Provolone Sandwich
A flavorful and fresh sandwich featuring layers of Provolone cheese, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and red onions, all nestled in crusty French bread. Perfect for a casual lunch or picnic, this sandwich combines vibrant flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 French sandwich loaves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 8 oz sliced Provolone cheese ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion, sliced thin ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 glove garlic, minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice the French loaves in half lengthwise.
- Brush the cut sides of the bread with about 4 teaspoons of olive oil.
- Combine the remaining olive oil and red wine vinegar and set aside.
- Place a quarter of the sliced tomatoes on each bottom half of the bread.
- Brush the tomato layer with the vinegar and oil mixture.
- Arrange a quarter of the sliced cucumber, Provolone cheese, and red onion on top of the tomatoes.
- Brush the layered ingredients with the remaining vinegar mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the sliced cucumbers in vinegar for 15 minutes before adding them to the sandwich. If you prefer a heartier version, feel free to add some sliced roasted red peppers or avocado. For a different cheese experience, substituting with mozzarella or gouda can also work well. Using homemade Ninety Minute Dinner Rolls instead of French loaves can elevate the sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Provolone sandwich with a side of crispy potato chips or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a light vinaigrette dressing on the salad to complement the flavors. For a more filling option, consider adding a bowl of soup, like minestrone, which aligns perfectly with the sandwich's profile.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, you can either use a toaster oven to crisp up the bread or microwave briefly until warmed. However, for the best texture, reheating in the oven is recommended to retain the crunchiness of the bread.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Provolone Sandwich contains roughly 431 calories, with 17g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value), iron (91% of the Daily Value), and potassium (43% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread for this sandwich?
Absolutely! While French bread is traditional, ciabatta or whole grain bread can also work well. Just ensure that the bread has a nice crust to hold up against the fillings.
Is this sandwich suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Provolone sandwich is a great option for vegetarian recipes. The combination of vegetables and cheese provides a satisfying meal without any meat, making it perfect for anyone looking for a meat-free option.
How can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
To prepare the sandwich in advance, assemble all ingredients except the bread and store them separately. When ready to serve, simply slice the bread and layer in the fillings. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy and keeps the sandwich fresh.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).