17 Maine Italian Sandwich Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Maine is known for its beautiful coastal towns, fresh seafood, and delicious Italian sandwiches. This state is home to some of the best sandwich shops in the country, and one of the most popular dishes is the Maine Italian sandwich. This mouth-watering sandwich is a combination of savory meats, tangy pickles, and creamy spreads, all nestled between two slices of freshly baked bread. Whether you're a local or just visiting, you can't leave Maine without trying this iconic dish.
For a twist on the classic beer can chicken recipe, try using the flavorful meat in a Chicago Italian beef sandwich. This iconic sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef, cooked until tender and juicy, and served on a crusty Italian roll with peppers and giardiniera for a kick of heat. The addition of beer can chicken adds a unique depth of flavor to the sandwich, making it a must-try for any fan of Italian cuisine.
Another delicious way to use beer can chicken is in a traditional Italian sandwich. Layer slices of the tender meat on a crusty Italian roll with your favorite Italian deli meats, such as salami and prosciutto, along with fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This sandwich is packed with flavor and is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Italian meatballs are a classic comfort food, and using beer can chicken in the recipe adds a unique twist. Simply mix the shredded chicken with breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, then form into meatballs and bake until golden brown. Serve with your favorite Italian pasta and sauce for a delicious and hearty meal.
4of 20
Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
For a heartier version of Italian meatballs, try making them with beer can chicken. These great big meatballs are packed with flavor and are perfect for a filling dinner. Mix the shredded chicken with seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, then form into large meatballs and bake until cooked through. Serve with your favorite pasta and sauce for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Italian wedding soup is a classic dish that is made with meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth. For a unique twist, try using beer can chicken in the meatballs for added flavor and tenderness. The shredded chicken combines perfectly with the other ingredients to create a hearty and delicious soup that is perfect for any occasion.
6of 20
Ditka’s Italian Beef Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Rump Roast, Garlic, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
For a taste of Chicago, try making Ditka’s Italian beef sandwich with beer can chicken. This famous sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef, cooked until tender and served on a crusty Italian roll with giardiniera and au jus for dipping. Adding beer can chicken to the recipe adds a new level of flavor to this iconic sandwich.
7of 20
Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
For those following a keto diet, try making stuffed peppers with an Italian twist using beer can chicken. Mix the shredded chicken with Italian seasoning, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, then stuff into bell peppers and bake until tender. This low-carb meal is packed with flavor and is perfect for a filling dinner option.
Braciole is a classic Italian dish that consists of thinly sliced beef, filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, and rolled up and cooked in a flavorful sauce. For a unique twist, try using beer can chicken in the filling for added flavor and tenderness. Serve with your favorite Italian pasta and sauce for a delicious and authentic meal.
9of 20
Italian Pressed Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Ciabatta, Pesto, Pepperoni, Ham, Salami, Fresh
A pressed sandwich is a delicious way to use leftover beer can chicken. Layer the shredded chicken on a crusty Italian roll with sliced provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Press the sandwich in a panini press or a heavy skillet until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. This is a quick and easy lunch option that is full of flavor.
10of 20
Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
If you prefer to make your own meatballs from scratch, try using beer can chicken as the main ingredient. Mix the shredded chicken with seasoned breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then form into meatballs and bake until cooked through. These homemade meatballs are great for adding to your favorite Italian dishes, such as pasta and sandwiches.
11of 20
Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
For a sweet treat with an Italian twist, try making almond paste cookies with beer can chicken. The shredded chicken adds a unique depth of flavor to these soft and chewy cookies. Mix the chicken with almond paste, sugar, and eggs, then bake until they are golden brown. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon snacks.
Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal. To add an Italian twist, try using beer can chicken in the recipe. Mix the shredded chicken with your favorite pasta, Italian dressing, and a variety of veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, olives, and peppers. This salad is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
13of 20
Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
Ravioli is a classic Italian dish that can be made with a variety of fillings, from cheese to meat. For a unique twist, try using beer can chicken in the filling for added flavor and tenderness. Serve with your favorite Italian sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delicious and creamy meal.
14of 20
Maine Italian Sub Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Deli Ham, Deli Cheese, Dill Pickles, Tomato, Black
The Maine Italian sub sandwich is a delicious combination of deli meats, cheese, and vegetables, all piled high on a crusty roll with oil and vinegar dressing. For a unique twist, add shredded beer can chicken to the sandwich for added flavor and protein. This sandwich is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.
15of 20
Italian Stuffed Pork Meatball Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Eggs, Garlic Powder, Red Pepper Flakes
For a hearty and flavorful sandwich, try making stuffed pork meatballs with beer can chicken. Mix the shredded chicken with ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, and Italian seasoning, then stuff into a crusty roll with your favorite Italian toppings, such as mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. This sandwich is sure to satisfy any craving for Italian flavors.
Crescent roll casserole is a popular dish that is made with layers of crescent rolls, meat, cheese, and vegetables, all baked until golden brown and bubbly. To add an Italian twist, try using beer can chicken in the casserole for added flavor and tenderness. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
For those following a keto diet, try making Italian meatballs using beer can chicken instead of ground beef or pork. These low-carb meatballs are packed with flavor and are perfect for adding to your favorite Italian dishes, such as pasta or sandwiches. They are also great for snacking on-the-go.
Stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and elegant appetizer that can be made with a variety of fillings. For an Italian twist, try using beer can chicken in the filling, along with Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and herbs. These stuffed mushrooms are a great addition to any party or gathering.
19of 20
Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of Italian meatballs, try making them with beer can chicken. Simply mix the shredded chicken with breadcrumbs, eggs, and Italian seasoning, then form into meatballs and bake until cooked through. Serve with your favorite pasta and sauce for a quick and easy meal.
20of 20
Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
For a complete and flavorful meal, try making a sheet pan Italian chicken dinner using beer can chicken. Simply place the shredded chicken on a sheet pan with your favorite Italian veggies, such as zucchini, onions, and peppers, then drizzle with olive oil and Italian seasoning. Bake until everything is tender and serve with crusty Italian bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.
The Perfect Balance of Meat and Cheese
Maine Italian Sandwich Recipe:
The key to a delicious Maine Italian sandwich is the perfect balance of meat and cheese. The traditional version of this sandwich includes Genoa salami, ham, and provolone cheese. However, many sandwich shops have their own unique twist on this classic combination. Some may add pepperoni or capicola for an extra kick of flavor. No matter the variation, the key is to have a variety of meats that complement each other and create a symphony of flavors in every bite.
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
One of the reasons why the Maine Italian sandwich is so delicious is because of the use of fresh ingredients. The meats are sliced in-house, ensuring that they are as fresh as possible. The pickles used in this sandwich are also crucial in adding a tangy crunch. Whether you prefer dill or sweet pickles, make sure they are fresh and of high quality. Lastly, the bread is what holds this sandwich together, so it's important to use a freshly baked and flavorful bread. Many sandwich shops in Maine use a crusty Italian roll to add texture and flavor to the sandwich.
The Secret Ingredient: Olive Salad
The secret to making the perfect Maine Italian sandwich lies in the olive salad. This spread is made with chopped olives, garlic, oregano, and other herbs and spices. It adds a tangy and briny flavor that complements the salty meats and creamy cheese. Some sandwich shops may also add a spicy pepper spread for an extra kick.
Putting It All Together
Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to assemble the perfect Maine Italian sandwich. Start by spreading the olive salad on one side of the bread. Then, layer the meats and cheese on top, making sure to evenly distribute them. Add the pickles and any other desired toppings, such as tomatoes or lettuce. Finally, top it off with the other half of the bread and press down gently to create the perfect bite.
Final Thoughts
The Maine Italian sandwich is a true delicacy and a must-try for anyone visiting this beautiful state. It's a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. So next time you're in Maine, make sure to stop by a local sandwich shop and indulge in this delicious creation. Trust us, you won't regret it.