Name: Rustic Italian Breakfast with Bread, Cheese, and Salami Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 thick slices rustic Italian bread (ciabatta or sourdough preferred); 150g (about 5 oz) good-quality salami, thinly sliced; 150g (about 5 oz) Pecorino Romano or fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn; 2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional: 1-2 ripe tomatoes, sliced; fresh basil leaves; arugula handful

Embrace the charm of an authentic Italian colazione with this rustic breakfast plate: hearty slices of crusty bread paired with creamy Pecorino or mozzarella cheese and thinly sliced salami. Simple, fresh ingredients shine in this no-fuss meal that’s perfect for leisurely mornings or busy weekdays, evoking sun-drenched Italian countryside vibes in every bite. (48 words)

Why You’ll Love This recipe

You’ll adore this Rustic Italian Breakfast because it’s incredibly effortless yet feels indulgent—like a mini vacation to Italy without leaving your kitchen. No complicated cooking techniques or long prep times; just quality ingredients assembled in minutes.

The contrast of crunchy, artisan bread against the creamy, tangy cheese and the bold, spiced flavors of salami creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. It’s versatile for one person or a crowd, customizable to what you have on hand, and naturally gluten-adaptable.

Plus, it’s protein-packed to keep you full and energized, far more satisfying than cereal or toast alone. In true Italian style, it celebrates fresh, simple foods that let each component shine—ideal for coffee lovers who want something hearty yet light.

Yield: Serves 2

Rustic Italian Breakfast with Bread, Cheese, and Salami Recipe

Simple rustic Italian breakfast: crusty bread with creamy cheese and savory salami—quick, fresh, and full of authentic flavor.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

4 thick slices rustic Italian bread (ciabatta or sourdough preferred)
150g (about 5 oz) good-quality salami, thinly sliced
150g (about 5 oz) Pecorino Romano or fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1-2 ripe tomatoes, sliced; fresh basil leaves; arugula handful

Instructions

Gather all your beautiful ingredients on the counter—this is the fun part where you feel like an Italian nonna prepping colazione!
Slice your rustic bread into thick, generous pieces—about ¾ inch thick—so each bite has that perfect crust-to-crumb ratio.
If you like a little extra crunch, pop the bread slices under the broiler or in a toaster oven for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and warm.
While the bread warms, arrange your thinly sliced salami on a plate—admire those marbled edges and fragrant spices!
Slice or tear your cheese into nice, rustic pieces; if using mozzarella, let it sit out briefly to soften slightly for creaminess.
Drizzle each warm bread slice generously with extra-virgin olive oil—let it soak in for that luscious, fruity flavor Italians love.
Layer on the cheese first: place slices or torn pieces evenly over the bread so it starts to melt just a touch from the warmth.
Artfully arrange the salami slices on top of the cheese—overlap them slightly for beautiful presentation and maximum flavor in every bite.
Season lightly with a pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to make all the flavors pop.
Finish with optional fresh touches like tomato slices or basil leaves, then serve immediately with hot coffee—buon appetito!

Notes

This is a no-cook classic, so focus on quality over quantity. In Italy, breakfast is often light and savory rather than sweet—perfect for pairing with espresso. Feel free to eat it open-faced or make mini sandwiches. It's naturally low-carb if you skip extra bread!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 608Total Fat 43gSaturated Fat 19gUnsaturated Fat 24gCholesterol 139mgSodium 2032mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 36g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find—good salami and cheese make all the difference in authentic flavor.
Slice the bread thick (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch) for that satisfying rustic chew.
Let the cheese come to room temperature for better spreading and melting slightly on warm bread.
Lightly toast the bread if you prefer extra crunch, but keep it soft inside for classic Italian texture.
Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving for richness and shine.
Pair with strong espresso or cappuccino to complete the Italian experience.
For extra freshness, include ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, or arugula if desired.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe relies on just a handful of pantry and deli staples, each playing a starring role. Start with rustic Italian bread (like ciabatta, sourdough, or pane casereccio)—its thick, airy crumb and crisp crust hold up beautifully to toppings without getting soggy.

Choose a good-quality salami, such as Genoa, soppressata, or finocchiona; the fennel-seed variety adds a lovely anise note that pairs wonderfully with cheese. For cheese, Pecorino Romano brings sharp, salty depth, while fresh mozzarella offers creamy mildness—feel free to mix both for contrast.

Extra-virgin olive oil adds fruity richness, and a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhances everything without overpowering the simplicity. Optional fresh elements like tomatoes or basil bring brightness and color, keeping the dish light and summery.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible to suit tastes, diets, or what’s in your fridge. Swap salami for other cured meats like prosciutto, mortadella, or coppa for different flavor profiles—prosciutto brings delicate saltiness, while mortadella adds subtle garlic notes.

For cheese, try provolone for smokiness, fontina for meltiness, or goat cheese for tang. Make it vegetarian by omitting salami and adding grilled vegetables, roasted peppers, or marinated artichokes. For a heartier version, top with a fried or soft-boiled egg. Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF rustic bread.

Add heat with spicy salami or red pepper flakes. For a sweeter twist, include figs or honey drizzle. In summer, incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano; in winter, pair with olives or sun-dried tomatoes. The core stays simple, but these tweaks make it endlessly repeatable.

Storage Options

Best enjoyed fresh right after assembly, as the bread can soften over time. If needed, store components separately: keep bread in a paper bag at room temperature, cheese and salami wrapped tightly in the fridge (up to 5-7 days for salami, 1 week for hard cheese). Assemble just before eating. Leftover assembled plates can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 1 day, but toast the bread lightly to revive crispness. Not ideal for freezing due to texture changes in bread and cheese.