This Brazilian-style lanchão transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-quality layered sandwich that’s baked to golden perfection. The unique potato-based dough creates an incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s unlike any typical bread or pastry. With layers of turkey, cheese, and fresh tomatoes, this hearty snack is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a satisfying meal any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 large eggs
- 200g potatoes (7 oz / about 2 medium)
- 1 medium onion (about 150g / 5.3 oz)
- 200ml milk, room temperature (¾ cup + 1 tbsp / 6.8 fl oz)
- 25g Parmesan cheese, grated (0.9 oz / ¼ cup) or 1 tsp salt as substitute
- 30ml vegetable oil (2 tbsp) or 30g margarine/butter
- 200g heavy cream (7 oz / ¾ cup + 2 tbsp)
- 250g all-purpose flour (8.8 oz / 2 cups)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (15ml)
For the Filling:
- 200g sliced turkey breast (7 oz)
- 200g mozzarella cheese, sliced (7 oz)
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (30ml) or prepared tomato sauce
For the Topping:
- 150g mozzarella cheese, grated (5.3 oz / 1½ cups)
- Fresh parsley, chives, or oregano (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Place 200g potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash while still hot for easier mixing.
Step 2: Make the Base Mixture
Beat 2 eggs lightly without creating foam. In a blender, combine the onion with room-temperature milk and blend until smooth to create an onion broth.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the mashed potatoes to the onion-milk mixture. Stir in the beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese (or salt), oil, and heavy cream. Mix well until smooth.
Step 4: Add Flour
Gradually add flour to the mixture, stirring constantly. The dough should be soft and easily mixed with a spoon. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape but still pourable.
Step 5: Add Baking Powder
Add baking powder only at the very end, stirring just until incorporated. This ensures maximum lift during baking.
Step 6: Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 30x20cm (12×8 inch) rectangular pan with margarine and dust lightly with flour.
Step 7: Layer the Base
Pour half of the dough into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 8: Add Filling Layers
Spread tomato paste evenly over the dough. Layer with sliced turkey breast, mozzarella cheese, and tomato slices.
Step 9: Top with Remaining Dough
Carefully spread the remaining dough over the filling, covering completely.
Step 10: Final Toppings
Top with grated mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with fresh herbs of choice.
Step 11: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The top should be beautifully golden and the dough should pull away slightly from the sides.
Time and Serving Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10 generous portions
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Why This Recipe is Healthy
This lanchão provides a balanced combination of macronutrients in a satisfying meal. The potato base offers complex carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C, while being naturally lower in calories than traditional bread bases. Turkey breast provides lean, high-quality protein and B vitamins essential for energy metabolism while being lower in sodium than processed meats.
Mozzarella cheese contributes calcium for bone health and additional protein. The eggs add complete proteins with all essential amino acids, plus choline for brain function. Fresh tomatoes provide lycopene, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immune function and heart health. The onion adds quercetin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. While this is a hearty dish, the homemade preparation allows control over ingredients and sodium content, making it a more nutritious option than many processed convenience foods.