Prosciutto and Cheese Sandwich with Chili Fig Jam

This Prosciutto and Cheese Sandwich with Chili Fig Jam is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. This quick and easy lunch recipe features savory prosciutto layered with creamy cheese, peppery arugula, a generous smear of chili fig jam, and grainy Country Dijon between your favorite crusty bread. Everything is finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, a crack of pepper, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Jump to:

• Ingredients for the Ultimate Prosciutto and Cheese Sandwich with Chili Fig Jam
• Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Prosciutto Sandwich
• Customizing Your Prosciutto and Cheese Sandwich: Variations & Substitutions
• Serving Suggestions for this Sweet & Savory Prosciutto Sandwich
• Storing and Making Ahead Tips for an Easy Prosciutto, Cheese, and Fig Sandwich
• Essential Tools for Making a Prosciutto and Cheese Sandwich with Chili Fig Jam
• More Gourmet Sandwich Recipes to Try Next
• Prosciutto and Cheese Sandwich with Chili Fig Jam

Ingredients for the Ultimate Prosciutto and Cheese Sandwich with Chili Fig Jam

• Bread: Choose a crusty bread like a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough. You want something with a crisp exterior and a soft interior that holds the sandwich together.
• Prosciutto: Thinly sliced, high-quality Prosciutto di Parma brings the perfect salty, savory bite to this gourmet sandwich recipe.
• Cheese: Creamy burrata or brie are ideal choices for this prosciutto sandwich, pairing perfectly with the sweet-spicy fig jam. If you're looking for alternatives, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or even a mild Havarti are also nice options.
• Chili Fig Jam: A sweet and spicy chili fig jam adds a mild kick of heat that balances the sweetness and adds a greater depth of flavor to this creamy cheese sandwich recipe.
• Dijon Mustard: A grainy Country Dijon mustard adds tang and texture, balancing the sweetness of the fig jam.
• Arugula: Peppery arugula provides a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the richness of the cheese and prosciutto.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances all the flavors and adds a slight crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Prosciutto Sandwich

Making this prosciutto and cheese sandwich is incredibly easy and perfect for a quick lunch. Here’s how to make this gourmet sandwich recipe:

1. Prep the Bread: Slice a crusty baguette or ciabatta roll in half lengthwise. If using sourdough, you’ll need two slices (or halves).
2. Layer the Bottom Half: Spread a generous layer of grainy Country Dijon mustard on the bottom half of the bread. Top with fresh arugula and 3 slices of prosciutto.
3. Layer the Top Half: Spread chili fig jam on the top half, then add your choice of creamy cheese.
4. Finish with Balsamic and Salt: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the cheese and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
   • Note: If you’re using burrata, you can add balsamic vinegar directly to the cheese. If using sliced cheese like brie, mozzarella, or Havarti, you may want to add the balsamic directly to the arugula to keep it from running off the cheese.
5. Assemble and Serve: Press the two halves together, slice, and enjoy this quick lunch recipe!

Customizing Your Prosciutto and Cheese Sandwich: Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to personalize this prosciutto and cheese sandwich to match your tastes. Whether you're switching up the cheese, bread, or adding a new spread, these variations and substitutions will inspire your own delicious creations.

• Cheese Options: While burrata or brie are my top choices, you can experiment with other creamy cheeses like fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or even Havarti for a milder flavor. If you prefer a sharper bite, try a soft blue cheese for a bold contrast.
• Bread Choices: A crusty baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough are ideal for this sandwich, but if you prefer a softer texture, try using a Kaiser roll or even a sturdy sandwich bread. Just make sure the bread has enough structure to hold the fillings.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free bread to make this sandwich. A hearty gluten-free sourdough works particularly well for structure and flavor.
• Toast the Bread: Lightly toasting the bread before assembling the sandwich can add a bit of texture and help prevent sogginess, especially if you're packing the sandwich for later.
• Jam Variations: If you don’t have chili fig jam, regular fig jam works just as well. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to regular fig jam to recreate the heat, or try other fruit jams like apricot for a different flavor twist.
• Vegetarian Option: If you’d like a meatless version, omit the prosciutto and replace it with roasted vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant.
• Greens: If arugula isn’t your favorite, substitute with other peppery or bitter greens like baby kale, spinach, or watercress to still get that fresh contrast to the creamy cheese and savory prosciutto.
• Additional Toppings: For extra texture, you can add thin slices of fresh pear or apple for a bit of sweetness and crunch. A few crushed nuts like walnuts or almonds can also add a nice bite to the sandwich.

Serving Suggestions for this Sweet & Savory Prosciutto Sandwich

Here are some quick side ideas that pair perfectly with this sweet and spicy figgy prosciutto and cheese sandwich for an easy lunch:

• Pair with a Simple Salad: A light, crisp salad, such as this Arugula Salad with Calabrian Chili Oil, Lemon, and Parmesan, complements the rich flavors of the sandwich without overpowering it. Or, for an earthy and sweet note, try this Kale Salad with Roasted Beets and Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette.
• Serve with Soup: Pair this sandwich with a warm bowl of tomato basil or butternut squash soup for a comforting and balanced meal, especially during cooler months.
• Add Fresh Fruit: Serve the sandwich with fresh fruit like sliced pears, apples, or grapes. The natural sweetness from the fruit pairs well with the savory prosciutto and the tang of the chili fig jam.
• Side of Chips or Crisps: For a casual lunch, you can serve the sandwich with a side of your favorite potato chips or crisps. The crunch of the chips adds contrast to the creamy and soft textures in the sandwich.

Storing and Making Ahead Tips for an Easy Prosciutto, Cheese, and Fig Sandwich

• Storing: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store the components separately to maintain the texture. Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature and store the prosciutto, cheese, arugula, and condiments in the fridge. Assemble the sandwich just before serving to avoid sogginess.
• Making Ahead: If you want to prep the sandwich ahead of time, consider assembling everything except for the balsamic vinegar and salt, which can make the sandwich too wet. Wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap to keep the ingredients fresh and refrigerate. Right before eating, unwrap, add the balsamic vinegar and salt, and enjoy.

Essential Tools for Making a Prosciutto and Cheese Sandwich with Chili Fig Jam

• A cutting board
• A bread knife
• A butter knife or a spoon (to spread jam and mustard)

Are you looking to upgrade your cooking tools or replenish your pantry?

Check out my kitchen tools shop page and pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.

More Gourmet Sandwich Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this Prosciutto and Cheese Sandwich with Chili Fig Jam, here are some other fresh and flavorful sandwich recipes you might enjoy. Each one offers a unique twist on classic flavors:

• French Tuna Sandwich (Pan Bagnat)
• Roast Beef Sandwich with Romesco and Arugula
• Italian Deli Sandwich
• Egg and Olive Tapenade Breakfast Sandwich (video recipe)
• Taleggio Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Red Pepper Flakes and Honey
• Thai-Inspired Grilled PBJ Sandwich
• Crab Club Sandwich

Print