Cheesy Pressed Sandwich Recipes

PRESSED CHEESE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• I think simple recipes are the best way to start out the meal. Melted cheese, in any form, is something that everyone loves. I find these sandwiches only make people want to eat more afterwards!
• In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the pressed garlic. Stir to blend.
• Put 4 slices of the bread on a flat surface. Dry any moisture off the mozzarella cheese and put 4 slices on 4 pieces of bread. Sprinkle with aleppo pepper and drizzle with the garlic and oil mixture. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, to taste. "Flake" the thyme off the stems and onto the cheese. Do the same with the rosemary, but more sparingly.
• Cover the cheese with the remaining 4 slices of bread and cut each sandwich in half and in half again, to make 4 individual pieces. Arrange them in a single layer on a small baking sheet or large plate and cover them with baking sheet or plate to weigh them down. Refrigerate the sandwiches overnight. This will make them flatter and better integrate the flavors.
• The next day, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. When the olive oil begins to smoke lightly, add the sandwiches and cook them on 1 side until brown. Turn and cook until brown on the other side. Cook in batches, if necessary. Transfer to a serving platter and season with salt. Top with the pickled scallions and serve immediately.
• The acidity of the vinegar and the oniony "bite" of the scallion make this a brightening element for my cheese sandwiches. I avoid salt and pepper to keep the focus on the acidity of the scallion.
• Put the scallions on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, slice them into thin rounds from the white part all the way through the green part.
• Add the scallions to a small bowl with the red wine vinegar and the olive oil. Toss to combine and set aside for 1 to 2 hours to allow the vinegar to work its magic. The scallions can be covered and refrigerated overnight, if desired.

PRESSED CUBAN SANDWICH

Steps:

• Preheat a stovetop grill or sandwich press.
• Slice the sub rolls end to end. Spread the butter evenly on both rolls. Repeat the process with mustard. Lay the ham, cheese, and pickle slices evenly in the roll. Put the sandwiches in a press or on the grill and cook for about 6 minutes, or until warm through or toasted on the outside.

CHEESY SPINACH OMELET SANDWICH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; whisk in the scallions. Set aside. Melt the butter in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach, season with salt and pepper and cook, tossing to wilt, about 1 minute. Add the eggs to the skillet and move the spinach evenly around with a wooden spoon. Cook until the edges are slightly set, about 1 minute.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven, along with the baguette pieces. Bake until the bread is toasted and the omelet is just cooked through but not browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Arrange the cheese slices over the omelet during the last minute of cooking to melt.
• Slide the omelet out of the skillet onto a cutting board. Spread the mayonnaise-mustard blend on one side of each baguette piece. Cut the omelet into 8 wedges. Fill each baguette piece with 2 omelet wedges and 2 slices of ham. Serve with radishes and olives.