Italian toasties

This “Italian Toasties” recipe is a delicious option for non-Muslims because it contains pork. These toasties are reminiscent of homemade pizza, so you can customize the filling to suit your tastes and preferences. Whether you’re enjoying a meal with friends or just craving a tasty snack, these toasties are a fantastic choice. With endless possibilities for flavor combinations, you can truly make them your own. Try this recipe and enjoy these delicious Italian-inspired treats!

Ingredients

800g (or 2 x 400g) bloomer loaves
Olive oil for drizzling
2 tbsp dried tomato paste
200g provolone cheese, sliced (if you can’t find it, just use 2 balls of mozzarella instead of 1)
140g of your favorite ham slices
Selection of the most popular pizza toppings such as olives, antipasti peppers, artichokes or eggplant slices
1 ball of mozzarella, sliced
Chips, small gherkins and onions pickled in cocktails for serving

Preparation steps

Cut the loaf in half, leaving it hanging to one side and opening it like a book.
Scoop out some of the soft bread (use to make breadcrumbs) and then drizzle generously with olive oil.
Spread the tomato paste on both sides of the loaf.
Start by layering your fillings on top of the tomato paste.
Start with the provolone cheese and ham.
Add any of your favorite pizza toppings if desired.
Finally add the mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle oregano over the fillings and season with salt and pepper.
Carefully seal the sandwich and flatten it with your hands.
Wrap the sandwich tightly in foil.
If made ahead of time, the sandwich can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.
To serve, preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.
Place the foil-wrapped sandwich on the oven rack and bake for 30 minutes at room temperature or 35 minutes if coming from the refrigerator.
Lift the sandwich onto a board, unwrap it, then cut it into about 6 sandwiches.
Serve with bowls of chips, pickles and pickled onions.
Empower everyone to help themselves.

Nutritional Information

kcal	fat	saturates	carbohydrates	Sugar	fiber	protein	Salt
546	26g	10g	55g	3g	2g	26g	2.76g

Equipment and tools

baking paper
Oven
Sharp knife
cutting board

Allergen information

This recipe may contain the following allergens:

Dairy products (cheese and mozzarella)
Pork (ham)

Storage and leftovers

Store leftover Italian toasties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be warmed up in the toaster or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.

Health Benefits of Italian Toasties

Italian toasties, also known as panini, are popular sandwiches that originated in Italy. Not only are they delicious and filling, but they also offer several health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of the ingredients used in this recipe:

olive oil

Olive oil, used to drizzle and season Italian toast, is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Due to its high concentration of monounsaturated fats, it is known for its numerous health benefits that can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may protect against chronic diseases such as cancer.

Dried tomato paste

Sun-dried tomato paste is made from sun-dried tomatoes, which concentrates their flavors. This paste gives the Italian toasts an intense flavor. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease.

Provolone cheese

Using provolone cheese in Italian toasties creates a rich and creamy texture. This cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissue, while calcium is necessary for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Ham

Ham is included in this recipe for added flavor and protein. Protein is beneficial for the growth, repair and maintenance of tissues in the body. However, it’s important to choose lean ham to minimize your intake of saturated fats and sodium.

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Pizza toppings

The selection of popular pizza toppings such as olives, antipasti peppers, artichokes or eggplant slices not only provides variety and taste for Italian toasts, but also brings its own health benefits. Olives are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, while artichokes are rich in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants.

Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, whether used as a provolone cheese replacement or as a separate layer. It also contains essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and selenium, which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system.

Chips, cucumbers and pickled onions

While chips, pickles, and pickled onions are optional accompaniments to Italian toast, they add a deliciously crunchy and tangy flavor. When eaten in moderation, chips can provide a filling, salty treat. Pickled cucumbers, also known as gherkins, are low in calories and a good source of vitamin K. Pickled onions, on the other hand, provide a special taste and contain useful antioxidants.

In conclusion, Italian toasties not only provide a delicious dining experience but also provide several health benefits. From heart-healthy olive oil to antioxidant-rich tomato paste to various nutritious toppings, these toasts can be enjoyed guilt-free. So next time you’re craving a tasty and filling sandwich, try Italian toast!