Gourmet Asparagus & Bacon Focaccia Delight
Elevate your game day experience with this delectable Gourmet Asparagus & Bacon Focaccia Delight! Combining the crispness of fresh asparagus, the smoky richness of pancetta, and creamy mozzarella, this sandwich is a crowd-pleaser perfect for a San Francisco Giants game or any picnic. The zesty lemon aioli adds a refreshing twist that ties all the flavors together. Whether enjoyed at room temperature or warmed, this sandwich is sure to make your taste buds cheer. Go Giants!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (for mashing garlic)
mayonnaise
1/3 cup (regular or flavored)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (extra virgin recommended)
focaccia bread
8 pieces (5x5 inches) (cut into squares)
baby lettuce
1 1/2 cups (lightly packed (or substitute arugula))
roasted red pepper
1 cup (cut into pieces)
fresh mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (sliced about 1/4-inch thick (substitute with regular mozzarella, provolone, or mild Swiss if desired))
cooked asparagus spears
16 (trimmed and roasted)
pancetta or bacon
4 slices (thick cut, cooked almost crisp, and broken into 3-inch pieces)
Instructions
1
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before assembling the sandwiches.
2
In a small bowl, prepare the Lemon Aioli by whisking together the grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic that has been lightly mashed with salt. Gradually whisk in the mayonnaise and olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3
Generously spread about 1/2 tablespoon of the Lemon Aioli on the smooth side of each of the eight focaccia squares.
4
Layer the ingredients on half of the focaccia squares in the following order: a handful of baby lettuce or arugula, pieces of roasted red pepper, slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, cooked asparagus spears, and crispy pancetta or bacon bits.
5
Top each assembled sandwich with the remaining focaccia squares, aioli side down, and cut each sandwich in half diagonally to form triangles.
6
Serve the sandwiches immediately or, for a warm option, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 450-degree oven for a few minutes, just until the mozzarella begins to melt. Be mindful that these sandwiches are best served warm, not hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Asparagus & Bacon Focaccia Delight?
It is a gourmet sandwich featuring fresh asparagus, smoky pancetta, and creamy mozzarella on focaccia, tied together with a zesty lemon aioli.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total required for this recipe.
How do I make the Lemon Aioli?
Whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic mashed with salt, mayonnaise, and olive oil until smooth.
Can I use something other than baby lettuce?
Yes, arugula is recommended as a suitable substitute for baby lettuce.
What type of cheese is used in this sandwich?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced about 1/4-inch thick.
Are there any substitutes for fresh mozzarella?
Yes, you can substitute fresh mozzarella with regular mozzarella, provolone, or mild Swiss cheese.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus spears should be trimmed and roasted before being added to the sandwich.
What meat options are suitable for this sandwich?
You can use either pancetta or thick-cut bacon, cooked until almost crisp.
How should the pancetta or bacon be sized for assembly?
The meat should be broken into 3-inch pieces for layering.
How many asparagus spears are used per recipe?
The recipe requires 16 cooked asparagus spears.
Can this sandwich be served cold?
The sandwich can be enjoyed at room temperature or warmed, depending on your preference.
What is the best way to warm the sandwiches?
Place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 450-degree oven for a few minutes until the cheese begins to melt.
At what temperature should the oven be for warming?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should the sandwiches be in the oven?
They should only be in the oven for a few minutes, just until the mozzarella begins to melt.
Should the sandwiches be served piping hot?
No, they are best served warm rather than hot.
How should I cut the sandwiches for serving?
Cut each sandwich in half diagonally to form triangle shapes.
What is the specific order of layering the ingredients?
Layer baby lettuce or arugula, roasted red pepper, mozzarella, asparagus, and then the crispy pancetta or bacon.
How much aioli should be applied to the bread?
Generously spread about 1/2 tablespoon of the Lemon Aioli on the smooth side of each focaccia square.
What type of mayonnaise is suggested for the aioli?
You can use regular mayonnaise or a flavored variety.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the aioli.
How much roasted red pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of roasted red pepper, cut into pieces.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the aioli?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What size should the focaccia bread pieces be?
The focaccia should be cut into 8 pieces, each approximately 5x5 inches.
Is this sandwich suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for picnics.
Is this recipe good for game day?
Absolutely, it is specifically suggested for a San Francisco Giants game or any game day experience.
How much lemon zest is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest.
How much lemon juice is used in the aioli?
One tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is used.
Should ingredients be at a certain temperature before assembly?
Yes, all ingredients should be at room temperature before you begin assembling the sandwiches.
Why is salt used in the aioli preparation?
The salt is used for mashing the minced garlic before whisking it into the other ingredients.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include sandwich, asparagus, bacon, focaccia, lunch, snacks, game day, picnic, and gourmet.