ALMOST-FAMOUS TOMATO, BASIL AND MOZZARELLA FLATBREAD SANDWICHES

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Almost-Famous Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Flatbread Sandwiches image

In 1994, two American brothers stopped by a café in Paris named Così and, like countless others, became obsessed with its salty, chewy flatbread. They begged the owner to teach them his secrets, but he did them one better: He helped them set up shop in New York in 1996. The T.B.M. (short for tomato, basil and mozzarella) on the original menu was an instant hit, and it's still the top-selling sandwich at the chain's 137 stores. Chefs in Food Network Kitchens ate more than a few of them so they could re-create the recipe.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 4h40m

Yield 8 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/4-ounce packet active dry yeast
Pinch of sugar
3 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
Pinch of sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 medium tomatoes, sliced (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella, sliced
16 to 20 fresh basil leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Make the flatbread: Stir the yeast, sugar and 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110 degrees F) in a bowl. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Whisk the flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil and mix with your hands into a smooth dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap; set aside in a warm place until the dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until slightly elastic, dusting with more flour if the dough is too sticky to handle, about 5 minutes. Return the dough to the bowl, cover and set aside again until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Brush 2 baking sheets with olive oil. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, dusting with more flour if needed. Cut the dough in half and form into 2 balls. Roll out each ball into a 12-by-3-inch rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Transfer each dough rectangle to one of the prepared baking sheets and let rest, uncovered, until a dry crust forms on top, 1 hour, 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, position racks in the middle and lower thirds of the oven. Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the bottom rack and preheat to 475 degrees F for at least 40 minutes.
  • Press your fingertips through the dry crust on top of the dough to create a spotted pattern. Gently stretch each piece of dough into a 14-by-4-inch rectangle, then brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Put 1 baking sheet of dough on the pizza stone and bake until the bottom of the bread is golden brown, about 7 minutes. Transfer to the middle rack and continue baking until golden all over, about 5 more minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately brush the top of the bread with olive oil and sprinkle with salt; let cool on the baking sheet on a rack. Repeat with the remaining dough.
  • Make the dressing: Whisk the vinegar, mustard and dried basil in a bowl. Add the sugar and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil.
  • Assemble the sandwiches: Slice each flatbread in half horizontally and brush with the dressing. Top the bread bottoms with the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper and cover with the bread tops. Cut into pieces.

Desmond Faith
[email protected]

This flatbread is delicious!


Sujan Kumal
[email protected]

I love this flatbread because it's so easy to make. It's perfect for a quick and easy meal.


B Hey man
[email protected]

This flatbread is a great way to use up leftover ingredients.


Adam Alemu
[email protected]

I've made this flatbread several times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


AL ABEER WOOD ART&CRAFT
[email protected]

This flatbread is the perfect summer meal. It's light and refreshing, and it's always a hit with my guests.


Zoey And doggy
[email protected]

I love that this flatbread can be made with any type of toppings. I've used grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and even fruit.


starkworks
[email protected]

This flatbread is a great way to use up leftover tomatoes and basil.


Derrick Makhub
[email protected]

I've made this flatbread several times now, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.


Rebal Khalifeh
[email protected]

This flatbread is perfect for a party or a potluck. It's easy to make and can be served hot or cold.


Raees Mahi
[email protected]

I love the combination of flavors in this flatbread. The tomatoes and basil are fresh and summery, and the mozzarella is gooey and melted.


Bryan Kinder
[email protected]

This is my go-to recipe for flatbread. It's so simple, but it's always delicious.


Saifal Zamaan
[email protected]

I've made this flatbread for parties and potlucks, and it's always a hit. It's easy to make and transport, and everyone loves it.


Mulalo Charity
[email protected]

This flatbread is perfect for a quick and easy meal. I usually make it for lunch or dinner, and it's always a hit with my family.


Anindo Biswas
[email protected]

I love this recipe because it's so versatile. I've used different toppings, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and even fruit, and it's always delicious.


Jimmy Cole
[email protected]

This was my first time making flatbread, and it turned out great! The recipe was easy to follow, and the flatbread was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


Asser Abdelhaleem
[email protected]

I've made this flatbread several times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella is classic, and the bread is crispy and delicious.


Phelony Fawx
[email protected]

This flatbread was a hit at my last party! I used fresh tomatoes and basil from my garden, and the mozzarella was gooey and melted perfectly. Everyone loved it!