This Easy Italian Sandwich is packed with flavor and so simple to make! With fresh ingredients like tasty meats, cheeses, and a sprinkle of herbs, it’s a great quick lunch or snack.
Honestly, I love how you can mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home. Who doesn’t enjoy a sandwich that feels like a sunny day in Italy? 🍅🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ciabatta loaf: This bread has a nice crust and soft interior, perfect for holding fillings. If you can’t find ciabatta, any crusty Italian bread or even a baguette works well.
Pesto sauce: This adds a lot of flavor! You can use store-bought pesto, but homemade basil pesto or a sun-dried tomato pesto are great alternatives if you want to get creative.
Provolone cheese: It gives a creamy texture. If you’re not a fan, mozzarella or even a mild cheddar can work too. Just ensure it’s a cheese that melts well!
Prosciutto: This is salty and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use turkey bacon or even smoked turkey slices for a different flair.
Olive oil or melted butter: This is ideal for crisping the outside of your sandwich. Feel free to use cooking spray or even a bit of mayonnaise for a different twist!
How to Get Your Sandwich Perfectly Crispy?
The key to that delightful crispiness is all in how you cook the sandwich. Using a skillet or grill pan allows for even heating and a perfect golden finish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat. If it’s too hot, the bread may burn before the cheese melts.
- Brush the outside of the sandwich with olive oil or melted butter. This helps create that crunchy exterior.
- Press down gently with a spatula while cooking. It helps everything meld together and gives a nice toast! Aim for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
This technique is simple but makes all the difference in enjoying your Italian sandwich! Happy sandwich making!
Stanley Tucci’s Easy Italian Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1 ciabatta loaf or Italian sandwich roll
- 3 tablespoons pesto sauce
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
- 3 oz thinly sliced turkey or chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sandwich takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 8 minutes for cooking. So in about 20 minutes, you’ll have a warm, melty Italian sandwich ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Pan:
Start by preheating your skillet or grill pan over medium heat. This ensures that the sandwich cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden crust!
2. Prepare the Bread:
While the pan is heating, slice the ciabatta loaf in half horizontally. This is where all your tasty fillings will go, so make sure to get a nice cut!
3. Add Some Flavor:
Spread the pesto sauce evenly on the inner sides of both halves of the bread. The pesto adds a delightful herbal flavor that complements the meats and cheese beautifully!
4. Layer It Up:
On the bottom half of the bread, layer the provolone cheese first, then add the turkey (or chicken) slices, followed by the prosciutto. Stack them nicely to ensure every bite is delicious!
5. Assemble the Sandwich:
Place the top half of the bread over the fillings, pressing gently to help keep everything in place.
6. Get It Crispy:
Brush the outside of the sandwich with olive oil or melted butter. This step helps it brown and get crispy when you cook it!
7. Cook the Sandwich:
Carefully place the sandwich in the heated skillet or grill pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a spatula to press down gently to help it brown and melt the cheese.
8. Finish It Off:
Once both sides are golden and the cheese is melty, remove the sandwich from the pan. Slice it in half to make it easier to eat!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve your Italian sandwich warm. Enjoy all the flavor in every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While ciabatta is the traditional choice, feel free to use any crusty Italian bread, a baguette, or even a sourdough loaf. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings!
What If I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No problem! If you can’t find provolone, mozzarella or a mild cheddar can make great substitutes. Just make sure they melt well for that gooey texture!
Can I Make This Sandwich Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the meats and adding extra veggies like roasted peppers, spinach, or artichokes. You could also add more cheese for flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store any uneaten sandwich in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. To enjoy again, reheat it in a skillet rather than the microwave for better crispiness!
