Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a sandwich that effortlessly combines crispy, melty, fresh, and savory flavors, then you are in for a treat with Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich. This delightful creation features the perfect harmony of crisp sourdough, lush layers of mozzarella and cheddar, fragrant basil pesto, and the salty richness of prosciutto. Each bite takes you on a delicious journey, celebrating fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques that yield a gourmet experience right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—from the crunchy sourdough bread providing structure and texture, to the combination of cheeses creating a melty, flavorful center, and the basil pesto bringing fresh herbaceous notes that brighten every bite.

• 2 slices good sourdough/crusty bread: Choose bread with a sturdy crust to hold all your fillings without getting soggy.
• 1/2 ball of fresh mozzarella: Use fresh and soft mozzarella for that creamy, mild cheese layer that melts beautifully.
• 1 handful of grated cheddar/mozzarella/gruyere: This blend adds complexity and extra gooeyness to the sandwich’s texture.
• 2 tbsp fresh basil pesto: Adds a vibrant, aromatic punch of flavor that elevates the whole sandwich.
• 3 slices of prosciutto: This thinly sliced cured meat adds a salty, savory richness that perfectly offsets the cheeses.
• 4-5 basil leaves (to top): Fresh basil leaves introduce a bright herbaceous freshness, balancing the richness.
• Butter: Essential for creating that irresistible golden, crispy crust when frying the sandwich.

How to Make Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Spread Butter

Begin by heating your pan over low to medium heat so it’s ready to crisp the sandwich gently without burning. Take one slice of your sourdough bread and generously spread butter on one side. This buttered side will face down in the pan to start forming that golden crust we all love.

Step 2: Layer the Cheeses and Prosciutto

Flip the buttered slice so the butter side is down on a clean surface or plate. On the unbuttered side, first sprinkle the grated cheese blend evenly. Then lay down the tender prosciutto slices followed by thin slices of fresh mozzarella laid out carefully for even coverage. Top with the fresh basil leaves, then spread the two tablespoons of basil pesto to bring that signature herbal depth to the sandwich.

Step 3: Season and Assemble

Lightly sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper over your layered ingredients to enhance all those wonderful flavors. Then, place the second slice of bread on top, with its unbuttered side facing the fillings. Don’t forget to butter the top side of this bread, preparing it for that final golden crisp in the pan.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Carefully place the sandwich in your preheated pan. Let it fry for about 5 minutes on one side to develop a super crunchy outside and meltingly soft inside. Flip it gently using a spatula and cook for another 5 minutes until both sides are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted. This slow, steady cooking is the secret to achieving that irresistibly crisp crust with a gooey center.

How to Serve Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich

Garnishes

To enhance Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich visually and taste-wise, add a few fresh basil leaves on the plate or on top of the sandwich before serving. A light drizzle of olive oil or a small dollop of extra basil pesto on the side makes for a lovely accompaniment that guests can add to their bites for fresh herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple bowl of tomato soup. The acidity and freshness of these sides cut through the richness and provide a balanced meal that feels just right.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress friends or family, cut the sandwich diagonally into halves or quarters to show off the enticing layers of melted cheese and vibrant green basil pesto. Serving it on a rustic wooden board or wrapped in parchment for a picnic adds charm and makes the experience even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, you can store Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To help retain some of its crispness, avoid refrigerating the sandwich on a wet paper towel or plastic wrap wrapped tightly around the bread.

Freezing

Freezing this sandwich is possible that you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that the texture of the fresh basil and pesto may change slightly after thawing, but the cheese and bread hold up well.

Reheating

For the best reheated experience, reheat Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping often until warmed through and the outside regains its crispness. Avoid the microwave as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese overly melted without that lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute any of the cheeses?

Absolutely! While the original combination balances creaminess and sharpness, you can switch in cheeses like fontina, provolone, or even a mild gouda if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.

What if I don’t have prosciutto?

Feel free to use other deli meats such as ham or turkey for a milder flavor, though prosciutto’s salty richness gives the sandwich its authentic flair.

Is it necessary to use fresh basil pesto?

Fresh basil pesto really makes the flavors pop, but if you can’t find it, a high-quality store-bought pesto works well as a convenient alternative.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Of course! Simply omit the prosciutto and consider adding extra cheese or even grilled veggies like zucchini or roasted red peppers for more depth.

What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Stanley Tucci’s favourite is a good crusty sourdough that can hold up to the butter and fillings without falling apart. Avoid very soft sandwich bread for the best texture contrast.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to make Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich at home because it’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Whether it’s a cozy lunch or a quick dinner, this sandwich offers comfort and gourmet delight in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!

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