Francesinha Recipe: How to Make Portugal’s Iconic Sandwich at Home

If there’s one dish that defines the culinary heart of Porto, it’s the Francesinha. Often described as a Portuguese twist on the French croque monsieur, this indulgent sandwich takes comfort food to another level. The name “Francesinha,” meaning “little French girl”, is said to honor the French women admired by its creator—who, after living in France, sought to bring a taste of French cuisine to Portugal.

But make no mistake: this is no light snack. A Francesinha is a hearty, layered sandwich packed with cured meats, steak, melted cheese, and drenched in a rich, slightly spicy tomato-and-beer sauce. Typically served with golden French fries and sometimes crowned with a fried egg, it’s considered one of the most filling and iconic Portuguese meals you can try.

The best part? You don’t have to travel to Porto to enjoy it—you can recreate this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the authentic recipe and tips for making Francesinha at home.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare an authentic Francesinha for 2 servings:

For the Sandwich

• 4 slices of thick white bread (toasted)
• 2 thin beef steaks (about 100g each)
• 2 slices of cured ham
• 2 fresh sausages (linguiça or chorizo, split lengthwise)
• 2 smoked sausages (chipolata, lightly grilled)
• 6–8 slices of cheese (Edam, mozzarella, or a good melting cheese)
• 2 fried eggs (optional, for topping)

For the Francesinha Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 200 ml beef or chicken stock
• 200 ml beer (lager or pilsner works well)
• 50 ml port wine or brandy
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with a splash of water (for thickening, optional)

To Serve

• Crispy French fries
• Extra sauce for dipping

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the mixture thickens.
4. Pour in beer, stock, and port wine (or brandy), then season with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
5. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch mixture and simmer for 5 more minutes.

2. Prepare the Sandwich

1. Grill or pan-fry the sausages and beef steak until cooked through.
2. Toast the bread slices lightly.
3. On one slice of bread, layer ham, sausage, steak, and smoked sausage. Top with the second slice of bread.
4. Cover the entire sandwich with cheese slices, ensuring all sides are blanketed.

3. Assemble and Serve

1. Place the cheese-covered sandwich in an oven-safe dish.
2. Ladle a generous amount of hot sauce over the top.
3. Bake or broil for 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
4. Top with a fried egg if desired.
5. Serve immediately with French fries on the side—and more sauce for dipping.

Tips and Variations

• Cheese Choice: While Edam is traditional, you can use Gouda, mozzarella, or any mild, melting cheese. Avoid strong cheeses that overpower the sauce.
• Meat Options: Substitute with roast beef, turkey, or vegetarian sausages for a lighter or meat-free version.
• Spice Level: Adjust hot sauce and paprika based on preference. Some versions are mild, while others pack a serious punch.
• Egg Topping: A fried egg adds richness—perfect if you’re serving this dish for brunch.
• Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepared a day in advance and reheated before serving. It even tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.
• Authentic Touch: In Porto, some restaurants add a splash of brandy or port wine to the sauce for depth—don’t skip this step if you want the true Francesinha experience.

Conclusion and Serving Suggestions

The Francesinha is more than just a sandwich—it’s a symbol of Porto’s culinary identity and a celebration of bold flavors. When you prepare this dish at home, you’re not only recreating a classic Portuguese recipe but also experiencing a cultural icon on your plate.

Serve your Francesinha piping hot, with crispy French fries and an extra bowl of sauce for dipping. Pair it with a cold beer or a glass of Portuguese vinho verde to balance the richness.

Whether you’re cooking to impress friends, trying something new, or reminiscing about a trip to Portugal, this Francesinha recipe will bring a taste of Porto straight to your table.