Sweet fig jam, crispy prosciutto, fresh basil, and melty sharp white cheddar turn an everyday grilled cheese into the best grilled cheese sandwich of your life! It's the perfect combination of salty, sweet, buttery, crispy, and cheesy!
Why You'll Love It
I've made more grilled cheese sandwiches than I can count over the last 15 years (I even wrote a grilled cheese cookbook!), so I don't say this lightly. This perfect grilled cheese sandwich is one of my absolute favs. While I love a regular grilled cheese (hello american cheese slices and salted tomato slices!) just as much as the next person, sometimes it's fun to take a classic comfort food and give it a little glow-up. This fancy grilled cheese layers crispy prosciutto, sweet fig jam, fresh basil, and White Cheddar for a combination that tastes like something you'd order at your favorite café.
The secret to this childhood favorite is all about balance. The sharp cheddar brings a bold, tangy bite that melts beautifully while the fig jam adds just enough sweetness to complement the salty prosciutto. Fresh basil brightens every bite and keeps the entire sandwich from feeling too rich. Then there's the crispy sourdough bread, which gets perfectly golden brown thanks to a generous layer of salted butter spread over the outside of the bread.
Whether you're making an easy lunch, a cozy dinner with tomato soup, or just treating yourself to the ultimate comfort food, this gourmet grilled cheese delivers every single time. It's proof that a few high-quality ingredients can take a simple cheese sandwich from everyday to next level.
Ingredients & Substitutions
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this perfect grilled cheese sandich. Each one plays an important role, but there are plenty of ways to customize it based on your personal preferences.
- Sourdough bread: I recommend good sourdough bread slice because its sturdy bread structure holds up to all that melted cheese while creating irresistibly crispy crust. And although I think it's the best bread, you can also try different types of bread like white bread, wheat, rosemary, or jalapeno sandwich bread.
- Sharp White Cheddar: Sharp white cheddar is my favorite cheese cheese here because it has bold flavor and melts incredibly. You can also add in other specialty cheeses like havarti cheese, fontina cheese, monterey jack, swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, goat cheese, or even a cream cheese if you want extra gooey cheeses. A combination of cheeses is always a winner in my book!
- Fig jam: The sweet jam balances the salty prosciutto perfectly. Apricot preserves, sweet caramelized onion jam, hot honey, or even a little apple butter are delicious substitutes.
- Prosciutto: Crispy prosciutto adds an irresistible salty crunch. Crispy bacon works beautifully if that's what you have on hand.
- Fresh basil: Fresh basil keeps everything tasting bright. Fresh thyme or baby arugula are both great alternatives.
- Salted Butter: Butter gives the outside of the bread that gorgeous golden brown crust. Olive oil or mayo works in a pinch, but butter delivers the classic flavor I'm after.
How to Make It
This fancy grilled cheese comes together in just a few simple steps. The key is cooking over medium heat so the bread gets perfectly crisp while the cheese has plenty of time to melt.
- Spread the Jam: Spread an even layer of fig jam over each slice of bread.
- Build the Base: Divide half of the grated sharp white cheddar between two slices of bread. Let the cheese sit for a few minutes to lose its chill while you prepare the prosciutto.
- Crisp the Prosciutto: Heat a cast iron skillet or large non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook the prosciutto for about 30 seconds per side until crispy, then transfer to a plate.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Crumble the cooled prosciutto over the cheese. Top with the torn fresh basil, add the remaining cheddar, then place the second piece of bread on top.
- Butter the Bread: Spread Salted Butter generously over the outside of the bread, making sure every buttered side is evenly coated.
- Cook Until Golden: Place the sandwiches into the same skillet over medium heat or medium-low heat. Cook for 4 to 7 minutes per side until the top of the sandwich is deeply golden brown and the cheese is completely melted. Resist the urge to use high heat, which can burn the bread before the cheese melts.
- Rest and Slice: Let the sandwiches rest for about one minute before slicing. This helps keep all that melty cheese inside where it belongs.
- Serve: Pair with tomato soup, a crisp green salad, fresh tomatoes, apple slices, or a handful of kettle chips for an unforgettable meal.
- Save: Store leftovers wrapped tightly in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer until the bread is crisp again.
What to Pair It With
This hearty grilled cheese is delicious on its own, but it really shines with a few simple sides. A bowl of creamy tomato soup is the classic pairing, while a peppery arugula salad, buttery burst tomatoes, green apples, or a simple fruit salad all help balance the richness of the cheese.
If you're entertaining, slice the sandwiches into smaller portions and serve them alongside a cheese board, olives, roasted nuts, and fresh fruit for a cozy lunch spread that everyone will love.
For more perfect grilled cheese sandwich recipes, try one of these Grilled Cheese Recipes or one of these delicious related recipes:
- Asian Slaw Hot Dogs with Sriracha & Kewpie Mayo
- Prosciutto & Burrata Sandwich Sliders with Fig Jam & Arugula
- Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe with Crispy Prosciutto
- Gruyere Grilled Cheese
- Quick and Easy Prosciutto Wrapped Dates Recipe
- Prosciutto and Butter Sandwich with Dates, Cheddar and Arugula
Recipe
The Best Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Video
Ingredients
- 4 slices Sourdough Bread
- 1 8 oz block Land O Lakes® Sharp White Cheddar, grated
- 3-4 =tbsp Fig Jam
- 4 slices Prosciutto
- 6 large Basil Leaves torn
- 2 tablespoon Land O Lakes® Salted Butter
Instructions
- Spread an even layer of fig jam over each slice of sourdough bread.
- Divide half of the grated Land O Lakes® Sharp White Cheddar between two slices. Let the cheese sit at room temperature while you crisp the prosciutto.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the prosciutto for about 30 seconds per side until crispy. Transfer to a plate.
- Crumble the prosciutto over the cheese and top with the torn basil. Sprinkle on the remaining cheddar and close the sandwiches.
- Spread Land O Lakes® Salted Butter evenly over the outside of each sandwich.
- Cook over medium heat for 4-7 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crisp and the cheese is completely melted.
- Let rest for one minute before slicing and serving.
- Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese
- Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese for the smoothest, meltiest texture.
- Cook over medium or medium-low heat rather than high heat so the bread doesn't burn before the cheese melts.
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough for the crispiest exterior.
- Butter the entire outside of the bread for even browning.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Havarti, fontina, monterey jack, and swiss are all delicious options, but sharp white cheddar remains my favorite for this recipe because it delivers bold flavor and unbeatable meltability.
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