Best 2 Italian Pressed Sandwich Recipes

The Italian pressed sandwich, also known as the panini, is a classic Italian dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. This sandwich is made with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and it is pressed in a panini press until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. The result is a delicious and filling sandwich that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes for Italian pressed sandwiches, so that you can create this classic dish in your own home.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ITALIAN PRESSED SANDWICH

Italian Pressed Sandwich image

Layer sliced deli meats such as soppressata or capocollo and provolone cheese for an Italian-American pressed sandwich-no cooking required!

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Turkey Recipes

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 loaf rustic boule (1 pound), halved horizontally
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Zest of 1 lemon (1 tablespoon), plus 3 tablespoons fresh juice
3 tablespoons capers, preferably salt-packed, rinsed and drained
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3 ounces thinly sliced turkey
3 ounces thinly sliced provolone
3 ounces thinly sliced spicy capocollo or soppressata
1 bunch watercress, thick stems removed, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
Potato chips and sliced fruit, such as figs, for serving

Steps:

Remove insides of bread halves; reserve for another use. Stir together mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, and capers in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Divide mixture evenly between top and bottom bread halves. Layer half of turkey, cheese, and capocollo on bottom, then repeat layering with remaining meats and cheese. Pack watercress into top half; layer with tomato slices and season with salt and pepper.
Close sandwich. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Place a heavy skillet on top; press down to flatten sandwich slightly. Add several heavy canned goods to top of skillet. Let sit at least 45 minutes or, in refrigerator, up to 12 hours before unwrapping, slicing into wedges, and serving with chips and fruit.

PRESSED ITALIAN PICNIC SANDWICH WITH OLIVE RELISH

Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwich with Olive Relish image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories main-dish

Time 4h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 small celery rib, finely chopped
1 small clove garlic, finely grated
1 cup pitted olives, preferably a mix of colors, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 large loaf ciabatta, split horizontally
1/2 pound sliced provolone
2 to 3 ounces thinly sliced Genoa salami
2 to 3 ounces thinly sliced roasted turkey
2 to 3 ounces thinly sliced ham
2 to 3 ounces thinly sliced mortadella

Steps:

Stir together the celery, garlic, olives, parsley, olive oil and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl.
Put the bottom half of the ciabatta on a work surface. Arrange half of the cheese on the bread, then top with the salami, turkey, ham and mortadella. Top the meat with the remaining cheese and the olive relish. Cover the sandwich with the top of the ciabatta.
Wrap the sandwich tightly with plastic wrap and place it on a baking sheet. Place another baking sheet on top of the sandwich and weigh it down with a few large cans or a heavy skillet. Refrigerate the sandwich for at least 4 hours and up to 8.
When ready to serve, unwrap the sandwich and cut into 6 to 8 pieces

Tips:

Choose the right bread: A sturdy bread that can hold up to the fillings is essential for a pressed sandwich. Some good options include ciabatta, focaccia, or a baguette.
Don't skimp on the fillings: The fillings are what make a pressed sandwich special, so don't be afraid to be generous. Some popular fillings include sliced meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spreads.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will make your sandwich taste its best. If you can, try to use ingredients that are in season.
Press the sandwich evenly: When you press the sandwich, make sure to apply even pressure so that the fillings are evenly distributed.
Serve the sandwich warm: A pressed sandwich is best served warm, so it's a good idea to heat it up before eating.

Conclusion:

Pressed sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a variety of fillings to choose from, there's sure to be a pressed sandwich that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, give a pressed sandwich a try.