The Story of Panuozzo – The Wood-Fired Sandwich Born from Pizza Dough
When it comes to Italian street food, most people think of pizza, but there’s another hidden gem that deserves just as much attention—the Panuozzo.
Originating from Gragnano, Campania, this wood-fired sandwich is made with the same dough as pizza, shaped into a long roll, baked, sliced open, and stuffed with delicious fillings before going back into the oven for a final crisping.
But how did this unique creation come to life? Let’s dive into its origins.
A Simple Dinner That Became a Legend
The Panuozzo was born in 1983 in the town of Gragnano, known for its centuries-old pizza tradition and world-famous pasta production.
It was Giuseppe Mascolo, a local pizzaiolo, who first created it—not in a restaurant, but in his own kitchen, for his children’s dinner.
That evening, instead of making a traditional pizza, he decided to shape the same dough into a long, bread-like form, bake it, and stuff it with mozzarella and pancetta.
The result? A sandwich that combined the best elements of pizza and bread—crispy outside, soft inside, and perfect for any filling. His 13-year-old daughter Pasqualina was the one who gave it the name that stuck: Panuozzo.
What Makes Panuozzo Special?
Unlike regular sandwiches, Panuozzo is baked in a wood-fired oven, giving it the same light, airy texture and smoky flavor as a Neapolitan pizza.
What truly sets it apart is the second bake—after being stuffed with mozzarella, cold cuts, vegetables, or even sausage and friarielli, the sandwich is put back into the oven for a final crisp, allowing the ingredients to melt and blend perfectly.
Why Panuozzo is the Ultimate Pizza Alternative
✔️ Made with real pizza dough – Same fermentation, same quality, different shape.
✔️ Wood-fired for maximum flavor – Crispy on the outside, soft inside.
✔️ Faster than pizza – No waiting for toppings to cook separately.
✔️ Endless filling possibilities – From classic Italian flavors to custom combinations.
Bringing the Tradition to Your Home
At Fermento Lab, we believe the best Italian flavors should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we craft our handmade pizza and Panuozzo bases following the same authentic techniques from Gragnano.
With our ready-to-bake artisan bases, you can now recreate the true Italian Panuozzo experience at home—just bake, fill, and crisp for the perfect bite.
🔥 Ready to try this legendary sandwich? Get our wood-fired Panuozzo bases today!