Ciabatta Sandwich Recipes

Craving a hearty and flavorful sandwich? Look no further than this irresistible Ciabatta Sandwich featuring sun-dried tomato pesto, layered deli meats, fresh mozzarella, and tangy brined chillies.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or any occasion, this sandwich is a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a fan of prosciutto, turkey, or salami, this recipe has something for everyone, all nestled in a warm and crispy ciabatta roll.

Ingredients List

For the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) Sun Dried Tomatoes (drained, don’t rinse!)
• 1 packed cup (30g / 1oz) Fresh Basil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or as needed)
• 1/2 cup (40g) freshly grated Parmesan
• 4 tbsp Pine Nuts (optionally toasted)
• 1 small clove of Garlic
• 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)

For the Ciabatta Sandwich:

• 1x 14oz/400g loaf of Ciabatta (warmed in the oven)
• 8 slices of Prosciutto
• 8 slices of deli-style Turkey
• 10 slices of Salami
• 5oz (150g) fresh Mozzarella, sliced (or as needed to cover sandwich)
• 1/2 small head of Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
• Handful of Guindilla Chillies, finely sliced (or other deli/antipasto-style brined chillies)

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this mouthwatering Ciabatta Sandwich, you’ll need the following essential kitchen tools:

1. Food Processor: The food processor is key for making the smooth and flavorful sun-dried tomato pesto. It helps combine all the ingredients quickly and efficiently.
2. Oven: Preheating the oven is necessary to warm the ciabatta loaf to a perfectly crispy texture before assembling the sandwich.
3. Grill or Broiler: If you prefer your mozzarella melted, you’ll need a grill or broiler to toast the sandwich and achieve that gooey, melted cheese effect.
4. Sharp Knife: A good, sharp knife will be essential for slicing your ciabatta and cutting the sandwich into perfect portions.
5. Cutting Board: Use a cutting board to safely slice your sandwich and prevent any mess.

Having these tools on hand will make assembling and cooking your Ciabatta Sandwich a breeze!

Sandwich Assembly and Preparation

Making the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

The first step in creating this delicious sandwich is to make the sun-dried tomato pesto. This flavorful spread is what brings the sandwich to life!

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   In your food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, pine nuts (if using), garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Pulse the ingredients together to break them down.
2. Add Olive Oil:
   While the motor is running, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil gradually until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You can adjust the oil to make it thicker or smoother depending on your preference.

Once done, set the pesto aside for later assembly. It’s ready to spread on your ciabatta!

Assembling the Ciabatta Sandwich

1. Warm the Ciabatta:
   Preheat your oven and warm the ciabatta loaf for about 5–7 minutes to achieve a crispy, fresh texture.
2. Slice the Ciabatta:
   Once the loaf is warm, slice it down the center. You’ll want to be careful to not cut all the way through—just enough to create two open halves.
3. Spread the Pesto:
   Spread a generous layer of your homemade sun-dried tomato pesto on the bottom slice of the ciabatta. Be sure to cover the surface, but don’t feel like you need to use all the pesto. You can store any leftover pesto for another use!

Final Touches and Serving

Layering the Sandwich

Now it’s time to build your perfect Ciabatta Sandwich with layers of delicious ingredients!

1. Start with the Prosciutto:
   Place 4 slices of prosciutto on top of the pesto-covered bottom slice of ciabatta. Spread them evenly, allowing the savory, salty flavor to shine.
2. Add the Turkey and Salami:
   Next, layer the 8 slices of deli turkey, followed by 10 slices of salami. You can fold the slices over to fit them neatly within the sandwich.
3. Top with Mozzarella:
   Place slices of fresh mozzarella on top of the deli meats. If you like your cheese melted, this is where you can pop the sandwich under the grill or broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is deliciously gooey.

Adding the Crunch

4. Add Lettuce and Chillies:
   Once the mozzarella is melted (or if you’re keeping it fresh), top the sandwich with a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce for a crisp, refreshing crunch. Then, layer on the finely sliced Guindilla chillies (or your choice of brined chillies) to give the sandwich an extra kick of tangy heat.
5. Close the Sandwich:
   Place the top half of the ciabatta loaf over the fillings, pressing down gently to keep everything in place.

Slicing and Serving

6. Slice the Sandwich:
   Using a sharp knife, slice the sandwich into 6 equal portions. This sandwich is hearty enough to share, so you can enjoy it with friends or keep it all to yourself!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve your Ciabatta Sandwich fresh, and enjoy each bite of this satisfying creation. It’s perfect for a lunchtime treat or a delicious dinner option that everyone will love.

Great! Here’s the final part of the Ciabatta Sandwich Recipe:

Final Touches and Serving

Layering the Sandwich

Now it’s time to build your perfect Ciabatta Sandwich with layers of delicious ingredients!

1. Start with the Prosciutto:
   Place 4 slices of prosciutto on top of the pesto-covered bottom slice of ciabatta. Spread them evenly, allowing the savory, salty flavor to shine.
2. Add the Turkey and Salami:
   Next, layer the 8 slices of deli turkey, followed by 10 slices of salami. You can fold the slices over to fit them neatly within the sandwich.
3. Top with Mozzarella:
   Place slices of fresh mozzarella on top of the deli meats. If you like your cheese melted, this is where you can pop the sandwich under the grill or broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is deliciously gooey.

Adding the Crunch

4. Add Lettuce and Chillies:
   Once the mozzarella is melted (or if you’re keeping it fresh), top the sandwich with a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce for a crisp, refreshing crunch. Then, layer on the finely sliced Guindilla chillies (or your choice of brined chillies) to give the sandwich an extra kick of tangy heat.
5. Close the Sandwich:
   Place the top half of the ciabatta loaf over the fillings, pressing down gently to keep everything in place.

Slicing and Serving

6. Slice the Sandwich:
   Using a sharp knife, slice the sandwich into 6 equal portions. This sandwich is hearty enough to share, so you can enjoy it with friends or keep it all to yourself!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve your Ciabatta Sandwich fresh, and enjoy each bite of this satisfying creation. It’s perfect for a lunchtime treat or a delicious dinner option that everyone will love.

Conclusion

This Ciabatta Sandwich, loaded with rich flavors from the sun-dried tomato pesto, savory deli meats, and fresh mozzarella, is sure to be a hit at any meal. By following these simple steps, you can create a sandwich that combines perfect textures and a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this sandwich is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!