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Italian Pressed Sandwich

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A fabulous, on the go sandwich for tailgating, picnicking, lunch or party. Italian Pressed Sandwich is easy to make and feeds a small crowd! |  vegetarian or vegan

Vegetarian or Vegan, this sandwich is easy to make, feeds a small crowd and packs up for lunches, picnics or tailgating with ease | Italian Pressed Sandwich | Vanilla And Bean

While my Ma was here, she convinced me that we needed to go see a movie. I enjoy movies but generally prefer to watch at home rather than in a theater. I usually seem to get in front of someone who is constantly digging in a bag or unwrapping candy. If not that, then crunching popcorn or slurping  soda. It happens every time, so it seems anyway.

We went to see A Walk in the Woods.

Have you seen it?

Vegetarian or Vegan, this sandwich is easy to make, feeds a small crowd and packs up for lunches, picnics or tailgating with ease | Italian Pressed Sandwich | Vanilla And Bean

I read the book by Bill Bryson years ago, and am a bit skeptical with a book turned movie because I typically like the book much better. But I thought I’d give this one a go.  After-all, my Ma recommended it, the cast was brilliant and I hadn’t seen Nick Nolte or Robert Redford in forever.

Needless to say, we laughed ourselves silly.

And no one sat behind me crunching popcorn. Hooray!

Vegetarian or Vegan, this sandwich is easy to make, feeds a small crowd and packs up for lunches, picnics or tailgating with ease | Italian Pressed Sandwich | Vanilla And Bean

I will say, though, I enjoyed the book more-so. But even still, I loved laughing with my Ma and Rob over some hilarious scenes. I think I’ll read the book again.

And this sandwich would be one that I would enjoy while reading a book, taking a walk in the woods or picnicking.

I discovered pressed sandwiches years ago and have played with ingredients, bread types and ingredient variations ever since. They are versatile in that they pack easy and feed a small crowd.

Vegetarian or Vegan, this sandwich is easy to make, feeds a small crowd and packs up for lunches, picnics or tailgating with ease | Italian Pressed Sandwich | Vanilla And Bean

Thing is, you don’t need a panini press to make this. It’s a cold sandwich, snugly wrapped in plastic wrap then placed in the fridge and weighed down with something heavy like box wine, or a cast iron skillet. It needs to rest for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Flavor improves with resting.

This Italian Pressed Sandwich is packed with roasted eggplant, red bell pepper, garlic, a sturdy green of your choosing, artichoke hearts and a mouth-watering Olive Tapenade. Add smoked provolone, or not.

The bread? I use a rustic sourdough potato loaf, but ciabatta is a sturdy bread that’ll hold up to the weight of these ingredients too.

Vegetarian or Vegan, this sandwich is easy to make, feeds a small crowd and packs up for lunches, picnics or tailgating with ease | Italian Pressed Sandwich | Vanilla And Bean

For a make ahead, feeds a small crowd, veggie and flavor packed, take with you anywhere sandwich, this is it, y’all.

Oh and if you’re on Pinterest, I have a board dedicated to vegetarian and vegan sandwiches with drool-worthy pins from fabulous bloggers that link directly to the recipe. I hope you’ll join me there!

gran-n-go snacks: healthful eats for crazy busy days

Vegetarian or Vegan, this sandwich is easy to make, feeds a small crowd and packs up for lunches, picnics or tailgating with ease | Italian Pressed Sandwich | Vanilla And Bean
4.91 from 11 votes
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Italian Pressed Sandwich

A fabulous, on the go sandwich for tailgating, picnicking, lunch or party. It's easy to make and feeds a small crowd! vegetarian or vegan (be sure to read notes on pre-packaged ingredients)

Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword Italian Pressed Sandwich, Sandwich, Vegetarian Sandwich
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 Servings
Author Traci York | Vanilla And Bean

Ingredients

  • 1 Head of Garlic large
  • 13 oz Red Bell Peppers about two medium* (See note), 368g
  • 1 lb Eggplant 454g
  • 2 C Olive Tapenade * 462g, See Notes, I use homemade
  • 1 Tbs Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 lb Loaf of Ciabatta or Rustic Sourdough Loaf (454g),
  • 3 Tbs Pickled Banana Peppers or pepperoncini
  • 1 C Canned Artichokes halved, rinsed, drained and any tough leaves removed, 234g
  • 2 Leaves of Swiss Chard or a few hand-fulls of another sturdy leafy green such as spinach.
  • 3 Slices of Smoked Provolone optional
  • Sea Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • 2-3 Tbs of Extra Virgin Olive Oil as needed divided

Instructions

To Prep:

  1. Preheat oven to 450F (232C). Set oven rack in center of the oven. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

  2. Cut the top end (not the root) off of the garlic head, exposing the tops of each garlic clove. Drizzle 1 tsp of olive oil over the cloves and wrap loosely in foil. Set it on the parchment lined pan. Slice the bell peppers in half, deseed and lay flat, flesh side down, on the parchment lined sheet pan. It's okay to press on them a bit. Set the timer for 20 minutes and roast the peppers and garlic. As the peppers roast, the skin will start to char. This is what we want so that the skins release easily. Keep an eye on this however, as oven temperatures vary (see note on oven thermometers). 

  3. While the peppers and garlic are roasting, trim the stem of the eggplant. Slice the eggplant lengthwise into at least 6, 1/4" (2 1/2cm) pieces. Sprinkle each side with a pinch of sea salt and place in a colander to drain for 15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Spread each side with a about 1/4 tsp olive oil. Place the eggplant on the same sheet pan as the peppers are roasting on and roast for 20 minutes. Now is a good time to check on the peppers. The tops should be charring and the flesh should be getting soft. The peppers, garlic and eggplant should come out of the oven at the same time. (Peppers and Garlic roasts for about 40 min. total, eggplant roasts for 20 minutes)

  4. Place peppers in a lidded container for 20 minutes. This will make the skin release with ease. Peel pepper skin and set peppers aside. Peel the garlic then mash the cloves until a paste forms. Set aside.
  5. Mix the tapenade with red wine vinegar, set aside.

To Assemble:

  1. Slice the bread lengthwise with a serrated knife. Dig out the inside of the bread on both sides. Try to leave enough crust as to keep the sandwich sturdy. Save the bread dug out and make croutons or bread crumbs with it. Optional - brush on a bit of olive oil, no more than 1 Tbs., on the insides of the bread. Be careful here, the bread can get soggy.. so only this if you love a bit more olive oil (I brush it on mine).
  2. Spread the garlic on both sides of the bread. It will be thin. Spread the tapenade on both sides of the bread. Yes, all of it. Press as you spread.
  3. On the bottom side of bread, layer in the following order: 3 slices of eggplant, artichoke, bell pepper, 3 slices of eggplant, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, pepperoncini, chard or spinach and optional cheese. Place top on sandwich and gently press down.
  4. Tightly wrap the sandwich three times to ensure nothing leaks out and place it in the fridge. Place a heavy object on top of the sandwich, such as cast iron skillet, or box of wine. Let marinate and press for at least 3 hours. Overnight is better.
  5. Cut into 2" wide pieces and then cut in 1/2 for a smaller sandwich. I yield 5, 2" wide (5cm) pieces, but cut the center cuts in half to make smaller sandwiches. Cut to your needs.

  6. Although a fresh sandwich is best, rewrap any remaining pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to two days (the bread will get soggy as it sets). 

Recipe Notes

*To save a bit of time, purchase pre-roasted bell peppers and prepared olive tapenade. Drain the peppers well and pat dry prior to putting them on the sandwich. Also, if using a different recipe of olive tapenade (other than the one linked to above), it may have more oil in it and this will affect the outcome of the sandwich by adding too much oil resulting in a soggy loaf. Be sure to drain some of the olive oil off the tapenade prior to spreading it on the sandwich. 

I enthusiastically recommend an oven thermometer! I’ve baked in commercial bakery and home ovens, old, lightly used and brand new ovens – they all have their own personalities with temperature variations and fluctuations. Knowing the temperature of your oven is important for the best outcome, especially when it comes to baking. I keep a close eye on my oven thermometers (I use two just to be sure) when testing/making recipes for the blog so that I am as accurate as possible with including the proper baking temperatures in my recipes.

Recipe inspired by Veganomicon.

Vegetarian or Vegan, this sandwich is easy to make, feeds a small crowd and packs up for lunches, picnics or tailgating with ease | Italian Pressed Sandwich | Vanilla And Bean

Thank you for reading! If you make this recipe, be sure to post it to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter notify me @vanillaandbean and tag #vanillaandbean! I’d love to see what you’ve made! Follow me on Pinterest, too, for even more deliciousness!

Vegetarian or Vegan, this sandwich is easy to make, feeds a small crowd and packs up for lunches, picnics or tailgating with ease | Italian Pressed Sandwich | Vanilla And Bean

Comments

  1. Bill Bryson is hilarious! We listened to his audio “A Walk In The Woods” and laughed until tears rolled down our faces! I’m like you, Traci, the book is much better than the movie. Going to try this sandwich for a crowd. Looks delicious.

    Reply

  2. Hi Traci,

    I just happened upon your site today while planning my meals for the week, and OMG, am I so glad I did! You have an absolutely STUNNING blog, filled with equally radiant photos and recipes. I now have about 20 of your recipes lined up to try over the next few weeks, so thank you for helping my meal planning! I’m a vegetarian, so I’m always searching for vegetarian recipes that are unique and not just typical, boring curries and chilies. I am SO excited to give your recipes a try – I’m sure they’ll all be sensational!

    I did have one question about this sandwich recipe – do you think it’d be okay to sub roasted zucchini in place of the eggplant? I’m just a really big eggplant hater (I know, terrible), so not sure if I could handle it in this recipe. I’m assuming zucchini would be an agreeable swap, but wouldn’t mind your opinion (or maybe a different veggie recommendation?). Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • Hey Shannon! Thank you SO much for your note and kind words. Zucchini would be delicious with this recipe! What I would do is lightly salt and strain thin sliced zucchini. That’ll help reduce any sogginess. Then roast or grill the zucchini. I hope this helps and you enjoy the recipe!

      Reply

  4. I just made 2 of these on Country French loaves I bought at Costco. They are beautiful and everything is delicious but I just sliced them to take to an event and they are soggy. I wrapped them in plastic wrap late last night and by this afternoon they were soggy. Was it too long in the fridge? (About 18 hours) or was it the wrong bread? They are still tasty just one side is mushy.

    Reply

    • Oh No.. Kathy! I’m so sorry to hear this. I’ve not tried costco’s bread.. is it sourdough? Sourdough tends to be sturdy bread so it can take on these toppings. I’m thinking 18 hours may have been too long for a fresh sandwich. If you give it a go again, try sourdough and perhaps make sure the veggies are well drained (maybe even patting the veggies dry – like the artichokes and canned red bells if using). Tapenade recipes can vary in their oil content too.. this could have affected the outcome as well. (I have a recipe for this here: https://vanillaandbean.com/olive-tapenade/ but the link didn’t transfer above). I hope this helps.

      Reply

  5. Thank you so much for this delicious sandwich recipe. During the summer I make this all the time. Your recipe doesn’t need anything more or less, it is perfect the way it is. I honestly prefer this sandwich over anything you can get in a sandwich shop. Even my husband gobbles it up. It doesn’t last long in my frig. hehehe not even two days. Your a wonderful chief. Thank you for sharing this delightful recipe that has become a regular in our house hold. Just wanted to let you know we appreciate your recipe.

    Reply

      • Hey April! Thank you so much for your kind note and taking time to share you thoughts. I love this sandwich too… it’s versatile and is ready when you are. I even stuff a whole sandwich in my backpack when traveling via airplane. It’s heavy, but worth the added weight! It doesn’t last long around here either. Thank you again! :D

        Reply

  6. I have to give this a try– 1/2 recipe, tho. I’ve yet to meet an eggplant I can stand, but with all the other yummy stuff going on, I’m ever hopeful…

    Reply

    • Hey J.. my husband can’t stand eggplant, but he loves this sandwich! I keep trying to sneak it in and he lets me know when it’s disagreeable. Yet he requests this! I hope you enjoy the recipe! :D

      Reply

  7. I just did the sandwich and the tapenade with the grilled vegetables. It was awesome! So good, tasty ! Thank you very much for all your good recipes. One friend forward me your blog and I have done the same to many friends already. Nicole

    Reply

    • Oh Nicole! This makes my day! Thank you for your note. Grilling the veggies is genus and so good during Summertime heat! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the blog. Thank you so much for sharing! :D

      Reply

  9. I always wanted to make food that is interesting looking and delicous at the same time!
    I will make sure that my mom and I have a fun cooking day and we will make this :)
    My mom taught me how to cook, bake and everything and I want to make sure my little Alyona (due in May-2016) knows how to cook also.
    My mom wanted to have her own baked goods shop but never got the chance, so I am saving up money for her to one day go to cooking school and start a bake shop. (maybe I will just make a page like this for her to post her blogs and recipes)
    I love you’re page : )

    Reply

  10. Hi Traci, this is Ryan! We are so happy that we found your site! All the recipes look delicious, and the photography is gorgeous! We’re both vegetarian too, and can’t wait to try your recipes, starting with this one because it looks amazing! Also, Bill Bryson is one of my favorite authors; I once drove from Portland (where I grew up) to Los Angeles (where we live now) in one day, by myself, and I filled the time by listening to In A Sunburned Country. I was laughing so hard at times that I almost had to pull over. If you haven’t read that one I recommend it! It’s about his travels in Australia, and it is hysterical! Anyway, it is so nice to meet you, and we look forward to following your site! :-)

    Reply

    • HI Ryan! Thank you for stopping by and on IG! So happy to meet you too. Hooray for sharing the same diet.. that doesn’t always happen within a household :D . Thank you, too for your Bill Bryson recommendation! I’ve not heard of A Sunburned Country… just the name give me a good chuckle! :D I’ll have to check it out! Thank you again for stopping by, Ryan! So nice to have you here!

      Reply

  14. I love love love this sandwich SO MUCH, Traci. It got EVERYTHING my family like and it IS the most beautiful sandwich!!!! I am drooling and admiring this post simultaneously, which means while I love looking at this sandwich, I also want so badly to devour it into my tummy. :)

    You are a genius!!!!

    Btw, I am with you about the book-turn-movie theory, but I am still glad you enjoy the movie though. :)

    Reply

  15. I quite enjoy Bill Bryson books, but I haven’t seen the movie yet! I enjoy reading his prose so much that I believe some of it will get lost when I watch the movie. In any event, GORGEOUS sandwich Traci! It’s almost lunch over here, and I can hear my tummy growling just looking at this!

    Reply

  16. Oh wow! Guess what I am making this week?! Photography drew me in and simplicity and health factor wins me over.

    Reply

    • Hooray!! Thank you for your kind comment. This sandwich is quite beautiful, even more-so in person and just packed with goodness. I hope you enjoy it Laura! :D

      Reply

  18. I’m not a movie theater person either, Traci! I just can’t sit still that long… I need a pause button. lol. And I couldn’t agree more, the book is always better than the movie. BUT, I will have to check out A Walk in the Woods… I’m always down for a good giggle with loved ones! Anyways, this pressed sandwich is epic! I LOVE pressed sammies, something about how hearty and flavorful they are… it just speaks to my soul. Yours looks divine! LOVE all the fresh Italian ingredients! Pinned! Cheers, lovely!

    Reply

    • Yeah, it’s nice to get up and take a break without missing any part of the movie.. being home too is so much more comfy. This one IS a good giggle! hehe! Oh yes, flavorful! You got it! Thank you for your pin my dear! :D

      Reply

  19. I absolutely love to watch movies from home too. I go only if something is worth seeing in the theater. Your mumma is a smart woman, I’ve heard so much about the movie, need to watch it.
    Traci, you styling and details are impeccable. It’s so good that I am craving a bite. I could eat a veggie sandwich like this any day.
    Pinning for sure.

    Reply

    • It’s so funny Asha… and yes, only go if it’s worth it! And this one was!

      Thank you for your sweet comment, too, and your pin. :D

      Reply

  21. Wow, this sandwich looks incredible, Traci! I love pressed sandwiches – so much flavor! I love all the ingredients you picked out for this sandwich, an excellent combo. I’m glad you had a good time with your mom and hubby. I always seem to end up behind super tall people at the movies, which is no fun when you’re extra petite like me! :p

    Reply

  22. These sandwiches are to die for! I love the idea of pressing them down with something heavy so that the flavors can really develop- pretty sure I need this for lunch tomorrow :)

    Reply

  23. I am not familiar with Bill Bryson but I’ll certainly be checking out his work! Can’t wait! So, this sandwich…tears. It’s true. Your pictures make me cry with joy. Such a gorgeous sandwich that I know is equally delicious! Brava, my dear! xo

    Reply

  25. Wow, now that is a sandwich!! That rustic sourdough looks like the perfect vessel for all of those delicious flavors and textures.

    And I haven’t see A Walk in the Woods yet but I share your sentiments with going to the movie theatre. I always get someone on their phone the whole time or sniffling non-stop. I much rather be in the comfort of my own home with incredible sandwiches like this!

    Reply

    • hehe… thank you, Sarah! If you can wait, I would. It’ll be available for download soon, I’m sure. And no doubt, you can enjoy a fabulous sandwich with your movie! :D

      Reply

  27. This is some sandwich Traci! Can almost taste the pic! Just love all those intense summery vegetables packed into a potato bread! Summer’s coming up here and it’s picnic time. Definitely going to wrap this one up.

    Reply

  28. I prefer to watch movies at home, too! I like to be able to get comfortable on my couch, pause if I need to get up to get something or go to the bathroom AND not have to worry about noisy patrons!

    I was just asking a friend of mine that I work with what was for lunch today (yes, we text each other before work about what we are going to do for lunch!) and I WISH I could have these sandwiches for lunch today! I will have to get the ingredients for these and give them a try. They look incredibly delicious, Traci! :)

    Reply

    • We cold have a big ole’ movie fest around here with all the stay-at-home movie watchers! Love it! I’ll make us up a mean batch of popcorn too and we can quietly crunch! :D LOL – talking about lunch. I hear ya! Isn’t that what it’s all about!? I hope you enjoy this, Julie! :D

      Reply

  29. This is honestly one of the most delicious looking sandwiches I’ve ever seen! Seriously, I love a sandwich that I feel like I need to unhinge my jaw to eat! :) I want fillings and this sandwich delivers!

    So ‘A Walk in the Woods’ is my most favorite book EVER – I think I’ve read it at least 10 times. In fact, I love all of Bill Bryson’s books – all of them are equally entertaining and informative. My husband and I always download his audiobooks when we go on road-trips, and they’re just phenomenal!

    Reply

    • I love it! Agreed! The book… it is SO good, Kathleen. I’m going to have to get some of his audio books on our next trip. Hahaaa… ‘unhinge my jaw’ LOL! It’s sooo true! :D

      Reply

  30. Wow, these are one the of best-styled sandwiches I’ve ever seen, I love their look, so rich and full and yet “tidy.” That’s not easy to pull off. I’ll have to check out A Walk in the Woods but I’ll wait for Netflix, I absolutely can’t stand the movie theaters any more. It’s always way too cold in there, plus the crunching popcorn problem you mentioned, plus, what is up with having to be be there at a specific time!?? I mean that’s just rude, you know? Netflix is polite enough to let me start whenever I am ready. And when I need to take a pee break, you know, it patiently waits for me. Just saying. Anyway, I love these sandwiches, they have me reaching through the screen! :)

    Reply

    • Thank you, Nicole! That means so much given your eye for styling and detail! :D Perhaps the ‘tidy’ came from my time in pastry school making one million Petit Fours or plated desserts! LOL. Yes, yes! A Walk in the Woods would be a fantastic experience at home for sure! I’ll be ordering too, when available. Ya know, the time thing… I get it. But when we went to see this movie, we were on time, there was at least 30 minutes of commercials and previews. I came to see a movie, not all that! So again, Netflix is the answer! I like it!

      Reply

      • Oh, that’s right, I had totally forgotten about the force-feeding of commercials…very annoying indeed. I didn’t know (or, more likely, didn’t remember) that you went to pastry school but I am not surprised, it always shows when someone was professionally trained like that. :)

        Reply

        • Ohhh, I know, Nicole. When we went to see this movie, not only were their previews of upcoming movies, but TV commercials too. I’ll be going in late next time… if there is a next time.

          Reply

  31. We’ve been wanting to see that movie! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! And didn’t get stuck behind someone annoying, haha! This sandwich looks pretty phenominal, Traci! I love how it is piled high with so many delicious things! I had a pathetic lunch today and am now wishing I had this instead :)

    Reply

    • Oh it’s great Izzy! It’ll be out on NetFlex soon, I am sure! Thank you my dear… A good lunch is something to look forward to! So I’m wishing you better lunches, Izzy!!

      Reply

  33. Wow, nothing but gorgeousness going on here! Such crave-worthy ingredients yet full of goodness. Look at those layers…I’m captivated by all of the elements you’ve brought together here. Seeing these glistening ingredients makes me want to run out and stock my fridge immediately! – so inspiring Traci. Also taken by how the side light is striking your central photo. Beauty. Sounds like you made the best of your time with your Ma ❤ Laughter is always a good thing :) xx

    Reply

    • Yeah, those ingredients…. I’m thinking a ratatouille could be made with the ingredients?! I was at the framers market and woah! The eggplant, peppers, chard, garlic and herbs just jumped right up and said – it’s time to share THE sandwich!! I love the result. When I have this sandwich I instantly feel like it’s time to picnic! Thank you, Kelly! :D

      Reply

  34. Okay… First and foremost, I think it should be ILLEGAL to make a sandwich like this and post it on the Internet. I mean, seriously?!! is this #forreal??! I am drooling over here Traci.
    And secondly, do you know how long it has been since I have been to an actual movie theater? And how much I want to go see this movie?!! I am beyond jealous. BEYOND!!
    You canNOT do this to me Traci!! Noooooooooo!
    XOXO :))

    Reply

    • Hehe!! Drooling, Aysegul? I know, right? Yeah, it had been a loooong time for me too. Years. It’s just not my thing, really. But this was worth it. Loved laughing and Nick Nolte was just fabulous! Make this Aysegul! You’ll love it! xx :D

      Reply

  35. Traci, love this sandwich. I’m always looking for good lunch ideas during the week. The mornings can be so hectic and it would be great to have this sandwich sitting ready in the fridge to just grab and go. Or if you’re having a group of friends over – make this ahead and one last thing to get ready before everyone arrives. This is one versatile sandwich – and definitely smoked provolone on mine! Gorgeous shots!!

    Reply

    • Oh if only we could use our computers as vending machines! Wouldn’t that be amazing!? No doubt this is a good one to have in the fridge on the ready. It holds up well and flavor improves with time. I gave a good chunk of this sandwich to my neighbor.. wishing I still had some! :D

      Reply

  37. Wow, what a sandwich Traci! Lovin’ the olive tapenade on it! Sounds like you and you mother had a wonderful time at the movies together! Your photos are totally beautiful, and leave me wishing I had that sandwich in front of me right now for lunch!

    Reply

  42. I adore Bill Bryson. If you’ve never listened to his books on audio, he narrates them himself, and they are captivating! I would like to listen to one and eat this gorgeous sandwich!

    Reply

    • Oh no, I’ve not listened to his audio! I’ll make a trip to the library and look for it. I didn’t know he narrates his own! A Short History of Nearly Everything is on my book list too… perhaps I’ll just go get the audio! Thanks for the rec, Deb! :D

      Reply

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