This loaded baked Italian sandwich is a warm, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or casual lunches. It combines layers of salami, ham, green olives, tomatoes, eggs, and mozzarella cheese, all nestled between slices of white bread and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy a hearty sandwich with a melty, cheesy filling.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of white bread (about 12-14 inches long)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 150g (about 5.3 ounces) salami, thinly sliced
- 150g (about 5.3 ounces) cooked ham, chopped
- 150g (about 5.3 ounces) green olives, pitted and sliced
- 3 large chicken eggs
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- A few fresh basil leaves
- 100g (about 3.5 ounces) hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the loaf of white bread horizontally to create a top and bottom half.
- Spread the Sauces:
- Spread the ketchup evenly on the cut side of the bottom half of the bread.
- Spread the mayonnaise evenly on the cut side of the top half of the bread.
- Layer the Meats and Olives:
- Layer the salami slices evenly over the ketchup-spread bottom half of the bread.
- Sprinkle the chopped ham over the salami.
- Scatter the sliced green olives over the ham.
- Add the Eggs:
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the meat and olive layer.
- Add Tomatoes and Basil:
- Slice the tomatoes into rounds and place them on top of the egg layer.
- Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the tomatoes.
- Add the Cheese:
- Grate the hard mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it generously over the basil leaves.
- Optional: Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the cheese for added richness.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Carefully place the top half of the bread (mayonnaise side down) over the layered ingredients to assemble the sandwich.
- Wrap in Foil:
- Wrap the entire sandwich tightly in aluminum foil, ensuring it’s completely sealed. This will help the cheese melt and the flavors meld.
- Bake:
- Place the wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is lightly toasted.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the foil-wrapped sandwich from the oven and carefully unwrap it.
- Allow the sandwich to cool slightly for a few minutes before slicing it into servings. This will make it easier to handle and prevent burns.
- Slice the sandwich into individual portions.
- Serve the warm and delicious sandwich to your family and enjoy their delight!
Nutritional Facts:
(Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 400-500 kcal
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sodium: 800-1200mg (depending on the meats and cheese)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Hearty and Satisfying: A warm and filling sandwich perfect for family meals.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt the ingredients to your preferences.
- Fun and Family-Friendly: A great way to get kids involved in cooking.
- Convenient: Perfect for casual lunches or dinners.
Health Benefits of:
- Protein-Rich: Meats, eggs, and cheese provide a good source of protein.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes and olives offer essential vitamins and minerals.
- Calcium: Mozzarella cheese is a source of calcium.
Serving Suggestions of:
- Serve with a side salad or coleslaw.
- Pair with potato chips or French fries.
- Serve with pickle spears or a side of olives.
- Enjoy with a bowl of soup.
Tips:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose good quality meats and cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the sandwich to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
- Seal Tightly: Ensure the foil is tightly sealed to keep the moisture in and help the cheese melt.
- Let it Rest: Allow the sandwich to cool slightly before slicing to make it easier to handle.
Variations to Try:
- Use Different Meats: Try using pepperoni, prosciutto, or turkey.
- Add Vegetables: Include bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- Use Different Cheeses: Try using provolone, cheddar, or Swiss cheese.
- Add Condiments: Use mustard, pesto, or a spicy aioli.
- Use Different Bread: Try using a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough bread.
Conclusion:
This loaded baked Italian sandwich is a delicious and easy way to create a hearty meal for your family. With its customizable ingredients and warm, melty filling, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and find your favorite combination.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?
- It’s best to assemble and bake this sandwich just before serving.
- Can I use pre-sliced mozzarella?
- Yes, you can use pre-sliced mozzarella, but freshly grated mozzarella melts better.
- Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
- Can I make this sandwich without eggs?
- The eggs act as a binder, but you can omit them if you prefer. The sandwich may be slightly less cohesive.
- How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
- Ensure the sandwich is tightly wrapped in foil and don’t overfill it.
- Can I add a sauce inside the sandwich?
- Yes, you can add marinara sauce, pesto, or a spicy aioli.
- Can I use a different type of olive?
- Yes, you can use black olives or any other variety you prefer.