The Irresistible Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich Recipe

Tucked away in the bustling streets of Italy, Stanley Tucci’s favorite sandwich recipe emerged as a culinary treasure.

This simple yet extraordinary creation captures the essence of rustic Italian flavors.

Bold ingredients dance together, telling a story of tradition and passion.

The sandwich speaks volumes about comfort and authenticity.

Layers of carefully selected components create a harmonious blend that transports you straight to a charming Italian kitchen.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through taste and texture.

Unleash your inner food adventurer and savor this delectable masterpiece.

The Scoop on Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Sandwich

• Elevate your sandwich game with Stanley Tucci's mouthwatering creation that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.
• Whip up this delectable sandwich in minutes, perfect for busy lunch breaks or spontaneous cravings without compromising on flavor.
• Combine the rich, salty prosciutto with creamy mozzarella and bright basil for a taste experience that dances across your palate.
• Impress family and friends with a gourmet sandwich that works brilliantly as a casual lunch, light dinner, or impressive appetizer for gatherings.

Ingredients That Make This Sandwich a Winner

• Sourdough Bread: A tangy, rustic bread that provides a sturdy foundation for the sandwich.

• Grated Cheese, Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and add rich, smooth texture to the sandwich.

• Prosciutto, Basil Leaves: Thin, salty Italian ham that complements the fresh, aromatic basil for a sophisticated flavor profile.

• Pesto, Butter, Salt, Pepper: A vibrant herb sauce that adds depth, butter for crispy browning, and seasonings to enhance the overall taste of the sandwich.

Tools for Assembling a Great Sandwich

• Skillet or Griddle: Flat, heavy-bottomed pan for perfectly grilling the sandwich.
• Grater: Sharp tool to shred cheese into fine, meltable pieces.
• Spatula: Sturdy utensil for flipping and pressing the sandwich while cooking.
• Knife: Sharp blade for slicing ingredients and cutting sandwich after grilling.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing and slicing ingredients.

Assembling Stanley’s Sandwich with Style

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Start by placing a skillet on the stove and setting the heat to low-medium.

This gentle heat will help create a perfectly golden, crispy sandwich without burning the bread.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Grab your bread slices and spread butter on one side of each slice.

The buttered side will create a deliciously crisp and golden exterior when grilled.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Grated cheese
• Thin slices of prosciutto
• Fresh mozzarella
• Fresh basil leaves
• Dollop of pesto

Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 4: Create the Sandwich Sandwich

Place the second bread slice on top, with the buttered side facing up.

Press down gently to ensure all ingredients are snug and secure.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Carefully transfer the sandwich to the heated skillet.

Cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side.

Watch for a golden-brown crust and ensure the cheese melts into a gooey, delectable center.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sandwich from the skillet, let it cool for a moment, then slice diagonally.

Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melty.

Pro Sandwich Making Tips for Success

• Spread butter evenly to ensure a golden, crispy exterior without burning the bread.
• Grate cheese thinly for faster, more uniform melting throughout the sandwich.
• Use fresh, high-quality pesto for an intense flavor boost that elevates the entire dish.
• Maintain low-medium heat to allow cheese to melt completely while achieving a perfectly toasted bread exterior.
• Add basil leaves just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and aromatic flavor.

Tasty Variations for Sandwich Lovers

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace prosciutto with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted eggplant slices for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional bread with gluten-free sourdough or cauliflower bread to accommodate dietary restrictions while preserving the sandwich's core ingredients.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired sandwich experience.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use large lettuce leaves or thin cheese wraps instead of bread, keeping the internal ingredients like basil, pesto, and cheese intact for a lighter meal.

Sandwich Serving Ideas for Meals

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Slice the sandwich diagonally to reveal the gooey cheese and vibrant layers, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation that tempts taste buds.
• Gourmet Sidekick Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with light lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory sandwich and add fresh texture.
• Wine Companion Choice: Complement the prosciutto and pesto with a chilled glass of crisp pinot grigio or a light Italian white wine that enhances the sandwich's Mediterranean flavors.
• Picnic Perfect Option: Wrap tightly in parchment paper for a delightful portable lunch that maintains its delicious integrity and can be enjoyed outdoors or at work.

Storage Solutions for Sandwich Leftovers

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Keeps sandwich fresh and prevents moisture loss.
• Wrap individually in freezer-safe wrap, place in freezer bag. Stays good for 1 month. Prevents freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap sandwich, place on baking sheet. Warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and bread crisps. Restores original crunchiness.
• Warm skillet over medium heat. Add sandwich, cover with lid. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until heated through. Maintains crispy exterior and melty cheese.

FAQs

• What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Ciabatta or sourdough bread are ideal because they have sturdy structure and crisp texture that holds up well when grilled.

• Can I substitute the prosciutto with another meat?

Yes, you can use thinly sliced ham or salami if prosciutto isn’t available, but prosciutto adds a unique delicate flavor that complements the cheese.

• Is fresh mozzarella necessary, or can I use regular mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella provides a creamier, softer texture and richer taste compared to regular mozzarella, but you can substitute if fresh isn’t accessible.

Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian sandwich from stanley tucci’s kitchen blends classic Mediterranean flavors with simple, fresh ingredients. Bread, prosciutto, and arugula combine for a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 2 slices sourdough or crusty bread
• Butter for spreading (amount not specified)

Protein and Cheese Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh mozzarella ball
• 3 slices prosciutto
• 1 handful grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere)

Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil pesto
• 4–5 fresh basil leaves
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a skillet over low-medium heat, ensuring even temperature distribution for consistent toasting.
2. Generously spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice, creating a golden crisp exterior.
3. Place the first slice on the work surface with unbuttered side facing up, then carefully construct layers of flavors: sprinkle grated cheese as the foundation.
4. Delicately arrange thin slices of prosciutto over the cheese, followed by creamy fresh mozzarella pieces.
5. Gently tuck fresh basil leaves across the surface, then drizzle pesto for an aromatic burst of herbal complexity.
6. Lightly season the assembled layers with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
7. Crown the sandwich with the second bread slice, ensuring the buttered side faces upward for optimal browning.
8. Carefully transfer the assembled sandwich to the preheated skillet, allowing it to sizzle and transform.
9. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side, monitoring the heat to achieve a perfectly crisp, golden-brown exterior and fully melted cheese interior.
10. Remove from heat, let rest momentarily, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

• Swap prosciutto with turkey or tempeh for a lighter protein option that still delivers rich flavor.
• Choose sourdough or gluten-free bread to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Use high-quality aged cheddar or gruyère for deeper, more complex cheese melting and enhanced sandwich profile.
• Control heat carefully to prevent burning; medium-low ensures golden-brown exterior and perfectly melted interior cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg