Stanley Tucci’s favourite sandwich is the kind of meal that makes you wonder why you’ve been settling for boring lunches all this time. I stumbled across this recipe while watching one of his cooking videos, and let me tell you, I made it the very next day. Henry walked into the kitchen while I was pulling this beauty off the pan, and he literally stopped mid-sentence to ask what smelled so good. The combo of crispy sourdough, melty mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and fresh pesto is just… chef’s kiss.
What I love most about this sandwich is how simple it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just good bread, quality cheese, and a few minutes of patience while it crisps up in the pan. Isabella and Emma have been asking me to make it for their school lunches (though I told them it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm). Even Noah, who usually picks at anything green, devoured his half without complaint. If you’re looking for more delicious sandwich ideas, check out my best chicken and avocado panini for another crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Sandwich Recipe
- Quick and easy Ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish
- Minimal ingredients Uses pantry staples and a few fresh items
- Perfectly crispy The buttered bread gets golden and crunchy while the cheese melts inside
- Loaded with flavor Pesto, prosciutto, and fresh basil create an Italian-inspired taste
- Customizable Swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand
- Family-friendly Even picky eaters love this melty, savory sandwich
Ingredients for Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich
- 2 slices good sourdough or crusty bread The foundation of this sandwich; choose a bread with a firm crust
- 1/2 ball of fresh mozzarella Creamy and melts beautifully
- 1 handful of grated cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere Optional but adds extra melty goodness and flavor
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil pesto Adds herby, garlicky richness
- 3 slices of prosciutto Salty, delicate, and pairs perfectly with cheese
- 4-5 basil leaves Fresh and aromatic
- Butter For that golden, crispy exterior
The key here is using fresh mozzarella. Don’t reach for the pre-shredded stuff in a bag. Trust me, the creamy texture of fresh mozz makes all the difference. I usually grab mine from the deli section at the grocery store.
How to Make Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich
Step 1: Heat a pan over low-medium heat. Take the first slice of bread and spread butter on one side.
Step 2: Flip the slice over so the butter side is down, then top with grated cheese, prosciutto, sliced fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and pesto.
Step 3: Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then top with the second slice of bread. Butter the top side of the bread.
Step 4: Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 5 minutes on each side until the outside is super crunchy and the inside is melty.
The trick is to keep the heat low enough that the bread doesn’t burn before the cheese melts. I learned this the hard way the first time I made it (let’s just say Henry got the burnt one and I made myself a second sandwich).
FAQs About Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich
Can I make Stanley Tucci’s favourite sandwich without prosciutto?
Yes, you can skip the prosciutto or replace it with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version. You could also use turkey or ham if you prefer a different deli meat.
What is the best bread to use for this sandwich?
A good sourdough or crusty artisan bread works best because it gets crispy on the outside while staying chewy inside. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it won’t hold up to the fillings or develop that signature crunch.
Can I use a different cheese instead of fresh mozzarella?
Yes, low-moisture mozzarella, cheddar, or gruyere all melt well and work great in this sandwich. You can even mix different cheeses for more depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Stanley Tucci’s favourite sandwich is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something incredible. The combination of crispy, buttery bread with melty cheese, salty prosciutto, and fresh pesto is pure magic. I’ve been making this on repeat since I first tried it, and it never gets old.
If you try this recipe, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram so I can see your creation! Save this to your Pinterest board so you can make it again and again.
Recipes You May Like
Easy Pita Pizza Recipe Perfect for quick lunches or snacks
Best Southwest Chicken Wrap Recipe Another handheld meal that’s packed with flavor
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipe A simple, protein-rich dinner the whole family will love
Happy cooking
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Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Sandwich
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Description
Stanley Tucci’s favourite sandwich is the kind of meal that makes you understand why simple Italian flavors never go out of style. This gourmet grilled cheese recipe takes the classic sandwich to a whole new level with layers of prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and a buttery, golden crust. It’s ready in about 15 minutes and requires just a handful of ingredients you probably already have.
Ingredients
- 2 slices good sourdough or crusty bread
- 1/2 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 handful grated cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil pesto
- 3 slices prosciutto
- 4–5 fresh basil leaves
- Butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a pan over low-medium heat. Take your first slice of bread and spread butter generously on one side.
- Flip the slice over so the buttered side faces down. Layer on the grated cheese first, then add the prosciutto slices, fresh mozzarella slices, basil leaves, and finally spread the pesto on top.
- Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over everything, then top with your second slice of bread. Butter the top side of this bread slice.
- Place the sandwich in your heated pan and cook for about 5 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the sandwich and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side until the cheese melts completely and the bread crisps up without burning.
Notes
Cook on low-medium heat to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts. Use quality sourdough or artisan bread for best results. Slice mozzarella evenly for better melting. Press down gently with a spatula while cooking to help everything meld together.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1280mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
