Description
A café-style gourmet ciabatta sandwich layered with prosciutto, roasted chicken, fresh mozzarella, provolone, vegetables, and a pesto-mayo spread. Perfect for lunches, dinners, or entertaining.
Ingredients
Bread:
2 large ciabatta rolls or 1 ciabatta loaf (about 14 oz / 400 g), sliced into 4 portions
Protein Layer:
6 oz (170 g) prosciutto or thinly sliced cured ham
6 oz (170 g) roasted chicken breast or turkey, thinly sliced
Cheese:
4 oz (115 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced into rounds
2 oz (55 g) aged provolone or sharp cheddar, thin slices
Vegetables:
1 medium tomato, sliced into rounds
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup (30 g) fresh arugula
½ roasted red pepper (jarred or homemade), cut into strips
Spread:
3 tablespoons pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or aioli
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Finishing Touches:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Bread
Slice ciabatta horizontally. Brush with olive oil. Toast 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 2 – Mix the Spread
Stir pesto, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard together. Spread evenly on each ciabatta half.
Step 3 – Layer the Protein
Place prosciutto on the bottom slice, followed by chicken or turkey.
Step 4 – Add Cheese
Top with mozzarella slices and provolone for contrast.
Step 5 – Add Vegetables
Layer tomato, roasted red pepper, onion, and arugula. Season lightly.
Step 6 – Finish
Drizzle balsamic glaze. Add a touch of black pepper.
Step 7 – Assemble and Press
Close sandwich. Press lightly by hand or in a sandwich press for 1–2 minutes.
Step 8 – Slice and Serve
Cut diagonally. Serve immediately.
Notes
Toast bread first to prevent sogginess.
Don’t overload spreads; a thin layer is enough.
Use high-quality cheese for best flavor.
Press lightly; ciabatta should stay airy inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sandwich / Main Course
- Method: Toast + Assemble
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: gourmet ciabatta sandwich, prosciutto sandwich, Italian ciabatta sandwich, café-style sandwich