Pressed Picnic Sandwiches

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Shea Goldstein (@dixiechikcooks)

Pressed Picnic Sandwiches are customizable picnic-ready subs that are pressed thin to save space in your picnic basket or lunch bag. These sandwiches are fun to make, and the anticipation of waiting makes them even more enjoyable. This recipe features a unique combination of flavors, including apricot jalapeno mayo, ham,...

Pressed Picnic Sandwiches recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
0min
Total Time
20min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 sandwich)
  • large French baguette
    large French baguette
    1
  • Cabot Colby Jack cheese, thinly sliced
    Cabot Colby Jack cheese, thinly sliced
    4oz
  • lean smoked ham, thinly sliced
    lean smoked ham, thinly sliced
    1/2lb
  • bacon, cooked
    bacon, cooked
    1/2lb
  • sun dried tomatoes
    sun dried tomatoes
    3oz
  • pickle chips
    pickle chips
    12oz
  • carrots, julienned
    carrots, julienned
    8oz
  • green leaf lettuce, washed and torn
    green leaf lettuce, washed and torn
    1bundle
  • red onion, thinly sliced
    red onion, thinly sliced
    1/2
  • stalks celery, julienned
    stalks celery, julienned
    4
  • mayonnaise
    mayonnaise
    1 1/2cups
  • apricots, grilled
    apricots, grilled
    2
  • jalapeno, grilled and deseeded
    jalapeno, grilled and deseeded
    1
  • strawberry balsamic jam
    strawberry balsamic jam
    1 1/2tbsp
  • mustard (optional)
    mustard (optional)
    1dash

How to make Pressed Picnic Sandwiches

Prepare the baguette

  1. Step 1

    Slice the French baguette in half lengthwise, then open each half.

  2. Step 2

    Scoop out some of the bread from the middle of each half to create a well for the fillings.

Prepare the apricot jalapeno mayo

  1. Step 1

    Grill the apricots and jalapeno (cut and deseeded) on a grill pan for 3-5 minutes, cut side down.

  2. Step 2

    Peel the apricots and blend them in a food processor with the jalapeno, strawberry balsamic jam, and mayonnaise until smooth.

Assemble the sandwich

  1. Step 1

    Spread the prepared mayo on both sides of the baguette halves.

  2. Step 2

    Layer the bottom halves with cheese slices, ham, bacon, sun dried tomatoes, pickle chips, carrots, lettuce, red onion, and celery.

  3. Step 3

    Add a dash of mustard if desired, then top with the other half of the baguette.

Press the sandwich

  1. Step 1

    Wrap the assembled sandwich tightly in aluminum foil.

  2. Step 2

    Place the wrapped sandwich in the refrigerator and press it with a heavy object (such as a large can or book) for at least 4 hours, up to a day.

Serve

  1. Step 1

    Remove the sandwich from the refrigerator, unwrap, and slice into individual servings.

  2. Step 2

    Wrap each serving in parchment or butcher paper for easy transport.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

693.8kcal (34.69%)

Protein

38.4g (76.76%)

Carbs

17.1g (6.2%)

Sugars

7.5g (15.06%)

Healthy Fat

23.5g

Unhealthy Fat

17.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For added flavor, let the sandwich press in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

  2. If you don’t have a grill pan, you can roast the apricots and jalapeno in the oven instead.

  3. Use parchment or butcher paper to wrap the sandwiches for a rustic and practical presentation.

  4. Add an ice block in a sealed bag to your picnic basket to keep the sandwiches fresh without creating condensation.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of bread?

    Yes, you can use any sturdy bread like ciabatta or focaccia, but a French baguette works best for pressing.

  2. How long can the pressed sandwiches be stored?

    The pressed sandwiches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure they are tightly wrapped.

  3. Can I make the apricot jalapeno mayo in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the mayo up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  4. What can I substitute for strawberry balsamic jam?

    You can use any fruit-based balsamic jam or even a simple balsamic glaze mixed with a bit of fruit preserves.

  5. Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

    Yes, you can omit the ham and bacon and add more vegetables or a plant-based protein like grilled tofu or tempeh.

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Shea Goldstein

(@dixiechikcooks)

A Southern Belle Who's Thinking About What's For Dinner While Eating Lunch...

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