Description
Homemade toasted Italian sandwich delivers classic Mediterranean flavors between crispy bread layers. Melted cheeses, savory meats, and zesty condiments combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 slices chicken breast or turkey deli slices
Cheese and Dairy:
- 4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) mayonnaise
Bread and Base:
- 2 ciabatta or Italian bread rolls
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 roasted red bell pepper, sliced
- 4 slices fresh tomato
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh baby spinach or arugula
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the grill pan or sandwich press to medium-high heat, ensuring an even cooking surface.
- Carefully slice the ciabatta rolls horizontally, creating two equal halves for optimal sandwich construction.
- Delicately brush the interior cut sides of each roll with a light coating of olive oil to enhance flavor and promote crispy texture.
- Apply a uniform layer of mayonnaise across the inner surfaces of the rolls, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning for aromatic depth.
- Strategically arrange layers of protein (chicken or turkey), followed by cheese, roasted red bell pepper, fresh tomato slices, and vibrant spinach leaves.
- Gently press the sandwich halves together, creating a compact structure that will toast evenly.
- Position the assembled sandwich onto the preheated grill pan or sandwich press, applying gentle pressure to ensure consistent contact.
- Toast for approximately 3-5 minutes, watching carefully until the bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese melts completely.
- Remove from heat, slice diagonally to create two triangular halves, and serve immediately while warm alongside your preferred accompaniment.
Notes
- Customize the sandwich by swapping out protein for vegetarian options like grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based version.
- Ensure even toasting by applying consistent pressure when pressing the sandwich, creating a crispy exterior and melty interior.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone, mozzarella, or goat cheese to add unique flavor profiles and textures.
- For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps while maintaining the same delicious ingredient combinations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg