Ultimate Corned Beef Ciabatta Melt
This Ultimate Corned Beef Ciabatta Melt is an irresistible ode to leftover corned beef, born from a delicious post-St. Patrick's Day inspiration. Crafted with love, this sandwich harmoniously combines juicy, tender corned beef with creamy provolone cheese, all nestled within the perfect crispy ciabatta. What started as a simple idea in 2004 has transformed into a cherished favorite in our household—so much so that we often purchase an entire corned beef just to recreate these mouthwatering melts. Ideal for a hearty lunch or a satisfying snack, this recipe promises not only flavor but also a delightful nostalgia with each bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ciabatta bread
2 small (sliced horizontally)
Leftover corned beef
6 ounces (sliced)
Provolone cheese
2 ounces (deli sliced)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your ciabatta bread. If you’re making your own, I recommend Lisa Pizza's Ciabatta (Italian 'Slipper' Bread) to achieve the best texture. For sandwiches, opt for making four small loaves rather than two medium ones.
2
For the corned beef, choose a generous cut, ideally around 4-5 pounds, and prepare it with Chia's corned beef and cabbage seasoning mix for an authentic taste.
3
Once your bread is ready and your corned beef is cooked and sliced, preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
4
Carefully slice each ciabatta loaf horizontally, ensuring to keep the bottom intact as a sturdy base for your sandwich.
5
Layer the bottom half of each ciabatta with an even distribution of the sliced corned beef.
6
Top the corned beef evenly with the deli-sliced provolone cheese, ensuring complete coverage for a melty experience.
7
Place the open-faced sandwiches in the toaster oven (if using) to melt the cheese, adding the top half for the last minute of heating to warm it without making it overly crunchy.
8
For a softer bread option, you can wrap the sandwich in foil and bake together until heated through and the cheese has melted.
9
Once the cheese has melted to your liking, carefully remove the sandwiches, place the top half back onto the bottom half, and slice each sandwich into wedges.
10
Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the decadence of your Ultimate Corned Beef Ciabatta Melt!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Corned Beef Ciabatta Melt?
It is an irresistible sandwich that combines tender corned beef with creamy provolone cheese on crispy ciabatta bread, often made from leftover corned beef.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
Ciabatta bread is used, specifically small loaves or Italian 'Slipper' Bread for the best texture.
Can I make the ciabatta bread from scratch?
Yes, the recipe recommends using Lisa Pizza's Ciabatta recipe to achieve the perfect sandwich base.
How much corned beef do I need?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of leftover corned beef, sliced.
What type of cheese is used in this melt?
Deli-sliced provolone cheese is used for its creamy and excellent melting properties.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your toaster oven or standard oven to 375°F (190°C).
How do I slice the ciabatta for the sandwich?
Slice each ciabatta loaf horizontally, ensuring the bottom remains a sturdy base for the fillings.
How should the ingredients be layered?
Layer the sliced corned beef on the bottom half of the ciabatta first, followed by the provolone cheese.
How do I melt the cheese perfectly?
Place the open-faced sandwiches in the toaster oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
When should I add the top half of the bread?
Add the top half during the last minute of heating to warm it without making it too crunchy.
How can I make the bread softer if I prefer?
Wrap the entire sandwich in foil and bake it until the cheese has melted and the bread is heated through.
How should the sandwich be served?
Once the cheese is melted, replace the top half, slice the sandwich into wedges, and serve immediately while hot.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as an ideal choice for a hearty lunch or a satisfying snack.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was born from a post-St. Patrick's Day inspiration in 2004 to use up leftover corned beef.
Can I use a regular oven if I don't have a toaster oven?
Yes, a regular oven at 375°F (190°C) will work perfectly for melting the cheese.
What seasoning is suggested for the corned beef?
The recipe suggests using Chia's corned beef and cabbage seasoning mix for an authentic flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 3 main ingredients: ciabatta bread, corned beef, and provolone cheese.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a comfort food favorite.
What is the recommended size for the corned beef cut?
If cooking from scratch, a 4-5 pound cut of corned beef is recommended.
How much cheese should be used?
The recipe specifies 2 ounces of deli-sliced provolone cheese.
What should I do if I am making my own bread loaves?
Opt for making four small loaves rather than two medium ones to better suit the sandwich size.
Can I make this if I don't have leftovers?
Yes, the author notes they often buy a whole corned beef just to recreate these melts.
What is the preparation for the corned beef?
The corned beef should be cooked and then sliced before being placed on the sandwich.
How many small ciabatta loaves does the recipe use?
The recipe utilizes 2 small ciabatta loaves.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a sandwich, specifically a melt, suitable for lunch or snacks.
How do I ensure the cheese covers the beef?
Layer the deli-sliced provolone evenly over the beef to ensure complete coverage for a better melt.
Is the bread supposed to be crunchy?
The recipe aims for a crispy ciabatta, but provides a foil-wrapping method for those who prefer it soft.
What kind of nostalgia does this recipe offer?
It is described as a cherished favorite that brings back delightful memories of post-holiday meals.
Is the corned beef served cold or hot?
The beef is heated in the oven along with the bread and cheese, so it is served hot.
What tags are associated with this meal?
Tags include sandwich, corned beef, ciabatta, lunch, snack, leftovers, easy recipe, and comfort food.