Crispy Prosciutto & Fig Panini (Printable)

A gourmet Italian sandwich with prosciutto, fig jam, and melted cheese, pressed until golden and crisp.

# Ingredient List:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices rustic Italian bread (such as ciabatta or sourdough)

→ Spreads

02 - 3 tablespoons fig jam

→ Cheese

03 - 4 slices fontina cheese (or mozzarella or taleggio)

→ Meats

04 - 4 slices prosciutto

→ Butter

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Preheat a panini press or large skillet over medium heat.
02 - Spread 1.5 tablespoons fig jam on each of two bread slices.
03 - Top each with 2 slices of prosciutto, followed by 2 slices of cheese.
04 - Place the remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
05 - Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich on both sides.
06 - Place sandwiches in the panini press or skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing firmly, until the bread is crisp and golden and the cheese has melted.
07 - Slice in half and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like something from a cafe but takes less time than waiting in line.
  • The sweet and salty contrast feels indulgent without being heavy.
  • You only need a few ingredients, and most of them keep well in the fridge.
  • Pressing the sandwich makes everything crispy on the outside and melty inside in a way that feels deeply satisfying.
02 -
  • If your butter is too cold, it will tear the bread when you spread it, so leave it out for at least twenty minutes before you start.
  • Don't turn the heat up too high or the bread will burn before the cheese melts, and you'll end up with a sandwich that's crispy outside and cold inside.
  • Press firmly but not aggressively; you want contact, not a flattened disaster.
03 -
  • If you don't have a panini press, a cast iron skillet and a second heavy pan work just as well, and you get more control over the heat.
  • Let the sandwich rest for thirty seconds after cooking so the cheese sets slightly and doesn't all slide out when you cut it.
  • Use day old bread if you have it; it crisps better and doesn't get soggy as easily.
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