Potbelly Italian Sandwich: Bold Classic in 774 Calories
The Potbelly Italian sandwich is a hearty, meat-packed favorite on the menu, priced at $11.29 with 774 calories. It’s loaded with salami, old-world capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, and melted provolone cheese, then finished with fresh lettuce, tomato, and Potbelly’s signature Italian seasoning on perfectly toasted bread. Bold, savory, and deeply satisfying, this sandwich is a go-to choice for Italian sandwich lovers. Pair it with chips, a fresh salad, or a chocolate shake to make it a complete meal at your local Potbelly shop. Want to know what’s included, how to make it at home, or what goes into Potbelly’s Italian seasoning? Keep reading to see why fans can’t get enough of this classic sandwich.

$11.29 774 cal
Italian
A classic Italian combo of salami, old-world capicola, pepperoni, and mortadella, topped with melted provolone cheese for a rich, savory bite.
You Crave a Meaty, Flavorful Lunch
When you’re craving a lunch that’s packed with bold meats and rich seasoning, many sandwiches just don’t deliver enough flavor. Some feel bland, others lack that satisfying depth. If you’re tracking calories, points, or weight, you might be wondering, “Is the Italian sandwich from Potbelly healthy? or How many calories does it have?” You want a meal made with quality meats like salami and pepperoni, clear nutrition facts, and something that’s easy to order for yourself or a group.
We Understand Lunch Should Be Savory and Exciting
We’ve all had those lunches where a basic sandwich or light salad just doesn’t cut it. Sometimes you want something hearty, meaty, and full of seasoning, whether it’s a quick solo lunch or a box for the office. Balancing bold flavors with nutrition can be tricky, but lunch should feel like a highlight of your day not a compromise.
The Solution: Potbelly’s Italian Sandwich
The Italian Sandwich is made for those bold cravings. This Potbelly classic stacks salami, old-world capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, and provolone cheese, finished with fresh lettuce, tomato, and Potbelly’s signature Italian seasoning on toasted bread. You can customize it with extra toppings or even order it salad-style if you want something lighter. Available in-shop or online, it’s a satisfying, flavor-packed choice.
Main Ingredients
Wondering what comes on a Potbelly Italian sandwich? It’s built with premium ingredients: salami, old-world capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, melted provolone cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and Potbelly’s signature Italian seasoning on toasted signature bread. Together, these create a rich, savory sandwich that stands out on the menu. Potbelly uses fresh meats and vegetables daily to keep flavors bold and consistent.
Core Ingredients:
- Salami – spicy and savory
- Capicola – rich, old-world style
- Pepperoni – bold and zesty
- Mortadella – smooth and mild
- Provolone cheese – melted and creamy
- Lettuce – crisp and fresh
- Tomato – juicy and ripe
- Italian seasoning – aromatic signature blend
- Bread – toasted signature roll
Toppings & Add-Ons
Potbelly makes it easy to customize your Italian sandwich. Add hot peppers or onions for extra heat, or pile on more lettuce for added crunch. Prefer a different cheese? Swap provolone for cheddar. You can also choose white or multigrain bread, or go with thin-cut bread to reduce carbs. If you’re watching sodium or calories, you can skip the seasoning or order it salad-style for a gluten-free option.
| Customization Option | Cost | Calorie Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Add Hot Peppers | Free | +10–20 |
| Extra Cheese | $0.50 | +100 |
| Extra Lettuce | Free | +5–10 |
| Thin-Cut Bread | Free | −50 |
Pro Tip: Banana peppers add a tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the Italian meats.
Flavor and Texture: A Meaty, Spicy Classic
The Italian sandwich at Potbelly is all about bold flavor. Salami, capicola, pepperoni, and mortadella combine with melted provolone for a rich, meaty bite, while the Italian seasoning adds a zesty, herb-forward finish. Toasted bread brings warmth and crunch, balanced by crisp lettuce and juicy tomato. It’s a standout option compared to other Potbelly favorites like A Wreck or John’s.
Allergen & Dietary Notes
Is an Italian sandwich from Potbelly healthy? That depends on your goals. A standard sandwich contains 774 calories, making it a hearty choice with solid protein but higher fat and sodium.
| Nutrient | Amount per Sandwich |
|---|---|
| Calories | 774 |
| Protein | 37g |
| Total Fat | 42g |
| Sodium | 1600mg |
| Total Carbs | 58g |
Most calories come from the meats, cheese, and bread. Sodium is relatively high, so those watching salt intake may want to customize. Allergens include dairy (cheese) and gluten (bread). Ordering it as a salad can help reduce carbs and avoid gluten.
How to Make a Potbelly Italian Sandwich at Home
While Potbelly keeps its exact recipe private, you can make a similar Italian sandwich at home:
- Gather Ingredients: Salami, old-world capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a crusty roll.
- Make the Seasoning: Mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Layer Meats and Cheese: Stack thin slices of meats with provolone.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Assemble: Add meats, cheese, seasoning, lettuce, and tomato.
- Finish: Toast again until the cheese melts.
Pro Tip: A panini press gives the best toasted texture.
What Is Potbelly Italian Seasoning?
Potbellys Italian seasoning is a proprietary blend of dried herbs and spices, likely including oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder. It’s designed to enhance the savory meats and give the Italian sandwich its signature flavor.
Pairing Your Italian Sandwich
Turn your Italian sandwich into a full meal with classic sides. Chips add crunch, mac and cheese brings comfort, soups like minestrone add warmth, and a fresh salad balances the richness. A chocolate shake finishes the meal with something sweet.
Suggested Pairings:
- Chips: Zapp’s for a spicy bite
- Soups: Minestrone for Italian flavor
- Salads: Powerhouse for freshness
- Shake: Chocolate for contrast
The Story of the Italian Sandwich
The Potbelly Italian sandwich is a meat-heavy classic inspired by the brand’s Chicago sandwich-shop roots. Loaded with traditional Italian meats and signature seasoning, it stands alongside other originals like John’s and Jimmy’s as a fan favorite.
Why Fans Love the Italian Sandwich
Fans love the bold flavor and hearty portions. One customer says, The meats and seasoning make it unbeatable. Another adds, The toasted bread and provolone are perfect.” It’s consistently one of Potbelly’s most-loved sandwiches.
Order Your Italian Sandwich Today
You can enjoy the Italian sandwich at any Potbelly shop or order online for pickup or delivery. Customize it your way and check nutrition details to match your goals perfect for solo lunches or group orders.
Conclusion
The Potbelly Italian sandwich, priced at $11.29 with 774 calories, combines salami, old-world capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Italian seasoning on toasted bread. Bold, savory, and satisfying, it’s ideal for lunch lovers who crave rich flavor. Customize it, pair it with sides, and enjoy a classic Potbelly favorite.
FAQs About the Italian Sandwich
What is an Italian sandwich at Potbelly?
A signature sandwich priced at $11.29 with 774 calories, made with salami, capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and Italian seasoning.
What comes on a Potbelly Italian sandwich?
Salami, old-world capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, melted provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, Italian seasoning, and toasted signature bread.
How many calories are in a Potbelly Italian sandwich?
774 calories, with 37g protein, 42g fat, and 58g carbs.
Is an Italian sandwich from Potbelly healthy?
It’s protein-rich but higher in calories and sodium. You can lighten it by skipping cheese or ordering it salad-style.
How do you make a Potbelly Italian sandwich?
Layer Italian meats and provolone on toasted bread, add lettuce and tomato, sprinkle with oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder, then toast until the cheese melts.
What is Potbelly Italian seasoning?
A proprietary herb blend that adds zesty, aromatic flavor to the Italian sandwich.
