Stanley Tuccis Favourite Sandwich Recipe

The Perfect Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich Recipe For Lunch

Sandwiches often tell stories, and this hearty Stanley Tucci’s favourite sandwich recipe speaks volumes about Italian culinary heritage.

The classic combination of flavors brings memories of bustling street corners in Rome.

Crisp ingredients mingle with rich, robust textures that dance across your palate.

Fresh bread serves as the perfect canvas for this delectable creation.

Layers of carefully selected components create a symphony of taste that honors traditional Italian cooking.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through authentic Mediterranean flavors.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this remarkable sandwich.

Ways to Plate Stanley Tucci’s Sandwich

  • Gourmet Picnic Perfection: Pack this sandwich in a stylish lunch box with arugula salad and crisp pickles for an elegant outdoor meal.
  • Italian-Style Side Companions: Serve alongside a light tomato soup or fresh bruschetta to enhance the sandwich's rich Mediterranean flavors.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Match with a crisp pinot grigio or light rosé to complement the prosciutto and mozzarella's delicate tastes.
  • Appetizer Transformation: Cut sandwich into small triangles for a delightful party appetizer that will impress guests with its gourmet appeal.

Storing Sandwiches Like a Pro

  • Store sandwich wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place sandwich on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent burning, warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and bread crisps.
  • Warm sandwich in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with spatula to restore crispiness.
  • Wrap individual sandwiches in freezer-safe wrap, store up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • What type of cheese works best in this sandwich?

Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano add great flavor, but the recipe specifically calls for a melting cheese like fresh mozzarella, which creates a creamy, gooey texture when heated.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of prosciutto?

While prosciutto gives an authentic Italian flavor, you can substitute with other cured meats like salami or ham if prosciutto is unavailable or too expensive.

  • Why does the recipe recommend buttering the outside of the bread?

Buttering the outside creates a golden, crispy exterior and helps the bread achieve a perfect crunch when grilled, similar to a classic grilled cheese technique.

Stanley Tucci’s Sandwich – The Star Pick

Stanley Tucci’s Sandwich - The Star Pick
  • Elevate your sandwich game with this celebrity-inspired recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.
  • Whip up a mouthwatering sandwich in just minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger pangs or impressing unexpected guests.
  • Combine the richness of prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant pesto for a taste experience that dances on your palate.
  • Equally amazing as a quick lunch, casual dinner, or impressive appetizer for gatherings with friends and family.

What’s Inside Stanley Tucci’s Sandwich

Main Ingredients:
  • Bread Slices: Sturdy white bread that creates a crispy and golden exterior for the sandwich.
  • Prosciutto: Thin, salty Italian cured ham that adds rich flavor to the sandwich.
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Soft, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and provides a luxurious texture.
Cheese and Spreads:
  • Grated Cheese: Sharp cheese that helps create a melty interior and adds depth of flavor.
  • Pesto: Herbal sauce made with basil that brings a fresh and aromatic element to the sandwich.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Basil Leaves, Salt, Pepper: Fresh herbs and classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the sandwich.
Additional Components:
  • Butter: Used to create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich.

Tools to Make Stanley Tucci’s Favorite

  • Skillet: Essential for toasting the sandwich to golden perfection.
  • Grater: Needed to shred the cheese for even melting.
  • Butter knife: Perfect for spreading butter on bread slices.
  • Spatula: Helps flip the sandwich without breaking it.
  • Cutting board: Great for preparing ingredients and assembling the sandwich.

Steps to Craft the Perfect Sandwich

Steps to Craft the Perfect Sandwich

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Grab a skillet and set it on the stove over low-medium heat.

This gentle warmth will help create that perfect golden-brown crust without burning your sandwich.

Step 2: Butter the Bread

Take your bread slices and spread a generous layer of butter on one side of each slice.

The buttered side will create a crispy, delectable exterior that’ll make your mouth water.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Masterpiece

On the unbuttered side of the first bread slice, start layering your ingredients:
  • Grated cheese
  • Thin slices of prosciutto
  • Creamy fresh mozzarella
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Dollop of pesto

Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors and make them pop.

Step 4: Create the Sandwich Sandwich

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

Press down gently to make sure everything is tucked in nicely.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Carefully transfer your sandwich to the heated skillet.

Cook for about 5 minutes on each side.

You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown crust and cheese that’s melted into gooey deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the skillet, let it cool for a moment, slice diagonally, and get ready to experience a sandwich that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Sandwich-Making Know-How

  • Spread softened butter evenly to ensure a golden, crispy exterior without burning the bread.
  • Use room temperature cheese for smoother, faster melting and more even coverage.
  • Spread pesto sparingly to prevent sandwich from becoming soggy while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Add fresh basil leaves after grilling to preserve their vibrant color and delicate taste.
  • Maintain low-medium heat to achieve perfectly melted cheese and crisp bread without burning.

Unique Twists for Tucci’s Favorite Sandwich

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace prosciutto with grilled zucchini or eggplant slices for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap bread for large lettuce leaves to create a sandwich wrap with reduced carbohydrates.
  • Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese, dairy-free pesto, and skip mozzarella while adding roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
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Stanley Tuccis Favourite Sandwich Recipe

Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

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

Description

Stanley Tucci’s classic Italian sandwich blends crisp prosciutto, sharp provolone, and tangy peppers between crusty bread. Layers of Mediterranean flavors invite culinary exploration you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 slices sourdough or crusty bread
  • 1/2 ball (125 grams / 4.4 ounces) fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 3 slices prosciutto
  • 45 fresh basil leaves

Cheese and Spreads:

  • 1 handful grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil pesto
  • Butter for spreading

Seasonings:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Select a skillet and warm it over gentle heat, ensuring an even surface temperature for optimal grilling.
  2. Generously spread softened butter on one exterior side of each bread slice, creating a golden-brown foundation for the sandwich.
  3. Position the first slice butter-side down on a clean surface, establishing the base layer of the culinary creation.
  4. Distribute grated cheese evenly across the bread, creating a melting foundation for subsequent ingredients.
  5. Layer thin slices of prosciutto atop the cheese, allowing delicate edges to slightly drape and overlap.
  6. Arrange fresh mozzarella slices strategically, ensuring complete coverage and promising creamy texture.
  7. Delicately scatter fragrant basil leaves across the mozzarella, introducing a vibrant herbal dimension.
  8. Spread a luxurious layer of pesto, infusing the sandwich with rich, aromatic flavors.
  9. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
  10. Crown the layered ingredients with the second bread slice, positioning the buttered side facing outward.
  11. Carefully transfer the assembled sandwich into the preheated skillet, cooking approximately 5 minutes per side.
  12. Monitor closely, rotating when the bottom achieves a crisp, golden-brown exterior and cheese begins melting.
  13. Remove from heat when both sides are perfectly caramelized and cheese is completely molten.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality, thin prosciutto for delicate flavor and optimal melting cheese texture.
  • Use fresh mozzarella at room temperature to ensure even melting and creamy consistency.
  • Spread pesto sparingly to prevent soggy bread and maintain crisp sandwich structure.
  • Adjust heat carefully to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning bread while ensuring complete cheese melting.
  • 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: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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