Focaccia Hero Sandwich

Focaccia Hero Sandwich Recipe - A Delicious Italian-American Fusion

Region / culture: Europe, Italy, USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Focaccia Hero Sandwich is a delicious and hearty sandwich that is perfect for lunch or dinner. This sandwich is made with a round Italian bread that is filled with creamy Italian dressing, lettuce, salami, cheese, turkey breast, tomato, and onion. It is a filling and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The Focaccia Hero Sandwich is a twist on the classic Italian hero sandwich. The hero sandwich, also known as a sub or grinder, is a popular sandwich that is typically made with a long roll of bread filled with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables. The Focaccia Hero Sandwich takes this concept and uses a round Italian bread instead of a long roll, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

1 (1 lb (454 g)) round focaccia bread or 1 (1 lb (454 g)) loaf italian bread
0.5 cup creamy italian salad dressing
12 lettuce leaves
4 oz (113 g) thinly sliced deli hard salami
10 (0.75 oz (21 g)) slices deli Land O'Lakes ® chedarella® or american cheese
8 oz (227 g) thinly sliced deli turkey breast
8 slices tomato
2 thin slices onion, separated into rings, red, white, or yellow only

How to prepare

Carefully slice the bread in half crosswise.
Spread creamy Italian dressing on the top and bottom halves of the bread.
To assemble, evenly layer the bottom bread half with 0.5 units of lettuce and the remaining ingredients.
Top with the remaining lettuce leaves and the bread half.
Secure with toothpicks.
Cut into wedges. Serve plain or with other side dishes or appetizers.

Variations

Add avocado slices or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Use different types of deli meats and cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Add a spread of pesto or mustard for an extra kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the bread carefully to ensure that it stays intact when assembling the sandwich.

- Use a sharp knife to slice the ingredients thinly for easy layering.

- Secure the sandwich with toothpicks to hold it together while cutting and serving.

- Serve the sandwich with a side of chips or a salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Focaccia Hero Sandwich with a side of chips, a salad, or a cup of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to evenly layer the ingredients to ensure that each bite has a good mix of flavors.

- Press the sandwich down slightly after assembling to help hold it together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use your favorite deli meats and cheeses in place of the ones listed in the recipe.

- Use a different type of dressing or spread for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the sandwich ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the sandwich into wedges for a beautiful presentation. - Serve the sandwich on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or cherry tomatoes.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Focaccia Hero Sandwich with a glass of iced tea or a cold beer for a refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the sandwich in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

450 per serving

Carbohydrates

45g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This sandwich is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Contains wheat, dairy, and soy.

Summary

The Focaccia Hero Sandwich is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

The Focaccia Hero Sandwich is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. This sandwich is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Serve it with a side of chips, a salad, or a cup of soup for a complete meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, long before I had perfected my culinary skills and become the go-to cook in my family. I was visiting my dear friend Maria in Italy, and she invited me to a local market where we perused the vibrant stalls, filled with fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. It was there that I first laid eyes on the most delicious looking Focaccia Hero Sandwich.

The vendor, a friendly old man with a twinkle in his eye, told me that this sandwich was a specialty of the region and that it was made with love and care. I watched as he carefully assembled the sandwich, layering thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves on a warm, crusty focaccia bread. The aroma that wafted from the sandwich was intoxicating, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I begged the vendor for the recipe, but he simply smiled and shook his head, saying that it was a closely guarded family secret. Disappointed, I returned to Maria's home, determined to recreate the sandwich on my own. I spent hours experimenting in the kitchen, trying different combinations of ingredients and techniques, but nothing seemed to compare to the sandwich I had tasted at the market.

I confided in Maria, who could see how much this recipe meant to me. She suggested that we visit her grandmother, Nonna Lucia, who was known for her incredible cooking skills and vast repertoire of recipes. Nonna Lucia welcomed us into her cozy kitchen, where the smell of garlic and herbs filled the air. I explained my quest to recreate the Focaccia Hero Sandwich, and she smiled knowingly.

Nonna Lucia sat me down at her kitchen table and began to tell me the story of how she had learned to make the sandwich from her own grandmother many years ago. She explained that the key to a perfect Focaccia Hero Sandwich was in the bread – it had to be light and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy, golden crust on the outside. She showed me her secret recipe for focaccia bread, a simple yet magical combination of flour, yeast, olive oil, and salt.

As the dough rose in the warm kitchen, Nonna Lucia taught me how to layer the sandwich with the freshest ingredients, emphasizing the importance of using high-quality prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. She showed me how to drizzle the sandwich with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle it with a touch of sea salt before serving. I watched in awe as she assembled the sandwich with precision and care, her hands moving with the skill of a seasoned chef.

When the sandwich was finally ready, Nonna Lucia cut it into generous slices and served it to us on a rustic wooden platter. The first bite was heavenly – the flavors of the fresh ingredients melded together perfectly, and the focaccia bread was light and airy, with a satisfying crunch. I knew that I had found the recipe I had been searching for, and I vowed to cherish it and pass it down to future generations.

As I sat at Nonna Lucia's kitchen table, savoring every bite of the delicious Focaccia Hero Sandwich, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary traditions that had been passed down through the generations. I realized that food has the power to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to the world around us. And so, armed with Nonna Lucia's recipe and the memories of that special day in Italy, I returned home with a renewed passion for cooking and a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasures of a homemade meal.