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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.

45 minMediumServes 2680 cal/serving

PortugueseDinnerStovetop and OvenStandard

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. 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. 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. 3

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

  4. 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. 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. 6

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

Questions

Can I make Francesinha dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 4 oz cheddar cheese, sliced, 2 tbsp butter. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor); the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Francesinha gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry 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.

How long does Francesinha keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat covered in a 300 F oven until warmed through.

Can I halve or double Francesinha?

Yes. As written it serves 2. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, split it across two pans and rotate them halfway; one crowded pan bakes unevenly.

Serve it with

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