Prosciutto Sandwich: Best Cheeses To Compliment The Meat

A prosciutto sandwich is a delicious Italian panino that typically includes a few simple ingredients. The salty and subtly sweet flavour of prosciutto pairs well with many different types of cheese. Fresh mozzarella is a popular choice, but other options include scamorza, gorgonzola, feta, blue cheese, gouda, brie, ricotta, goat cheese, and provolone. For a gourmet option, you can even try a grilled cheese sandwich with prosciutto wrapped around the outside.

Mozzarella and basil

Ingredients

• Mozzarella: Opt for fresh mozzarella, preferably in a ball that you can slice into thick, creamy rounds. This will add a rich and creamy texture to your sandwich. If you can find it, go for buffalo mozzarella, which is made from water buffalo milk and has a stronger flavour and creamier texture than regular mozzarella.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves will add a burst of flavour to your sandwich. You can add them directly to your sandwich or use them to make a homemade basil aioli.
• Prosciutto: Look for thinly sliced prosciutto to ensure the perfect ratio of meat to other ingredients. Prosciutto has a salty and subtly sweet flavour that pairs well with mozzarella and basil.
• Bread: Choose a sturdy bread that can hold all your ingredients, such as ciabatta, baguette, or schiacciata (an Italian flatbread similar to focaccia).

Assembly

• Start by making the basil aioli (optional). In a mason jar, blend mayonnaise, fresh basil, garlic, and lemon juice. This can be made up to a week in advance.
• Prepare your sandwich layers. Toast your bread slices, salt the tomato slices (if using), and toss arugula with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
• Assemble the sandwich. Spread the basil aioli on your bread, then layer on the arugula, mozzarella, tomatoes (if using), prosciutto, and basil. Finish with the top slice of bread.
• For an extra touch of flavour, drizzle your sandwich with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Variations

• For a caprese-inspired sandwich, add a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
• If you want to add more ingredients, consider tomatoes, arugula, or roasted red peppers.
• For a vegetarian option, simply omit the prosciutto.

Blue cheese

One mouth-watering option is a grilled blue cheese and prosciutto sandwich. To make this, spread fig, pear, or grape preserves on a slice of sourdough bread. Cover the preserves with blue cheese, then add a couple of slices of prosciutto. Place another slice of bread on top, spread softened butter or mayonnaise on the top-facing side, and grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Another tasty variation is a blue cheese, fig, and prosciutto grilled cheese sandwich. For this sandwich, fry the prosciutto until crispy, then assemble the sandwich by spreading fig jam on a slice of sourdough bread, adding gorgonzola blue cheese, the crispy prosciutto, and grated gruyere cheese. Top with another slice of bread, grill until golden brown, and enjoy the ultimate prosciutto sandwich!

If you're looking for a simpler option, you can create a prosciutto sandwich with blue cheese, fresh figs, and buffalo milk mozzarella. This classic Italian combination allows you to savour the flavour of the prosciutto while enjoying the creamy richness of the cheeses. Simply add the ingredients to a schiacciata bread, similar to focaccia, or any bread of your choice.

With its tangy, creamy, and subtle flavour, blue cheese is an excellent choice to elevate your prosciutto sandwich. Whether you go for a grilled option or a simpler variation, the combination of blue cheese and prosciutto is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Goat's cheese

A simple goat's cheese and prosciutto sandwich can be made by spreading some goat's cheese onto bread, topping it with prosciutto, and adding some arugula and balsamic glaze. This combination is tasty and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a quick lunch.

For a more complex sandwich, you can add other ingredients such as pesto, Calabrian chilli peppers, and balsamic figs. The sweetness of the figs balances out the saltiness of the prosciutto, and the goat's cheese works well with both elements. This sandwich is a delightful mix of flavours and textures, and the addition of arugula provides a peppery bite.

If you're looking for a heartier option, you can also include sliced tomatoes in your sandwich. The freshness of the tomatoes pairs well with the other ingredients, and the juices add extra flavour to the sandwich.

When choosing bread for your goat's cheese and prosciutto sandwich, a croissant, sourdough, or a French roll are all excellent options. The flaky texture of a croissant adds a nice touch, while sourdough provides a crispy base for the ingredients.

With its unique flavour and texture, goat's cheese is a wonderful choice to elevate your prosciutto sandwich. Whether you keep it simple or get creative with additional ingredients, you're sure to enjoy this tasty combination.

Brie

When making a prosciutto and brie sandwich, it is recommended to use a chewy, airy bread such as ciabatta, which provides a nice textural contrast to the fillings and is easy to bite into. You can also use a French baguette for a more Parisian feel.

In addition to the bread and cheese, various ingredients can be added to enhance the flavour and texture of the sandwich. Wild arugula/rocket adds a peppery bite and pairs well with the creamy brie and rich prosciutto. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze to the sandwich for a slightly sweet and acidic note. If you want to add a sweeter touch, substitute the balsamic glaze with fig jam or fig preserves, which complement the other ingredients beautifully.

For those who enjoy warm sandwiches, the prosciutto and brie combination can be adapted accordingly. Simply spread butter on the outside of the bread and use a panini press or cast-iron skillet to toast the sandwich until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted.

The versatility of brie and prosciutto means that the sandwich can be customised to your taste preferences, making it a delicious and satisfying option for any meal.

Gruyere

A simple Gruyere and prosciutto toastie can be made in just ten minutes. This sandwich is best served melty, with the cheese oozing and the bread toasted to a crisp golden brown. To make this sandwich, spread mustard on two slices of bread, and top one slice with the cheese and prosciutto. Sprinkle finely chopped sage leaves over the other slice, then put the sandwich together. Butter the outsides of the sandwich and cook in a hot frying pan, weighed down by another heavy pan, for 2-3 minutes on each side. You can also cook this in a sandwich toaster.

For a more complex flavour profile, add some fig jam to your sandwich. This will add a touch of sweetness that goes well with the saltiness of the prosciutto. You can also add some provolone to the sandwich, which will cut through the saltiness and make it extra cheesy.

For a truly decadent option, try a broiled open-face Gruyere, prosciutto, and tomato sandwich. This sandwich is a terrific snack or lunch option, and the combination of ingredients evokes a classic Swiss fondue. To make this sandwich, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Brush four 1-inch-thick slices of white bread on both sides with extra-virgin olive oil and transfer to a baking sheet. Toast the bread for 10 to 15 minutes, turning once, until it is golden and crisp but still soft inside. Then, rub one side of each slice of toast with garlic. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of dry white wine and 1/2 teaspoon of kirsch (a cherry-flavoured spirit) and sprinkle this mixture over the garlic-rubbed sides of the toast. Top the bread with thinly sliced prosciutto and tomato, and season lightly with salt. Finally, add the thinly sliced Gruyere cheese and broil the sandwiches for about 3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling. Sprinkle with pepper and paprika and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions