Sourdough Picnic Loaf

Swiss Sourdough Picnic Loaf Recipe with Ham and Swiss Cheese

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sourdough Picnic Loaf is a delicious and convenient meal that is perfect for picnics, parties, or any gathering. This recipe features a flavorful combination of sourdough bread, deli swiss cheese, ham, and vegetable salad, all layered together to create a tasty and satisfying dish.

History

The Sourdough Picnic Loaf has been a popular choice for picnics and gatherings for many years. This recipe is a twist on the classic sandwich, with the addition of sourdough bread adding a tangy and unique flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) round loaf sourdough bread, cut in half horizontally
0.25 cup italian salad dressing
2 lettuce leaves
0.5 lb thinly sliced Land o Lakes® deli swiss cheese
0.5 lb thinly sliced Deli honey ham or cooked ham
8 oz Deli vinaigrette vegetable salad, coarsely chopped, drained

How to prepare

Scoop out the center of both halves of the bread, leaving a 0.5 inch shell.
Brush both cut sides of the bread with salad dressing.
Layer the bottom half of the bread with 1 lettuce leaf, half of the cheese, half of the ham, vegetable salad, remaining ham, remaining cheese, and 1 lettuce leaf.
Cover with the top half of the bread.
To serve, cut into 6 wedges.

Variations

Add sliced tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor and freshness.
Use different types of cheese or deli meats to create your own unique combination.
Add a spread such as mustard or mayonnaise for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the vegetable salad well before adding it to the loaf to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite deli meats or cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

- For a vegetarian option, you can omit the ham and add more vegetables or a meat alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sourdough Picnic Loaf with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the ingredients in the correct order ensures that each bite of the loaf is flavorful and well-balanced.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute any type of bread for the sourdough bread, or use a gluten-free option if needed. You can also use different types of cheese or deli meats to suit your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Sourdough Picnic Loaf ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for picnics or parties.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the loaf into wedges and arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an extra touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Sourdough Picnic Loaf with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect picnic meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the loaf in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sourdough Picnic Loaf contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sourdough Picnic Loaf contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sourdough Picnic Loaf contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Sourdough Picnic Loaf contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, dairy, and soy allergens.

Summary

Sourdough Picnic Loaf is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sourdough Picnic Loaf is a delicious and convenient meal option that is perfect for picnics, parties, or any gathering. With its flavorful combination of sourdough bread, deli swiss cheese, ham, and vegetable salad, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Sourdough Picnic Loaf. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining brightly, and I had decided to take a leisurely stroll through the park. As I sat on a bench, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, I noticed a group of elderly ladies sitting nearby, chatting and laughing as they shared a picnic lunch.

Curious, I approached them and struck up a conversation. They were a delightful group of women who had been friends for many years. As we chatted, one of the ladies, Mrs. Thompson, mentioned that she had brought a special loaf of bread for their picnic. She called it her "Sourdough Picnic Loaf" and said it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations.

Intrigued, I asked Mrs. Thompson if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. With a smile, she agreed and began to tell me about how the recipe had come to be a beloved tradition in her family.

She explained that many years ago, her great-grandmother had immigrated to America from Germany. She brought with her a treasured sourdough starter that had been passed down through the generations. This sourdough starter was the key ingredient in the family's famous picnic loaf.

Mrs. Thompson described how her great-grandmother would spend hours kneading the dough, letting it rise, and baking it to perfection. The result was a deliciously tangy, chewy loaf of bread that was perfect for picnics and gatherings with family and friends.

As she spoke, I could almost smell the warm, yeasty aroma of the sourdough bread baking in the oven. Mrs. Thompson's eyes sparkled with pride as she described the joy and comfort that the Sourdough Picnic Loaf had brought to her family over the years.

After hearing her story, I knew that I had to try making the Sourdough Picnic Loaf for myself. Mrs. Thompson kindly wrote down the recipe for me on a scrap of paper, and I tucked it carefully into my pocket before saying goodbye to the lovely group of ladies.

When I returned home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work making the Sourdough Picnic Loaf. I could feel the love and tradition of Mrs. Thompson's family recipe as I kneaded the dough and let it rise. The whole process was a labor of love, and I poured my heart and soul into each step.

Finally, after hours of waiting and anticipation, the Sourdough Picnic Loaf emerged from the oven, golden brown and steaming hot. I could hardly wait to taste it!

As I sliced into the loaf and took my first bite, I was transported back to that sunny day in the park, surrounded by laughter and friendship. The tangy, chewy bread was unlike anything I had ever tasted, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in my own family.

Since that day, I have made the Sourdough Picnic Loaf countless times, sharing it with loved ones and passing on the recipe to anyone who asks. Each time I bake it, I am reminded of the generosity and warmth of Mrs. Thompson and her friends, and I am grateful for the connection that this simple loaf of bread has brought into my life.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in the park, I can't help but smile. The Sourdough Picnic Loaf has become more than just a recipe to me - it is a symbol of tradition, love, and the joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear. And for that, I will always be grateful.