Grilled Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Fig Jam Sandwich

The first time I tasted the magical combination of salty prosciutto, sweet fig jam, and creamy mozzarella was at a tiny trattoria tucked away on a cobblestone street in Florence. The owner, a jovial woman named Nonna Elena, simply smiled and said, “Benvenuti in paradiso!” (Welcome to paradise!). One bite of her simple sandwich, oozing with melted cheese and bursting with flavor, transported me instantly, and I’ve been recreating that taste of paradise ever since, right in my own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 4 soft French rolls or 4 Italian rolls
• 10-12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thickly sliced (make sure to use fresh)
• 8 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 1⁄4 – 1⁄2 cup fig jam or fig preserves, to taste
• Soft butter

Equipment Needed

• Heavy nonstick skillet or panini press
• Spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Small bowl (for butter)
• Pastry brush (optional, for buttering)
• Heavy skillet or saucepan (for pressing, optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by splitting each roll horizontally. This creates the top and bottom halves of your sandwich.

2. Generously layer the bottom half of each roll with thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. Don’t skimp; the cheese is a star ingredient! Make sure to use fresh mozzarella, not the pre-shredded kind; the fresh flavor and meltiness are essential.

3. On top of the mozzarella, arrange the prosciutto. The salty, savory flavor of the prosciutto perfectly complements the sweetness of the fig jam and the mildness of the cheese.

4. Now for the magic: spread the top slice of each roll generously with fig jam or fig preserves. The amount you use is up to your personal taste, but a generous layer ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

5. Carefully close up the sandwiches, bringing the top slice with the fig jam down onto the prosciutto.

6. Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich. This will help the bread to crisp up and brown beautifully during grilling. You can use a pastry brush for even coverage, or simply spread the soft butter with a knife.

7. Heat a heavy nonstick skillet or panini press over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before you add the sandwiches, but not so hot that they burn before the cheese melts.

8. Place the sandwiches in the pan, working in two batches if necessary, depending on the size of your pan. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the sandwiches from browning properly.

9. Press the sandwiches or close the grill. Brown, turning once or twice, until the bread is crisp and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and gooey. If you’re using a skillet, you can press the sandwiches by weighting them down with something heavy, such as another skillet or a wide-bottomed saucepan. This ensures even browning and helps to melt the cheese quickly.

10. Though the rolls start off round, once pressed they are considerably flatter and can easily be turned, if careful. Use a spatula to gently flip the sandwiches.

11. Serve the sandwiches right away, cut on the diagonal for an elegant presentation. The warm, melty cheese, savory prosciutto, and sweet fig jam are best enjoyed immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a thin layer of balsamic glaze to the inside of the sandwich before grilling. The tangy sweetness of the balsamic complements the other flavors beautifully.
• If you don’t have fig jam on hand, you can use other types of fruit preserves, such as apricot or peach, although the fig adds a very unique, rustic, and sophisticated taste.
• To prevent the mozzarella from oozing out too much during grilling, make sure to slice it thickly and avoid overfilling the sandwiches.
• If you are using a panini press, be careful not to over-press the sandwiches, as this can cause the filling to squish out.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the prosciutto and add roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These sandwiches are best served immediately while the cheese is still melted and the bread is crisp. They are delicious on their own, but also pair well with a simple green salad or a bowl of tomato soup.

If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat, you can toast them in a toaster oven or grill them in a skillet until warmed through. Be aware that the bread may not be as crisp as it was when freshly made. Due to the fresh mozzarella and prosciutto content, freezing this sandwich is not recommended.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	373.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	157 g	42%
Total Fat	17.5 g	26%
Saturated Fat	9.7 g	48%
Cholesterol	56 mg	18%
Sodium	682.2 mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate	34.4 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	1.4 g	5%
Sugars	10.6 g	N/A
Protein	19.1 g	38%

Variations & Substitutions

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free rolls.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina.
• Add other ingredients, such as fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes, or caramelized onions.
• Use different types of cured meats, such as salami or capicola.
• Try different types of jam, such as raspberry or blackberry.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella?
A: While you can, fresh mozzarella is highly recommended for its superior flavor and meltiness, which are key to the sandwich’s appeal.

Q: Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble and grill the sandwiches just before serving. If you need to prep ahead, you can slice the cheese and measure out the fig jam, but wait to assemble until you’re ready to cook.

Q: What if I don’t have a panini press?
A: A heavy nonstick skillet works perfectly fine. You can use another skillet or a heavy saucepan to press down on the sandwich while it grills.

Q: Can I use different types of bread?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for French or Italian rolls, you can use ciabatta, focaccia, or any other type of sturdy bread that can hold up to the filling.

Q: How can I prevent the fig jam from oozing out too much?
A: Be careful not to overfill the sandwiches with fig jam. A thin, even layer is all you need.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Fig Jam Sandwich is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and salty flavors that is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a picnic in the park. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own signature sandwich. Give it a try and let the magic of Nonna Elena’s trattoria transport you to paradise! Buon appetito!