If you love muffulettas, this vibrant Focaccia Sandwich is definitely for you.
Sandwiches are really the bread and butter of anyone’s staple diet… no pun intended. No really! Whether you’re looking for a food to eat on the go, a nourishing meal to fill you up, a dish full of flavor and entirely customizable, or a simple, plain-Jane option for the pickiest of eaters, sandwiches are your answer to most of life’s conundrums. And they’re delicious too, from the simplest of grilled cheeses to the tallest, most glorious Italian subs (or heroes or hoagies, depending on where you’re from).
Basically, it’s hard to go wrong with a sandwich, but it’s hard to get it just right too, especially the more components you pack into a sandwich. It’s all about the ratios, and that’s where this recipe comes in.
This sandwich pairs the highest quality of fillings with one of my favorite breads, focaccia. While focaccia bread is a great thing to enjoy on its own or dipped in a little herb-infused olive oil, it’s also robust enough to hold up in a sandwich such as this one and make each bite memorable.
Where does focaccia come from?
A distinctive, herb-scattered flatbread, focaccia is one of the most well-known items from Italian cuisine. And, like many other Italian specialties, it has a long history. Historians trace focaccia all the way back to the Roman Empire, when a bread known as panis focacius was traditionally baked on a hearth. Taking its name from the hearth (called focus in Latin), the name eventually evolved into focaccia by the 14th century. Today, focaccia is a well-known and much-loved bread, found in bakeries and delis right across the world.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to 3 days. As long as you assemble it as instructed in the recipe, the sandwich shouldn’t get soggy or fall apart.
Serving suggestions
This focaccia is, well, a meal in and of itself, but whether you’re a little extra hungry or perhaps wanting to vary it up, it also pairs well with a host of sides. Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries or Homemade Potato Chips are the perfect accompaniment to all sandwiches. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try an Italian Caprese Salad or an Apple-Cranberry-Walnut Salad that helps you pack in your veggies and fruit.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto, homemade or store bought
- 1 piece focaccia bread, approximately 4 inches, sliced in half lengthwise
- 2 slices ham or mortadella
- 2-3 slices salami
- 1 ounce sliced fresh mozzarella
- 1 roasted red pepper, sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced (optional)
- 1 handful arugula
- Balsamic glaze, as needed
Instructions
- Spread basil pesto evenly on both halves of the bread.
- Layer ham (or mortadella), salami, fresh mozzarella, roasted red pepper, tomato slices (if using), and arugula onto one half of the bread. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the arugula.
- Place the other half on top, press gently, cut into portions, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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