Make-Ahead Italian Pressed Sandwich

Name: Make-Ahead Italian Pressed Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 loaf (14 oz) ciabatta bread, cut in half horizontally; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 slices deli ham (about 6 oz); 8 slices mortadella (about 8 oz); 8 slices soppressata dry salami (about 2 oz); 4 slices provolone cheese (about 3 oz); 1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers (from 12-oz jar), drained; 6 large leaves fresh basil; 6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices; 1/2 cup baby spinach; 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

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Prep 15 min
Total 2 hr 15 min
Servings 6

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The secret to sealing in all the robust flavors of this picnic-perfect sandwich — Italian meats, roasted red bell peppers, fresh mozzarella, basil, spinach — is to wrap it up and weigh it down with something heavy. Bricks, Dutch ovens and cast-iron skillets are all fair game.

by: Tablespoon Kitchens

Updated May 2, 2017

Ingredients

1 loaf (14 oz) ciabatta bread, cut in half horizontally
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 slices deli ham (about 6 oz)
8 slices mortadella (about 8 oz)
8 slices soppressata dry salami (about 2 oz)
4 slices provolone cheese (about 3 oz)
1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers (from 12-oz jar), drained
6 large leaves fresh basil
6 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
1/2 cup baby spinach
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

Steps

1

Place bread halves on work surface, cut sides up. Tear bread from top half, leaving about a 1/2-inch shell. Brush cut side of top half with olive oil.
2

Layer ham, mortadella, soppressata and provolone on bottom half of ciabatta. Top with a layer of roasted peppers, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella and spinach. Drizzle vinegar over spinach; replace top half of ciabatta.
3

Wrap entire loaf with plastic food wrap, slightly pressing. Place in refrigerator; weigh it down with 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 12 hours.
4

When ready to serve, unwrap. Cut crosswise into 6 slices.

Expert Tips

tip 1
The torn-out bread can be turned into bread crumbs. Tear into small pieces, and mix with 1 teaspoon oil in small bowl; spread on cookie sheet. Toast in 350°F oven 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Cool, and store in airtight container.

Nutrition Information

490 Calories, 28g Total Fat, 26g Protein, 34g Total Carbohydrate, 3g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories: 490

Calories from Fat: 250

Total Fat: 28g; 43%

Saturated Fat: 12g; 58%

Trans Fat: 1/2g

Cholesterol: 75mg; 26%

Sodium: 1500mg; 63%

Potassium: 310mg; 9%

Total Carbohydrate: 34g; 11%

Dietary Fiber: 2g; 8%

Sugars: 3g

Protein: 26g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 15%; 15%

Vitamin C: 0%; 0%

Calcium: 35%; 35%

Iron: 15%; 15%

Exchanges:

2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 1 Lean Meat; 2 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choice

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.