Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with pressed sandwiches that transcend their purpose beyond picnics. These Italian delights are equally satisfying as a lunchtime treat, offering an authentic taste experience in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a game day gathering or simply seeking a satisfying repast, these sandwiches are sure to impress.This iconic Italian picnic sandwich recipe is perfect for any occasion: parties, picnics, BBQs, road trips, tailgating, and more. With its harmonious blend of ham, cheese, crisp salad veggies, and creamy olive spread, all nestled within crusty ciabatta bread, this creation is arguably the ultimate picnic sandwich. If you enjoy these pressed sandwiches, you may also appreciate grinder salads, meatball subs, or any number of sensational Italian salads that share their flavor profile.
Why You’ll Love This
Get ready to indulge in a culinary delight! This wrapped sandwich is a love letter to all things Italian – think crispy ciabatta, savory deli meats and cheeses, and a rich homemade olive tapenade. The combination is truly irresistible. What’s more, this sandwich is designed to be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go option. Simply press the ingredients together for hours to ensure everything stays in place. And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of the exact recipe – feel free to mix and match different breads, meats, cheeses, and olive salad alternatives to create your own unique flavor combination.
How to Make an Italian Pressed Sandwiches
To assemble the ultimate Italian-style sandwich, start by dividing a loaf of bread in half lengthwise and placing each half on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and then plastic wrap. Next, combine olive oil with vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper in a mason jar, shaking well to emulsify the mixture. Drizzle this flavorful blend over one half of the bread, which will serve as the top layer. Now it’s time to build your sandwich by adding basil and arugula to the bottom half, followed by olive salad and cheese on top. Add cold cuts and deli meats to the bottom half, then finish with sliced tomatoes and any remaining fresh herbs. Close the sandwich and wrap it in plastic wrap. To compress and meld the flavors together, place something heavy like a cast iron skillet or other weighty object atop the sandwich and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this make-ahead sandwich lies in its versatility. Feel free to get creative and add your own twist by incorporating ingredients like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers or strips. If you prefer a different cheese profile, substitute fresh mozzarella or provolone for the recipe’s listed variety. Additionally, swap out the olive spread for homemade Italian basil pesto to elevate the flavor.
Storage Directions
To preserve the freshness of your sandwich, it’s essential to handle it properly. When storing, keep it refrigerated at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) and consume within two days for optimal quality. As for freezing, unfortunately, this sandwich isn’t suitable for long-term storage due to its high moisture content. The delicate greens and soft bread will likely become soggy or wilted upon thawing, compromising the overall texture and flavor of your sandwich.
Italian Pressed Picnic Sandwich FAQs
While it’s not essential to use a panini press for Italian picnic sandwiches, having one can certainly come in handy. If you do have access to a panini press, simply turn off the heat function and let it do its magic to compact the sandwich. Alternatively, a heavy skillet like a cast iron one can also be used to achieve a similar result. The reason behind pressing these delightful sandwiches is quite simple: they’re hearty and packed with fillings, which can make for a messy eating experience if not compressed properly. By pressing the sandwich, you’ll help the bread hold its fillings in place, making it easier to take a bite without everything falling apart. This also allows you to fit more of the sandwich into your mouth, as the compressed shape makes it more compact and manageable.
Pressed Italian Sandwiches Recipe
Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwiches
Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Italy with these delectable pressed sandwiches, ideal for summer excursions or a satisfying lunch. With minimal preparation time and no cooking required, this recipe is perfect for busy individuals seeking a delightful meal on-the-go.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours and 15 minutes (including marinating time)
Servings: 6
Instructions
To create this Italian-inspired panini, start by splitting a loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Place the bread halves on several sheets of plastic wrap draped over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Next, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, half of the oregano, minced garlic, and half of the parsley with a pinch of salt and pepper in a mason jar. Shake the mixture well to emulsify the flavors. Drizzle the top half of the bread with the olive oil mixture, then line the bottom half with fresh basil leaves and top it with arugula. Spread the remaining olive salad over the top half, followed by sliced cheese. Add salami, ham, and Capicola on top of the bottom half, finishing with sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle the remaining oregano, parsley, and a pinch of pepper to taste. Wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap and weigh it down using a cast-iron skillet or similar heavy object. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. To press the panini, remove the plastic wrap, then tightly wrap it in parchment paper and secure with kitchen twine before slicing and serving.