Picnic Brick-Pressed Sandwiches

Consider these massive, so-stuffed pressed sandwiches the feed-a-crowd element your summer gatherings have been missing.

Photo By: Renee Comet ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Renee Comet ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Renee Comet ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Renee Comet ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Renee Comet ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Renee Comet ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

5 Impressively Pressed Sandwiches

Giant, jam-packed and made for feeding a crowd, these massive brick-pressed sandwiches are the ultimate picnic fare. Pressing them under a brick (or other heavy object) for several hours brings all of the flavors together and helps to cram more of your favorite ingredients into each bite. Once the force of gravity has worked its magic, these impressive, loaf-sized sandwiches are ready to be sliced and served.

Italian Combo and Broccoli Rabe Pressed Hero

Together, broccoli rabe and roast pork make a Philadelphia classic. In our twist, we use spicy deli meats — we're talking prosciutto, mortadella and salami — as partners to the bracing greens, while pickled hot cherry peppers give the sandwich a good tang.

Get the Recipe: Italian Combo and Broccoli Rabe Pressed Hero

Grilled Chicken and Kale Caesar Pressed Sandwich

Packed with thick-cut bacon and grilled chicken, this loaded sandwich features a surprising highlight: the hearty kale salad, which gets more flavorful and tender as it sits. To save time, pick up grilled chicken breasts, readily available at most supermarket deli counters.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Kale Caesar Pressed Sandwich

Steak and Horseradish Pressed Sandwich

Pack everything you love about a steakhouse dinner into one hearty sandwich. The horseradish-mustard spread adds a welcome kick, and baby arugula brings on a peppery freshness.

Get the Recipe: Steak and Horseradish Pressed Sandwich

Smashed Chickpea and Eggplant Pressed Sandwich

This meatless Middle Eastern sandwich is just like your favorite mezze platter in between two slices of bread. Slathering both halves of the bread with the hummus keeps everything together, and it also adds a satisfyingly silky contrast to the whole chickpeas and the chunky vegetables.

Get the Recipe: Smashed Chickpea and Eggplant Pressed Sandwich

Mexican Chorizo and Potato Pressed Sandwich

Inspired by the jam-packed Mexican sandwiches called tortas, this recipe features layers of flavors and textures — think sausage, beans, potatoes, lettuce and more. Here, the bread is key: A loaf from the supermarket will be more tender and easier to eat than a crusty one from a bakery.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Chorizo and Potato Pressed Sandwich