Here’s the 2008 winner. Will your sandwich
recipe bring home the bacon in 2009?

Mezzetta, the contest sponsor, makes the capers, crushed garlic, marinated red peppers, pickled vegetables, olive oil, olives, sundried tomatoes and other specialties that bring sandwiches alive. Here’s the 2008 winner, submitted by Edwina Gadsby of Great Falls, Montana:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

– 8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices peasant bread or other artisan bread
– 3 cups shredded Manchego cheese
– 3 ounces thinly sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto

Smoky Paprika Roasted Pepper & Tomato Topping
– 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 3 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
– 1 tablespoons crushed garlic
– 1 cup roasted red pepper strips
– 1 cup sundried tomatoes in olive oil
– 3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley or cilantro

Directions

For Topping: Whisk together in bowl vinegar, paprika, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and crushed garlic. Add roasted red pepper strips, sundried tomatoes and parsley (or cilantro); toss to coat.

For Sandwiches: Sprinkle 4 slices of bread with half the cheese. Top with Smoky Paprika Roasted Pepper & Tomato Topping and ham. Apply the remaining cheese as another layer. Top with a second piece of bread and press together.

Brush sandwiches with remaining olive oil and heat in a panini press or skillet until lightly browned on both sides and cheese has melted. Serve hot.

• For more great grilled cheese sandwiches, see 12 gourmet grilled cheese recipes on TheNibble.com.