Anthony Bourdain’s 5-Ingredient Mortadella Sandwich Copycat Recipe

Anthony Bourdain’s 5-Ingredient Mortadella Sandwich is the epitome of simple yet indulgent comfort food. With just five ingredients, this sandwich takes less than five minutes to prepare, but the result is nothing short of mouthwatering. It features crispy mortadella paired with melted provolone, all served on a perfectly toasted roll with a tangy mustard-mayo spread. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Five ingredients, all you need for this insanely tasty sandwich
• Crispy, caramelized mortadella that adds the perfect texture
• Melted provolone cheese with a crispy cheese skirt—yum!
• Quick and easy—a delicious lunch or dinner in under 5 minutes
• You can use any type of bun, but sourdough or Kaiser rolls are perfect

What Is a Mortadella Sandwich?

A mortadella sandwich is an Italian-inspired classic, featuring mortadella, a rich and savory cold cut similar to bologna but made with higher quality ingredients. This version, popularized by Anthony Bourdain, elevates the experience by crisping up the mortadella and adding provolone cheese. With a smear of mustard and mayo and a toasted roll, this sandwich is simple, flavorful, and perfect for a quick indulgence.

Cooking Tips

• Use high-quality mortadella: It makes a difference. If you can find it, the version with pistachios or Calabrian chilies adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Don’t rush the crisping: The beauty of this sandwich lies in the crispy edges of the mortadella. Give it a full minute to crisp up on each side.
• Cheese skirt magic: Let some of the provolone cheese hang over the edges to create a crispy cheese skirt. It’s the best part!
• Toast the bun: Don’t skip toasting the bun in the leftover grease—it gives the sandwich extra flavor and a perfect crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! While provolone is the traditional choice, mozzarella or swiss cheese can work as well. If you want something a bit sharper, try sharp cheddar.

Can I make this sandwich without frying the mortadella?

Technically, yes, but the crispy texture of the fried mortadella is key to this sandwich's appeal. If you don’t fry it, it’ll be much more like a typical cold cut sandwich.

What kind of mustard should I use?

Dijon mustard is ideal for a tangy, slightly spicy kick, but if you prefer a milder flavor, yellow mustard works just as well.

Can I substitute mortadella with something else?

You could use bologna if you want, but mortadella is the star here. If you're looking for a different meat, prosciutto or salami could work, but the flavor and texture won’t be the same.

Can I make this sandwich in advance?

While this sandwich is best served fresh, you could prep the mortadella and cheese in advance, but the toasted bun and crispy meat are what make it so irresistible.

How to Store

This sandwich is best eaten immediately after assembly. However, if you have leftovers, store the mortadella and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 days. Reheat the mortadella and cheese in a skillet to restore some of the crispiness.

How to Freeze

This sandwich is best served fresh, so freezing is not recommended. However, you can freeze mortadella on its own for up to 3 months, then thaw and fry it when ready to make the sandwich.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (one package)
• Mortadella (Italian cold cut)
• Provolone cheese
• A roll (Bourdain recommends sourdough or a Kaiser roll)
• Dijon mustard (yellow mustard works, too)
• Mayonnaise (your favorite kind)

How to Make Anthony Bourdain’s 5-Ingredient Mortadella Sandwich