Francesinha

Name: Francesinha
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 4 slices white sandwich bread (4 slices, thick cut), thick cut; 6 oz sliced ham; 6 oz sliced mortadella; 6 oz sliced pastrami or corned beef; 4 oz cheddar cheese, sliced; 2 tbsp butter; 6 oz lager beer; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper

A hearty Portuguese sandwich layered with cured meats, cheese, and topped with a rich beer gravy and melted cheese. A Porto specialty that's crispy on the outside and tender within.

45 minMediumServes 2680 cal/serving

PortugueseDinnerStovetop and OvenStandard

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Ingredients

4 slices white sandwich bread (4 slices, thick cut), thick cut
6 oz sliced ham
6 oz sliced mortadella
6 oz sliced pastrami or corned beef
4 oz cheddar cheese, sliced
2 tbsp butter
6 oz lager beer
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1

Make the beer gravy: In a small saucepan, combine 6 oz lager beer, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer. Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the gravy. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
2

Assemble the sandwich: Spread 2 tbsp butter on one side of each 4 slices white sandwich bread (4 slices, thick cut) slice. Layer 6 oz sliced ham, 6 oz sliced mortadella, 6 oz sliced pastrami or corned beef, and 4 oz cheddar cheese on two slices.
3

Top with remaining 4 slices white sandwich bread (4 slices, thick cut) slices, buttered side up.
4

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook the sandwich until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt.
5

Transfer to a baking sheet. Top with remaining 4 oz cheddar cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6

Pour warm 6 oz gravy over the top. Serve immediately.

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Questions

What is Francesinha?

A hearty Portuguese sandwich layered with cured meats, cheese, and topped with a rich beer gravy and melted cheese. A Porto specialty that's crispy on the outside and tender within. This reference files it under Portuguese dinner: made on the stovetop and in the oven, rated medium and about 45 minutes start to finish.

What should Francesinha look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 4: cook until golden brown. Step 5: cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What equipment do I need for Francesinha?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses a grill pan (step 4) and a sheet pan (step 5).

What can I use instead of beer in Francesinha?

The entry for Francesinha calls for 6 oz lager beer. In its place: Stock or a non-alcoholic beer, in the same volume.

Can I make Francesinha gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Francesinha is 4 slices white sandwich bread (4 slices, thick cut), thick cut, 6 oz lager beer, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko; the beer for a certified gluten-free beer or a dry cider; the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

Serve it with

Broa side
Peri-Peri Sauce sauce
Aletria dessert

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