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When Stanley Tucci revealed his ultimate sandwich creation on my Desert Island Dishes podcast, I knew we had struck culinary gold. This isn't just any grilled cheese – it's an Italian-inspired masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of melted mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and fresh basil creates what Stanley describes as his perfect last meal, and after making it countless times in my own kitchen, I completely understand why.
The first time I recreated this sandwich after our interview, the aroma of melting cheese and toasting sourdough filled my kitchen, and I knew this recipe needed to be shared with the world.
Essential Ingredients
- Sourdough bread: Provides sturdy structure and delightful chewiness
- Fresh mozzarella: Creates that coveted cheese pull and creamy texture
- Aged cheese: Adds depth and sharp flavor that complements the mild mozzarella
- Fresh basil pesto: Brings bright, herbal notes without overwhelming
- Prosciutto: Delivers perfect saltiness and delicate texture
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds aromatic freshness and visual appeal
- European-style butter: Creates that irresistible golden crust
Sandwich Assembly Process
- Layering Your Masterpiece:
- Begin with room temperature ingredients, carefully layering your cheeses and prosciutto on freshly sliced sourdough. This foundation is crucial for even melting.
- Adding The Aromatics:
- Distribute fresh basil leaves and a gentle spread of pesto, allowing their flavors to mingle with the cheese as it melts.
- Perfecting The Exterior:
- Brush each outer surface with softened butter, ensuring complete coverage for that coveted golden crust.
- Creating Magic:
- Toast slowly over medium heat, allowing the ingredients to meld together while developing a perfectly crispy exterior.
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My kitchen experiments have shown that pressing gently with a spatula during cooking helps achieve that professional-level crispiness Stanley described.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this masterpiece with a light arugula salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or alongside a small bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
Make It Your Own
Experiment with different Italian cured meats like speck or bresaola, or try incorporating roasted red peppers for a sweet contrast to the salty prosciutto.
Keep It Fresh
While best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare all ingredients in advance and assemble just before cooking. Never pre-assemble and store, as this will compromise the bread's texture.
After making countless versions of this sandwich since my interview with Stanley, I've learned that patience truly is the secret ingredient. This isn't just lunch – it's an experience that demonstrates how a few quality ingredients, treated with respect, can create something truly memorable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best bread to use?
- A good quality sourdough or crusty bread works best as it can stand up to the fillings and gets perfectly crispy.
- → Why use two types of cheese?
- Fresh mozzarella provides flavor while grated cheese helps create the perfect melty texture.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto?
- While fresh is best, a good quality store-bought pesto will work fine.
- → Why cook on low-medium heat?
- This allows the cheese to melt properly while getting the bread perfectly golden and crispy without burning.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
- Best served immediately while hot and crispy, but you can prep ingredients ahead of time.