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Stanley Tucci's Favourite Sandwich

Featured in Small bites and starters.

This elegant sandwich, favored by Stanley Tucci, transforms simple Italian ingredients into a memorable meal. The recipe starts with crusty sourdough bread, buttered and filled with a generous combination of fresh and grated mozzarella for optimal melting. Thin slices of prosciutto add a savory depth, while fresh basil pesto brings bright, herbal notes. Fresh basil leaves provide an aromatic finish. The sandwich is slowly grilled until golden and crispy on the outside, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly inside. It's a testament to the Italian way of cooking - using few but high-quality ingredients to create something extraordinary.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:56:44 GMT
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Stanley Tucci’s favorite sandwich, a gourmet combination of flavors in every bite. pin it
Stanley Tucci’s favorite sandwich, a gourmet combination of flavors in every bite. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Let me share this incredible sandwich that captures the essence of Italian flavors in every bite. Stanley Tucci's favorite sandwich combines the saltiness of prosciutto, the creaminess of melted mozzarella, and the aromatic freshness of basil into what might be the perfect grilled cheese upgrade.

I've made countless variations of grilled cheese, but after trying this version, it's become my go-to when I want something special. The combination of two types of cheese creates an incredible texture that's both creamy and stretchy.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Sourdough: Choose a fresh loaf with a sturdy crust
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Pat it dry to prevent a soggy sandwich
  • Grated Cheese: Use a sharp variety for extra flavor
  • Prosciutto: Look for thinly sliced, high-quality cuts
  • Fresh Basil: Adds brightness and aroma
  • European-Style Butter: Higher fat content creates better browning
A sandwich inspired by Stanley Tucci, featuring bold and delicious ingredients. pin it
A sandwich inspired by Stanley Tucci, featuring bold and delicious ingredients. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sandwich Assembly (5 minutes):
Slice bread to medium thickness. Layer grated cheese first. Add prosciutto in loose folds. Place fresh mozzarella slices. Add basil leaves and pesto. Close sandwich carefully.
Preparation for Cooking (2 minutes):
Butter outside of bread evenly. Ensure butter reaches edges. Press sandwich gently. Heat pan over medium.
Cooking Process (10 minutes):
Place sandwich in preheated pan. Press occasionally with spatula. Flip when golden brown. Cook until cheese melts completely.
Finishing Touches (1 minute):
Let rest briefly. Cut diagonally. Serve immediately. Add fresh basil if desired.

My favorite discovery was adding a thin layer of pesto to both bread slices - it creates an incredible flavor that seeps into every bite.

Final Thoughts: This isn't just any grilled cheese - it's an elevation of a classic that proves simple ingredients, treated with care, can create something truly memorable. Whether you're a fan of Stanley Tucci or just appreciate good food, this sandwich is sure to become a regular in your cooking repertoire.

Stanley Tucci's go-to sandwich, a simple yet flavorful recipe for sandwich lovers. pin it
Stanley Tucci's go-to sandwich, a simple yet flavorful recipe for sandwich lovers. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best bread to use?
A good quality sourdough or crusty Italian bread works best as it can stand up to the fillings and grilling.
→ Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, though fresh basil pesto will give the best flavor. Use a high-quality store-bought pesto if needed.
→ Why use two types of cheese?
Fresh mozzarella provides creaminess while grated cheese ensures even melting and adds extra flavor.
→ Can I make this ahead?
This sandwich is best served immediately while the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
→ What can I serve with this sandwich?
A simple green salad or cup of tomato soup makes a perfect accompaniment to this rich sandwich.

Stanley Tucci's Italian Pesto Sandwich

A luxurious grilled sandwich featuring fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and basil pesto on buttery toasted sourdough bread, inspired by Stanley Tucci.

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


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 1 Servings (1 sandwich)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a pan over low-medium heat.

Step 02

Butter one side of a bread slice. Flip it butter-side down and layer with grated cheese, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella slices, basil leaves, and pesto. Season with salt and pepper. Top with second bread slice and butter its outside face.

Step 03

Place in pan and cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden and crunchy outside with melted cheese inside.

Notes

  1. This is Stanley Tucci's favorite sandwich - an Italian-inspired combination of pesto, fresh mozzarella, and prosciutto on crusty bread, grilled until perfectly crispy outside and melty inside.

Tools You'll Need

  • Frying pan
  • Butter knife

Allergy Information

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