This Italian Pressed Sandwich is loaded with layers of cured meats, cheese, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, all pressed together to meld the flavors into a perfect, hearty sandwich. It’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches, as pressing the sandwich makes it easy to slice and pack.
Ingredients:
For the sandwich:
- 1 large round loaf of Italian bread or ciabatta
- 4-6 slices salami
- 4-6 slices prosciutto or mortadella
- 4-6 slices capicola or pepperoni
- 4-6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (from a jar, drained and patted dry)
- 1 cup arugula or fresh spinach
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup black or green olives, sliced (optional)
For the dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the bread:
- Slice the loaf of bread horizontally to create a top and bottom half. Scoop out some of the soft bread from the center of each half to make room for the fillings.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the sandwich:
- Brush the cut sides of the bread with the dressing to soak into the bread.
- Layer the bottom half of the bread with the sliced meats, starting with the salami, prosciutto (or mortadella), and capicola (or pepperoni).
- Add the cheese slices on top of the meats, followed by the roasted red peppers, arugula (or spinach), red onion, and olives (if using).
- Press the sandwich:
- Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich and wrap the entire sandwich tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the sandwich in the fridge and weigh it down with a heavy skillet, pan, or cans to press it down. Let it chill and press for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Slice and serve:
- Once pressed, unwrap the sandwich and slice it into wedges or slices. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy this flavorful, layered Italian Pressed Sandwich as a perfect make-ahead meal for any occasion! The flavors intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
