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Are you looking for something fun, fabulous and unique for a special lunch, brunch or picnic coming up?
Have you thought of "sandwiches in the round"? I've been making sandwiches like this one for years for celebration events and parties. I've made the focaccia rounds in varying sizes from small to medium to very large. They can be prepared ahead and warmed slightly before serving, making them simple and perfect for group get-togethers. These round meals-in-one look quite festive when cut in wedges and plated on a pretty platter - they always seem to bring rave reviews!
I shared yesterday that I came up with this particular sandwich for a picnic dinner we enjoyed last week with my son, Nick and daughter-in-law, Lindsay. After work one evening, we biked several miles on our local greenway and chose a perfect spot along the lazy winding river for our delicious dinner. We had worked up hearty appetites and this focaccia sandwich really "hit the spot"!
The dried, sweet cherries in the savory, toasted pecan-topped rosemary bread made a perfect pairing with the tender roasted chicken, creamy sliced cheese and salty, spicy Italian salami. We liked the sandwich so much that I've made it several times since. I made a huge one today (in a deep-dish pizza pan) as a thank you and special lunch treat for my husband's co-workers.
P.S. If you're making this for a special party or brunch, much of the work can be done way ahead; the focaccia can be baked several weeks ahead (it freezes beautifully), the spread can be made 4-5 day in advance (it keeps perfectly for up to a week!) and see my note** below about the chicken. So all you have to do is pick up some salami and sliced cheese and throw the whole thing together at the last minute - easy peasy!
Roasted Chicken & Italian Salami Sandwich on Rosemary & Dried Cherry Focaccia w/ Basil-Avocado Spread
Ingredients:
1 round Focaccia w/ Dried Cherries, Rosemary and Toasted Pecans
3 tablespoons good quality mayo
8-10 ounces roasted chicken breast, torn into bite-size pieces**
4 ounces Italian salami, thinly sliced
4 ounces Colby-Jack or Fontina cheese, thinly sliced
Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 300˚F. Slice focaccia horizontally to form a top and a bottom half. Spread both cut surfaces with mayo.
2. Layer cheese, chicken breast and Italian Salami on the bottom half of focaccia. Cover with the top half and wrap in foil. Place in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until warm and cheese is beginning to melt. Remove the focaccia from the oven and let rest for a few minutes then slice into wedges and serve.
Carrie says
I am amazed at the variety of your menu and your wonderful writing. Im a new wife trying to learn new recipies and just realized that I've been salivating over your wonderful site for three hours now. Please keep posting. You're inspiring!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Carrie, I appreciate your kind words!
lena says
a gourmet sandwich that i would love to have!
Veronica Miller says
As a sandwich kinda girl, I can tell you that this is a beaut and I'd love to try it. Unfortunately, my husband is kinda anti-sandwich. I guess I could always freeze the bread and take it out in slices for my own sandwiches! 🙂
Veronica Miller says
As a sandwich kinda girl, I can tell you that this is a beaut and I'd love to try it. Unfortunately, my husband is kinda anti-sandwich. I guess I could always freeze the bread and take it out in slices for my own sandwiches! 🙂
Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Oh my! This looks heavenly! I absolutely love it! Bookmarked! xoxo
Gloria says
OMG This Focaccia look fantastic!! loved it!
Vicki Bensinger says
This looks great Chris. I love sandwiches in the round and they are perfect for small gatherings. I'd just need to be careful that a piece of rosemary doesn't tickle me in the nose when I take a bite.
Yummy sandwich!
The Café Sucré Farine says
W have had some very fun parties, haven't we? I'm ready to party with you! Missing you too sweet friend!
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook says
Great looking sandwich. Now I'm craving one of those!
Mama Peck says
This looks so good! I love the idea of making just one sandwich and cutting it into wedges. Brilliant! And I'm all about 'make-ahead' recipes. I'm so glad I discovered your site! Thank you for sharing all these amazing ideas.
Cuisine de Provence says
Please have a look at my blog there is an award waiting for you.
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
Oh my, I love a good sandwich, especially on wonderful homemade bread. This is perfect picnic fare and I'm looking forward to dry, warm weather so we can spend more time outside. It's still the rainy season here. Beautiful photos, too, Chris.
The Café Sucré Farine says
Holy schmoly! That is not true dear mom chef - just go back and look at some of your own stuff, quite amazing if I must say so myself! You always inspire me!
The Mom Chef says
Every time I come to your site I have this 'I'm not worthy' feeling. You never cease to amaze me with your talent and creativity, not just in cooking (and baking), but with your ideas and the beauty of your photos.
Roasted chicken and salami alone make me sigh with pleasure. add that avocado vinaigrette and the focaccia and I'm in sandwich heaven.
Sandra says
This is one serious sandwich! I attempted a muffuletta once and it was gigantic. A little goes a long way.
Kim says
WOW! This is THE sandwich!!!! Plus it can feed a crowd! It'S perfect for picnics! I like it!
bellini says
It looks simply delicious and sp worth the effort.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Yum! What a great sandwich! I really need to make your bread, it just look so good!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
I've never thought to make one giant sandwich and cut it into wedges like that. So simple but looks so great!