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Favorite Italian Sandwich

Featured in Sandwiches Worth Making at Home.

This simple yet refined sandwich lets fresh Italian ingredients shine. Start with crispy sourdough, buttered for a golden crust. Fill it with two kinds of mozzarella that melt beautifully together. Add thin slices of prosciutto for a rich, salty layer. Spoon vibrant basil pesto over the top for fresh, herbal notes. A few basil leaves are the final touch before grilling the sandwich until crunchy outside and gooey inside. It’s about quality ingredients coming together to create something special.
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Updated on Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:34:43 GMT
A decadent Italian sandwich inspired by Stanley Tucci, packed with flavor in every bite. Pin it
A decadent Italian sandwich inspired by Stanley Tucci, packed with flavor in every bite. | cookbybook.com

I'm excited to tell you about this amazing sandwich that brings together the best Italian flavors you can imagine. This sandwich, adored by Stanley Tucci, mixes the salty kick of prosciutto with gooey melted mozzarella and the bright punch of fresh basil - it's basically a fancy grilled cheese that'll knock your socks off.

I've tried making grilled cheese a million different ways, but this version is now my favorite when I want to treat myself. Having two different cheeses really does something magical - you get that creamy center with stretchy cheese pulls that dreams are made of.

Must-Have Ingredients Breakdown

  • Sourdough: Grab a nice loaf with a good firm outside
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Wipe it down to keep your sandwich from getting wet
  • Grated Cheese: Pick something with a bite for better taste
  • Prosciutto: Go for super thin, top-quality slices
  • Fresh Basil: Gives that pop of freshness
  • European-Style Butter: The extra fat makes the outside crispier
A mouth-watering Stanley Tucci-inspired sandwich packed with flavorful Italian ingredients. Pin it
A mouth-watering Stanley Tucci-inspired sandwich packed with flavorful Italian ingredients. | cookbybook.com

Easy Cooking Walkthrough

Sandwich Assembly (5 minutes):
Cut bread into medium slices. Start with a layer of the grated cheese. Arrange prosciutto in ripples. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella. Scatter basil leaves and add pesto. Put the top slice on carefully.
Preparation for Cooking (2 minutes):
Spread butter all over the outside of bread. Make sure you get butter right to the edges. Lightly squish the sandwich. Warm up your pan on medium heat.
Cooking Process (10 minutes):
Drop sandwich into hot pan. Push down now and then with a spatula. Turn it when it's golden underneath. Keep cooking until all the cheese is melted.
Finishing Touches (1 minute):
Set aside momentarily. Slice from corner to corner. Eat while hot. Toss on extra basil if you want.

The game-changer for me was spreading a bit of pesto on both bread pieces - it sends amazing flavor through every single bite.

Bottom Line: This isn't your everyday grilled cheese - it's a fancy version that shows how basic stuff can turn into something amazing when you're a bit careful with it. Whether you follow Stanley Tucci or just love tasty food, this sandwich will probably become something you make again and again.

A delicious Italian-inspired sandwich that's become Stanley Tucci's favorite quick meal. Pin it
A delicious Italian-inspired sandwich that's become Stanley Tucci's favorite quick meal. | cookbybook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the ideal bread for this?
Use sourdough or crusty Italian bread to handle the fillings and grill well.
→ Can I use store pesto instead?
Absolutely, but fresh basil pesto gives the best flavor. Pick a high-quality jarred pesto if pressed for time.
→ Why include two kinds of cheese?
Fresh mozzarella gives a creamy texture, while grated cheese melts evenly and boosts flavor.
→ Can I prepare it ahead?
It’s best enjoyed fresh when the cheese is melted and bread is crispy.
→ What goes well with this meal?
Pair it with a light green salad or a cup of comforting tomato soup.

Favorite Italian Sandwich

A gourmet delight with buttery, toasted bread filled with creamy mozzarella, savory prosciutto, and herby pesto inspired by Stanley Tucci.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 1 Servings (1 sandwich)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 Butter for spreading
02 3 slices prosciutto
03 1 handful grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere)
04 Salt and pepper to taste
05 1/2 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
06 2 tablespoons fresh basil pesto
07 4-5 fresh basil leaves
08 2 slices crusty bread or good sourdough

Instructions

Step 01

Set a pan on the stove over medium-low heat.

Step 02

Spread butter on one side of a bread slice. Place it butter-side down, then add the grated cheese, prosciutto, mozzarella slices, basil leaves, and pesto. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before finishing it off with another buttered bread slice, butter facing outward.

Step 03

Cook the sandwich in the pan for roughly 5 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and crunchy on the outside, while the cheese is gooey inside.

Notes

  1. Stanley Tucci loves this grilled creation! A mix of mozzarella, basil pesto, and prosciutto on sourdough makes for a crispy, melty Italian-style delight.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pan for cooking
  • Small knife for butter

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (e.g. butter, mozzarella)
  • Includes gluten (e.g. bread)