Stanley Tucci’s Easy 5-Ingredient Lunch Is a Classic

Stanley Tucci, known as much for his impeccable taste in food as for his iconic film roles, just made our lunch planning infinitely easier. The actor and food enthusiast recently shared a simple yet mouthwatering “toastie” recipe on Instagram, and we’re wasting no time making it ourselves. 

“In the colder months of the year, I think it’s important to eat a lot of sandwiches,” Tucci wrote in his caption—and we couldn’t agree more. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal effort, this sandwich is a staple for cozy days. 

Tucci’s toastie is built around just five simple ingredients, including prosciutto cotto, a type of Italian cooked ham with a savory richness that perfectly complements the creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil. To recreate it, you’ll need bread (we recommend whole-grain bread for extra fiber and nutrients, but a classic Italian bread or sourdough would also be delicious), prosciutto cotto, fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. While the pan warms up, assemble your sandwich by brushing each slice of bread lightly with olive oil. Layer the prosciutto cotto, fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil onto your bread and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. 

Place the sandwich in the hot pan and press it down with a spatula or weigh it down to get that irresistible golden crust. After a couple of minutes, flip the sandwich. Tucci adds a bit of butter in the pan after the first flip for extra flavor and crispness, but you can leave it out if you prefer. 

Continue flipping until the bread is perfectly golden brown and the mozzarella is melted and gooey. Once toasted, remove the sandwich from the pan, slice it in half and dig in. 

As delicious as prosciutto is, it’s worth noting that processed red meats, including prosciutto and similar cured cuts, aren’t ideal for daily consumption due to their link to health risks, including heart disease, declined cognitive function and diabetes. However, when enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet, prosciutto can absolutely have a place on your plate. Pairing it with fresh, wholesome ingredients like tomatoes, basil and mozzarella makes this sandwich a balanced and satisfying lunch.

Tucci’s toastie hits all the right notes—crispy, cheesy, savory and fresh. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when you want something comforting without the hassle. With minimal prep and cheesy goodness, it’s no surprise that Tucci considers this one of his go-to sandwiches. We’re off to the kitchen to whip one up ASAP—and you should too.