Ultimate Italian Deli Meat Sandwich Grilled to Crispy Perfection Recipe
This recipe guide covers two classic deli and cooking essentials: Italian deli meats prepared as a crispy grilled sandwich and homemade ghee made by clarifying butter. Learn how to assemble a delicious grilled Italian deli meat sandwich with melted cheese and how to make rich, aromatic ghee from butter for cooking or flavoring dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich and about 3/4 cup ghee
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Italian Deli Meat Sandwich
- Italian deli meats (such as salami, mortadella, capicola) – 4-6 slices
- Butter – 1 tablespoon, softened for grilling
- Sandwich bread (Italian or your choice) – 2 slices
- Optional cheese (Provolone or Mozzarella) – 1-2 slices
Ghee
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (227 grams)
Instructions
- Assemble Sandwich: Layer the Italian deli meats and optional cheese between two slices of sandwich bread. Spread softened butter on the outside of each bread slice to ensure crisping.
- Grill Until Crispy: Preheat a skillet or sandwich press over medium heat. Place the sandwich in and grill for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the grilled sandwich from the pan. Let it rest for a minute, then slice into halves or quarters and serve warm.
- Melt Butter Slowly: Place the unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Allow it to melt gently without stirring.
- Remove Milk Solids: As the butter melts, white foam will form on top and milk solids will separate to the bottom. Skim off the foam carefully with a spoon.
- Strain and Cool: Once the butter is clear golden and no more foam rises, remove from heat. Pour the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine strainer into a clean container, discarding any remaining milk solids. Let it cool and solidify at room temperature, then store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use a sandwich press or skillet to control heat evenly during grilling, preventing burning.
- Choose good quality Italian deli meats for authentic flavor in the sandwich.
- Ghee has a longer shelf life than butter and can be stored at room temperature for weeks.
- For dairy-free ghee alternative, consider oils like coconut oil but note different flavor profiles.
Keywords: Italian deli meats, grilled sandwich, ghee, clarified butter, Italian sandwich, homemade ghee
