Home » Il Gazzettino » Back to School with a Taste of Home: Classic Italian Lunches from Mercato Foods
For those of us who grew up in an Italian home, food was never just about eating—it was about family, tradition, and love. The smell of fresh bread from the oven, the sound of mortadella being sliced paper-thin at the deli, and the tray of cookies cooling on the counter—these are the moments that stay with us. At Mercato, you can pick up all the fresh bread, deli meats, and cheeses you need to recreate those same classic sandwiches for your kids’ lunches—or let us take care of it for you with our ready-to-enjoy panini, made daily in-store.
As kids head back to school, why not pass on those same comforting traditions in their lunchboxes? Here are a few of the classic Italian sandwiches and treats that make lunchtime feel like home.
Mortadella & Provolone
Nothing says Italian childhood quite like a mortadella sandwich. Soft, savoury, and layered on fresh bread, it’s a lunchbox classic. Add a slice of provolone and maybe a drizzle of olive oil, and you’ve got a timeless favourite.
Ham & Mozzarella on Focaccia
A simple twist on ham-and-cheese, but with fresh mozzarella and light, fluffy focaccia straight from the bakery. It’s familiar yet undeniably Italian.
Prosciutto & Tomato
Another staple from Italian kitchens. Thinly sliced prosciutto layered with juicy tomato on crusty Italian bread is a sandwich that feels rustic, wholesome, and straight out of nonna’s kitchen.
Of course, no Italian lunch is complete without a sweet treat tucked inside.
S Cookies
The beloved “S” cookie has been part of Italian childhoods for generations. Lightly sweet, perfect for dunking in milk, and baked fresh—it’s the kind of snack that makes kids smile and parents nostalgic.
Pastries & Croissants
Whether it’s a simple sugar-dusted pastry or a buttery croissant, these little indulgences add joy to any lunchbox.
Packing your kids’ lunches isn’t just about filling their stomachs—it’s about passing on the flavours and traditions that shaped you. A mortadella sandwich or an S cookie isn’t just food; it’s a connection to family, heritage, and the love that goes into every meal.
At Mercato, we’re proud to carry on those traditions by baking fresh bread, preparing deli favourites, and crafting classic Italian treats every single day. So whether you’re making sandwiches at home or grabbing one of our classic panini on the go, you’re sending your kids to school with more than just lunch—you’re giving them a taste of home.
Visit us online or in-store to pick up everything you need for back-to-school lunches full of flavour, tradition, and love.
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