A fabulous, vegetarian sandwich for tailgating, picnicking, lunch or party. Italian Pressed Sandwich is easy to make and feeds a small crowd! This recipe is vegetarian or vegan.
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?
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!
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 vegetarian 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.
Thing is, there’s no need for a panini press to make this pressed sandwich. 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.
For a make ahead, feeds a small crowd, veggie and flavor packed, take with you anywhere vegetarian sandwich, this is it, y’all.
More Vegetarian Sandwich Recipes to Love
- Smashed Pimento Chickpea Sandwich
- Almond-Sage Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Gruyere
- Mushroom and Goat Cheese Veggie Panini
- Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
the recipe
Italian Pressed Sandwich
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:
- Preheat oven to 450F (232C). Set oven rack in center of the oven. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- 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).
- 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)
- Place peppers in a lidded container for 20 minutes. This will make the skin release with ease. Peel pepper skin, and pat the peppers with a tea towel or paper towel to dry them off. Set peppers aside. Peel the garlic then mash the cloves until a paste forms. Set aside.
- Mix the tapenade with red wine vinegar, set aside.
To Assemble:
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 or overnight.
- 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.
- 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).
Notes
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Hi,
I continue to make and love your recipes!!! I am not an olive lover. Do you have any thoughts on what I could use as a substitute for the tapenade? I was thinking basil, sundried tomatoes…
Thank you!
Sylvia
Hi Sylvia! Thank you for your kind words and note. You can use just about any “loud” spread here. I’m thinking pesto mixed with mayo would be fabulous, or like you said, a basil sun dried tomato spread. I hope this helps!
I am really excited to have this wonderful sandwich recipe at home. And truly appreciate the way you made it. Eggplants are my favorite and I am lucky to have this recipe with this. Thanks and looking forward for more such recipes in future too.
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.
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!
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!
Hehe… I hope you’ll give it a try!
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.
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.
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.
I mean chef. Sorry Long day over here.
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
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…
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
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
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
Looks so beautiful and delicious!
Thank you Katie! :D
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 : )
Thank you Larissa! So sweet of you to support your Mom like that! :D
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! :-)
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!
Now THIS is a sandwich! Yum! I know what I’ll be having for lunch tomorrow. :)
Thank you so much Lauren, and for stopping by! I hope you enjoy it! :D
:D :D Thank you my dear!
Wow, this is unbelievably gorgeous. Love the gif too, allll the layers look fantastic :)
Thank you Leslie! I hope you enjoy the recipe! :D
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. :)
Thank you so much, Pang! It’s filling, nourishing and just so flavorful. I know you’d love it! :D
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!
Yay! You know of Bill Bryson! I hear he has a new one out too… need to check it out. This would be a perfect sandwich for lunch, Lisa.. just sayn! :D
Yes! My father-in-law owns a ton of Bill Bryson books, and my husband is a big fan!
Oh wow! Guess what I am making this week?! Photography drew me in and simplicity and health factor wins me over.
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
These sandwiches look so perfect and filling for fall! I love the olive tapenade :D
Oh the tapenade just makes it, Sarah! You’d love it! :D
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!
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
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.
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
This looks unbelievable! I love sandwiches that challenge my jaw opening capacity! I have never heard of pressing sandwiches this way before. Thanks for introducing me!
Thaaank you Kathryn! I hope you enjoy the recipe… sandwich pressing is where it’s at!! :D
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
So much flavor! YES! Super tall? I forgot to mention that. I am 5’2″ Beeta, so I’m right there with ya! :D
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 :)
Thank you Alena! The pressing works it’s magic beautifully! :D I like the idea of lunch!
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
Oh good! He is so funny, Annie! Thank you for your sweetness my dear… I knew you’d love the flavors! xx :D
This gorgeous pressed sandwich is putting my ham and cheese white bread mess to shame.
Why, thank you Nicole! You’d love this! :D
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!
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
Oh my gosh this sandwich looks absolutely fantastic!!!! I need to make this asap!
Thank you, Kelly! I hope you enjoy it! :D
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.
Thank you my dear! Oh yes, and this one, Di, is a great one for picnics. SO easy and ready when you are! :D
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! :)
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
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!
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
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! :)
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!
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. :)
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.
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 :)
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!!
I’m like you, I always like the book more. Now I need to add this to my reading list! This sandwich is amazing Traci! I want to dig my teeth in and take a monster bite
I hear that more often than not, Natalie. The book is always better. A big monster bite is what you shall have Sunshine!! :D
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
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
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 :))
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
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!!
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
WOW. Love all the layers and your gifs are so cool! Pinning :)
The GIf – they’re fun to make! Thank you for your pin Medha! :D
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!
Why thank you Mary Ann! The tapenade really makes it… salty, briny, garlicky. This is a great sandwich for lunch! :D
Great recipie
Thank you ! :D
This is exactly what I need for lunch today! Looks perfect! Love the bread! Need to check this book out!
It makes a hearty lunch, Mira and the book? You’ll get a good laugh!:D
:) Why thank you Alison! Sinking teeth… I can see that in slow mo !!! :D
Wow this sandwich looks UNREAL. I’m very hungry now ;)
Hehe! Thank you Mel! :D
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!
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