced turkey
- Sliced salami
- Pepper jack cheese
- Pimento colby cheese
- Provolone cheese
- Cooked bacon
- Red bell pepper, sliced
- Green bell pepper, sliced
- Tomato, sliced
- Salt & pepper
- Zesty Italian dressing
Tip: Use whatever meats, cheeses, and veggies you already have on hand. This sandwich is very flexible!
INSTRUCTIONS
- Slice the focaccia bread in half horizontally.
- Spread the bottom half with onion & chive cream cheese.
- Place on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for about 3 minutes.
- Add a layer of spring mix.
- Layer the sliced meats.
- Add cheeses and bacon.
- Top with red and green bell peppers.
- Add tomato slices and season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing.
- Slice into wedges and serve.
Step by Step Photos for this Picnic Focaccia Sandwich
Assemble the Ingredients
Slice the bread in half horizontally.
Spread the bottom half with onion & chive cream cheese.
Place on a baking sheet and warm bread @350 degrees about 3 minutes to soften it a little.
Arrange spring mix over the cream cheese layer.
Next, layer the sliced meats.
Top with cheeses and bacon.
Add the red and green bell pepper rings.
Add the tomato slices, salt, pepper and then drizzle with olive oil.
Cut into wedges and serve with chips or any side dish you prefer. This is a large sandwich, so we cut smaller pieces to actually eat. I made one of these and took to a friend for their lunch. It was easy to wrap and transport.
I love making delicious sandwiches for dinner in the summer on those really hot days. Some other ones are PIZZA BURGERS
HAM SALAD SANDWICHES, PULLED PORK SLIDERS, and
SLOPPY JOES.
Why You Will Love This Picnic Focaccia Sandwich
- It is easy to assemble and you can use any meat and cheese you wish. It is a very filling meal.
- This sandwich serves a crowd.
- It is impressive to serve at a bridal or baby shower, tea party, or any kind of gathering. I took it to a picnic and everyone really enjoyed it.
- Beautiful presentation when sliced into wedges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Focaccia bread holds its firmness very well. If possible, assemble the sandwich and then wait to drizzle with the oil just prior to serving. Wrap tightly with Cling Wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 1 day.
What other condiment can I use on this sandwich?
Pesto is a great addition to this sandwich.
What can I serve with this sandwich?
Potato chips, pasta salad, potato salad, and fresh fruits would all be great sides.
This recipe was shared on Weekend Potluck@ Sweet Little Bluebird.
Check this blog out for so many amazing recipes each week.
This Picnic Focaccia Sandwich is one of my favorite ways to serve a crowd during the summer months. It’s simple, beautiful, and always a hit whenever I serve it.
PICNIC FOCCACIA SANDWICH
Ingredients
- 1 loaf focaccia bread
- 2 oz chive & onion cream cheese spread
- 1 1/4 cups spring mix
- 1/4 lb thinly sliced ham
- 1/4 lb thinly sliced turkey breast
- 1/4 lb thinly sliced salami
- 3 slices pepper jack cheese cut in half
- 3 slices pimento Colby cheese cut in half
- 3 slices provolone cheese cut in half
- 4 slices bacon cooked
- 3 slices red bell pepper thinly sliced then cut in half
- 3 slices green bell pepper thinly sliced then cut in half
- 3-4 slices tomato thinly sliced
- salt & pepper
- 1/3- 1/2 cup zesty Italian dressing
Instructions
- Slice bread in half horizontally. Spread cream cheese on the bottom half. Place bread loaf on baking sheet and warm in 350 degrees oven for about 3-4 minutes to soften bread.
- Place bottom half on a cutting board or serving platter. Arrange spring mix over the cream cheese.
- Arrange meats over the spring mix.
- Arrange cheese slices over the meat.
- Top with bacon slices, red and green peppers, and tomatoes. Season with salt & pepper as desired.
- Drizzle desired amount of dressing over the sandwich. Add top half of bread. Cut into wedges and serve immediately. (If not serving immediately, do not add dressing. Wrap sandwich in cling wrap and refrigerate.)
Notes
This can be made a day ahead of time. Focaccia bread holds its firmness very well. If possible, assemble the sandwich and then wait to drizzle with the oil just prior to serving. Wrap tightly with Cling Wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 1 day.
- This sandwich serves a lot of people.
- It is impressive to serve at a bridal or baby shower, tea party, or any kind of gathering. I took it to a picnic and everyone really enjoyed it.
Sounds tasty, pinning for later ♥
Thank you. Did not have a good day for photography to do it justice.