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Stanley Tucci's Favorite

Featured in Sandwiches: Simple to Gourmet.

This flavorful Tucci-inspired sandwich turns a few top-quality Italian ingredients into magic. Start with buttery sourdough, layering fresh and shredded mozzarella to achieve the perfect melt. Add thin prosciutto for a punch of salty flavor and a dollop of basil pesto to brighten it up. Don't forget fresh basil leaves for extra aroma. Grill it slowly until the bread is crispy golden outside and the cheese oozes inside. It's all about keeping it simple while letting great ingredients shine.
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Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 02:24:59 GMT
A rich, Italian-inspired sandwich adored by Stanley Tucci, featuring layers of irresistible flavor. Pin it
A rich, Italian-inspired sandwich adored by Stanley Tucci, featuring layers of irresistible flavor. | linacooks.com

I gotta tell you about this amazing sandwich that brings Italian flavors right to your kitchen. It's Tucci's personal favorite - a delicious combo of salty prosciutto, melty mozzarella, and fresh basil that takes grilled cheese to a whole new level.

I've tried tons of grilled cheese versions over the years, but this one's become my favorite when I need something extra nice. Using two different cheeses creates this incredible mix - it's gooey and stretchy in all the right ways.

Complete Ingredients Breakdown

  • Sourdough: Go for something with a nice firm crust
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Make sure to dry it off so your bread doesn't get mushy
  • Grated Cheese: Pick something with bite for extra tastiness
  • Prosciutto: Grab the thin-sliced, good stuff
  • Fresh Basil: Gives that pop of freshness
  • European-Style Butter: The extra fat makes everything brown better
A mouthwatering sandwich inspired by Tucci, loaded with flavorful Italian ingredients. Pin it
A mouthwatering sandwich inspired by Tucci, loaded with flavorful Italian ingredients. | linacooks.com

Easy Cooking Guidelines

Putting It Together (5 minutes):
Cut bread to moderate thickness. Start with the grated cheese on bottom. Add loosely folded prosciutto next. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella. Scatter basil leaves and spread pesto. Top with second bread slice.
Getting Ready to Cook (2 minutes):
Spread butter all over the outside. Don't miss the corners. Lightly press the sandwich down. Warm up your pan to medium heat.
Cooking Time (10 minutes):
Drop sandwich into warm pan. Push down now and then with spatula. When it's golden, flip it over. Cook until all cheese gets melty.
Final Steps (1 minute):
Let it sit a moment. Cut corner to corner. Eat while hot. Add extra basil if you want.

The biggest game-changer for me was spreading a thin coat of pesto on each slice of bread - it sends amazing flavor through every single bite.

Last thoughts: This isn't your everyday grilled cheese - it's a fancy upgrade that shows how basic ingredients can turn into something spectacular when you handle them right. Whether you follow Tucci or just love good eats, this sandwich will probably become part of your regular cooking lineup.

A simple yet impressive sandwich that's become Tucci's signature bite for sandwich enthusiasts. Pin it
A simple yet impressive sandwich that's become Tucci's signature bite for sandwich enthusiasts. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread works well?
Crusty sourdough or Italian bread is ideal since it holds up better to grilling and fillings.
→ Can I swap fresh pesto for store-bought?
Totally! Store-bought works in a pinch, but homemade fresh pesto gives a richer, brighter flavor.
→ Why mix fresh and shredded mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella makes it creamy, while shredded cheese helps it melt smoothly and adds a bit more punch.
→ Is this sandwich okay to prep early?
Not really. It's best hot off the grill with that crispy crust and melty cheese.
→ What pairs nicely with this meal?
Try a light green salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup for a balanced combo.

Italian Pesto Sandwich

This grilled treat combines buttery sourdough, creamy mozzarella, savory prosciutto, and fresh basil pesto for a mouthwatering meal inspired by Stanley Tucci.

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

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 1 Servings (1 sandwich)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 Butter for spreading
02 2 pieces of crusty bread or sourdough
03 A few leaves of fresh basil (4-5)
04 3 slices of prosciutto
05 2 tablespoons of basil pesto
06 1/2 ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced up
07 A handful of shredded cheese like gruyere, cheddar, or mozzarella
08 Salt and pepper for flavor

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up a frying pan on low to medium heat.

Step 02

Take a bread slice and butter one side. Put the buttered side down and stack it with shredded cheese, sliced mozzarella, prosciutto, pesto, and basil. Sprinkle some salt and pepper. Take the second slice, butter its outer side, and place it on top.

Step 03

Set it on the pan and cook for around 5 minutes per side. The outside should get crispy and golden while the cheese melts inside.

Notes

  1. Stanley Tucci loves this sandwich! A crunchy grilled combo packed with prosciutto, gooey mozzarella, and fresh pesto, all stuffed inside amazing crusty bread.

Tools You'll Need

  • A frying pan
  • Knife for spreading butter

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy from the mozzarella and butter
  • Bread contains gluten