No picnic would be complete without this hearty Focaccia Sandwich!
A few summers ago, I was planning a birthday gathering for my mom. Since it was gorgeous weather, and we had a variety of schedules to accommodate, I decided to host a picnic in one of our city’s beautiful old urban parks and invited guests to stay for the free Shakespeare play after. For the main course, I made a big focaccia sandwich and wrapped it up in plastic. Once we arrived at the park, I sliced and served. Easy, slightly fancy, and delicious!
Focaccia, which is a type of flatbread, has been around for centuries. Its northern Italian origin dates back to the Roman Empire. It’s a fairly hearty flatbread with a slight rise and soft, almost cake-like interior. Because it’s made with olive oil, it is a great option for make-ahead sandwiches like this one, since it won’t dry out.
You will love this focaccia sandwich because it’s not only perfect for making ahead, but it’s also a step above your usual ham and Swiss. Pick up the ready-made pesto, a jar of roasted peppers, and the other filling ingredients from your local deli or supermarket, and you’ve got the makings of a gourmet treat, without any hassle. An added bonus is that this sandwich recipe duplicates easily if you need to serve a crowd.
What Is Balsamic Glaze?
If you haven’t used balsamic glaze before, you are in for a treat. It is a condiment in its own right, created by cooking down regular balsamic vinegar into a concentrated, viscous syrup. You can find it in the vinegar or condiment aisle of most supermarkets. Because of its texture, you can drizzle it with ease, and the flavor packs a delightfully tart punch. It’s perfect for focaccia sandwiches, salads, bruschetta, or any number of other dishes.
FAQs & Tips
How To Make Ahead And Store
To make ahead, do not cut into smaller portions. Simply lay out a large piece of plastic wrap and place the entire assembled sandwich onto it. Wrap tightly, using an extra layer of wrap to ensure freshness. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and slice before serving. The sandwich will stay good for up to 2 days when refrigerated. Freezing is not advised.
How Can I Make This Vegetarian?
If you would like this to be a vegetarian sandwich, leave out the prosciutto and replace it with another type of cheese (a smoky provolone works well) or grilled portobello mushrooms. Follow the instructions as directed otherwise.
Tip: Use a Serrated Knife
When slicing into smaller portions, use a serrated bread knife. Using this kind of knife helps keep the slices clean and ensures the sandwich holds together better.
Serving Suggestions
While I normally use store-bought focaccia, you can certainly go all in and make your own for this recipe. Even if you’re a novice baker, homemade Focaccia is easy to make. As for what to serve alongside focaccia sandwiches, this Bruschetta Pasta Salad is delicious, or go green with a classic Caesar Salad. Especially for a picnic, go with sides that keep well, like this Citrus-Mint Fruit Salad or even just chilled, sliced melon. Sometimes, simple is best.
Focaccia Sandwich
Ingredients Â
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1 large focaccia bread sliced horizontally
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers sliced
- 1 cup arugula
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
InstructionsÂ
- Spread basil pesto evenly on both cut sides of the focaccia bread.
- On the bottom half of the bread, layer the mozzarella slices, followed by prosciutto, roasted red peppers, and arugula.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the arugula.
- Place the top half of the focaccia on the sandwich. Press gently to adhere the ingredients together.
- Cut into individual portions and serve immediately.
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