This Prosciutto and Butter Sandwich with Dates, Cheddar and Arugula is what happens when a fancy little French picnic sandwich meets girl lunch in the best possible way. It's salty, sweet, peppery, buttery, crunchy, and honestly tastes like something you'd spend way too much money on at a tiny NYC café with mismatched plates and sparkling water.
Why You'll Love It
This Prosciutto and Butter Sandwich with Dates, Cheddar and Arugula is proof that simple ingredients can create the most ridiculously delicious sandwich. The combination of creamy Butter, salty prosciutto, sharp white cheddar, sweet sticky dates, and peppery arugula somehow hits every flavor note at once. It's rich without feeling too heavy and fancy without requiring any actual cooking.
The butter is truly the secret weapon here. Smearing softened butter directly onto the baguette creates this luxurious base that melts into the bread and ties everything together. Then you've got the shaved extra sharp white cheddar bringing a bold cheesy bite while the honey and dates add the perfect amount of sweetness. Add in fresh lemon juice and arugula and suddenly the whole thing feels bright and balanced instead of overly rich.
I also love that this sandwich feels impressive enough for entertaining but is secretly one of the easiest things you can throw together. It's perfect for picnics, beach days, wine nights, easy lunches, or those chaotic summer evenings when it's way too hot to cook. Wrap the whole baguette in parchment paper and slice it into little handheld sandwiches for the ultimate shareable snack board situation.
And honestly? The combination of butter and prosciutto on crusty bread just feels very chic and very correct.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This buttery baguette sandwich uses a handful of simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Every bite has the perfect mix of salty prosciutto, sharp cheddar, sweet dates, and peppery greens.
- French Baguette: A crusty baguette works best here because it holds up to all the buttery goodness without getting soggy. Ciabatta or focaccia would also work well.
- Land O Lakes® Butter: Softened butter is the key to this sandwich. It creates a rich creamy layer that makes every bite taste luxurious.
- Land O Lakes® Extra Sharp White Cheddar: Shaved cheddar adds salty sharp flavor and pairs perfectly with the sweet dates and honey.
- Honey: Totally optional, but highly recommended if you love that salty-sweet combination.
- Dates: Pitted dates add chewy caramel-like sweetness that balances the savory ingredients perfectly.
- Prosciutto: Thinly sliced prosciutto gives this sandwich that salty delicate bite that feels extra fancy.
- Arugula: Peppery arugula keeps everything fresh and balanced.
- Lemon Juice: A quick squeeze of lemon brightens the whole sandwich and cuts through the richness.
How to Make It
This sandwich comes together in just a few minutes and honestly tastes even better after sitting wrapped up for a little bit. It's the perfect make-ahead lunch or easy entertaining recipe.
- PREP THE BREAD: Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and generously smear softened Land O Lakes® Butter onto both cut sides.
- BUILD THE SANDWICH: Place the bottom half of the baguette onto parchment paper. Layer with prosciutto, shaved white cheddar, and a drizzle of honey if using.
- ADD THE GREENS: Top with fresh arugula and squeeze lemon juice over everything.
- PREP THE DATES: Tear the dates in half and gently press them into the butter on the top half of the baguette so they stick evenly across the bread.
- ASSEMBLE: Carefully close the sandwich and gently press everything together.
- SLICE & SERVE: Cut into individual sandwiches and serve immediately or wrap tightly in parchment paper for later.
- SERVE: Pair with salty potato chips, sparkling wine, or a crisp little side salad for the ultimate easy lunch situation.
- SAVE: Wrap leftovers tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day. The arugula may soften slightly but the flavor is still incredible.
What to Serve It With
This sandwich pairs perfectly with salty kettle chips, marinated olives, fresh fruit, or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. It's also amazing alongside sparkling wine, rosé, or an ice cold Diet Coke if you're keeping things casual.
If you want more related recipes, try some of these tasty dishes:
- Quick and Easy Prosciutto Wrapped Dates Recipe
- Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Hot Honey Bacon & Dates
- Prosciutto & Burrata Sandwich Sliders with Fig Jam & Arugula
- How to Make Bacon Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese
- Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe with Crispy Prosciutto
Recipe
Prosciutto and Butter Sandwich with Dates, Cheddar and Arugula
Ingredients
- 1 large French Baguette About 1 lb
- 1 Stick Butter Softened
- 1 8 oz block Extra Sharp White Cheddar Shaved
- 3 Tablespoons Honey Optional
- 1 ⅕ Cups Pitted Dates
- 8 Ounces Prosciutto
- 3 Cups Arugula
- ½ small Lemon Juiced
Instructions
- Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and generously smear butter onto the inside of both halves.
- Place the bottom half of the baguette onto a piece of parchment paper.
- Layer with prosciutto, shaved white cheddar, and a drizzle of honey if using.
- Top with arugula and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything.
- Tear the dates in half and gently press them into the butter on the top half of the bread.
- Carefully close the sandwich and gently press everything together.
- Cut into individual sandwiches and serve immediately.
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