In Campania, sandwiches made with pizza dough and baked in the oven are called panuozzi. Typical of Gragnano, large in size, filled with different ingredients (a great classic is the combination of sausage and friarielli), they are perfect to enjoy while walking.
Panuozzo, the maxi sandwich with pizza dough
They are known everywhere but are a specialty of the Monti Lattari: from the name, you can guess the rather generous size of this elongated, open sandwich filled with all the products of the territory. For those who do not like sausage, they can try it in the simpler version with grilled vegetables and scamorza, mozzarella and tomato, cold cuts, or even with anchovies. Once properly filled, the panuozzo is passed in the oven for a couple of minutes to melt any cheeses and warm the fragrant crust.
The origin of the panuozzo
The inventor of this simple and delicious recipe was Giuseppe Mascolo, a pizza maker from Gragnano who in 1983 created this long and narrow bread as an alternative to pizza to entertain his children. The specialty was so well-liked by the children that they renamed it 'o panuozzo and asked their dad to put it on the menu. A product of recent history, it soon spread throughout the territory. There is also a smaller size variant, called saltimbocca, common especially in the province of Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula: same process, smaller size for a snack that is a hit with gourmands.
Where to buy the best panuozzo in Campania
Here are the addresses for a panuozzo done right, as recommended by our Street Food Guide 2024.
Fratelli Mascolo since 1995
Since 1995, pizzas and panuozzi have been baked as tradition dictates. The choice of fillings is wide and satisfying, starting from the classic with pancetta and fiordilatte. During the season, do not miss the panuozzo with pancetta, river chili peppers, semi-dried tomatoes, burrata, and fiordilatte.
Fratelli Mascolo dal 1995 – Gragnano (NA) – Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, 9 - pizzeriamascolo.it/
Da Franco
A well-stocked shop and a reference point to enjoy excellent round pizzas as well as meter-long ones, in addition to crispy and tasty saltimbocca. Two other locations: one in via Fuorimura, 48 always in Sorrento and one in Vico Equense, in via Filangieri, 96.
Da Franco – Sorrento – Corso Italia, 265 – facebook.com/daFrancopizzeriasorrento/
Oasis
Outside, the view is paradisiacal, with the terrace overlooking the sea; inside, however, you'll also be dazzled by the anthology of cheeses, cured meats, and Campanian specialties selected by the house. Don't miss out on the legendary saltimbocca, crispy and light.
Oasi – Vico Equense (NA) – Strada Statale Sorrento - facebook.com/oasisaltimboccadabaldino/?locale=it_IT
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