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