Francesinha-Inspired Toasties
Francesinha-Inspired Toasties
Classic DishFrancesinha
Prep: 25 min • Cook: 20 min. A delightful twist on the classic Portuguese Francesinha, these toasties offer a simplified, oven-baked version perfect for home cooks. Layers of thick sandwich bread are generously filled with a medley of cured meats, topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and served with a rich, flavorful sauce on the side for dipping.
- Preparation time
- 25 min
- Cooking time
- 20 min
- Total time
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
- 1In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in the beer until smooth.
- 3Add the pureed tomato, bay leaf, paprika, and piri-piri sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Assemble the Toasties
- 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2Lay out four slices of sandwich bread. Layer the ham, smoked sausage, and linguiça onto each slice.
- 3Top the meat with a generous portion of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- 4Place the remaining four slices of bread on top to create sandwiches.
Bake and Serve
- 1Place the assembled toasties on a baking sheet.
- 2Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 3Serve the Francesinha-Inspired Toasties hot, with the prepared Francesinha sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with a little fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 750 kcal
- Protein
- 35 g
- Fat
- 40 g
- Carbs
- 60 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 750 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Carbs | 60 g |
Tips
- For an even richer sauce, consider adding a splash of port wine or a dollop of tomato paste.
- If the toasties start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve with optional sides like a fried egg, french fries, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
