Pressed Picnic Sandwich Loaf
In short: Ham, cheese, roasted peppers and spinach layered in a crusty loaf, wrapped, weighted and chilled overnight. Slice into wedges for picnics. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 4 h
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 275 kcal
A pressed sandwich loaf is the answer to feeding a crowd without assembling a dozen sandwiches at the last minute. Layer ham, cheese, roasted peppers and spinach inside a sturdy loaf, wrap it tight and weigh it down in the fridge. Overnight pressing melds the flavors and keeps the filling from sliding out. Cut it into wedges at the picnic, on the beach or at the school sports day.
Instructions
- Cut the loaf in half horizontally. Pull out some of the soft crumb from both halves, leaving a shell about 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick. Save the crumb for breadcrumbs.
- Spread the butter over the cut sides of both halves, then spread the mustard over the top half.
- Layer half the cheese on the bottom half, then the ham folded loosely, the roasted peppers and the spinach. Finish with the rest of the cheese, which protects the bread from the moist fillings.
- Close the loaf and wrap it tightly in baking paper, then in foil or cling film, pressing out the air as you go.
- Put the wrapped loaf on a tray, set a second tray or a board on top and add 2 or 3 heavy cans. Chill for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- Unwrap and cut into 8 wedges with a serrated knife. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Tips
- Dry the roasted peppers and spinach well and keep the cheese against the bread. Wet fillings are the main reason pressed sandwiches turn soggy.
- Swap the ham for sliced roast chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian loaf, use marinated artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes, both well drained.
Questions and answers
How long does a pressed sandwich keep?
Wrapped tightly in the fridge it keeps for 1 to 2 days and is often best on day 2. Carry it in a cooler bag and do not leave it out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in hot weather.
What bread works best for a pressed sandwich?
A sturdy loaf with a firm crust, such as a round country loaf or a large sub roll. Soft sandwich bread collapses under the weight.
Can I add tomatoes to the loaf?
Add them just before serving, or pack them separately, because the juice soaks into the bread. If you want them inside, remove the seeds and pat the slices dry.
How long does it take to make Pressed Picnic Sandwich Loaf?
About 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pressed Picnic Sandwich Loaf?
About 275 kcal per serving, with 14 g of protein, 27 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 275 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
