Delicious Pesto Prosciutto Grilled Cheese

Featured in Simple, Tasty Pasta for Every Day.

Transform your usual grilled cheese into an Italian-inspired treat with this Pesto Prosciutto Grilled Cheese. The recipe brings together thinly sliced prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, shaved cheese, and aromatic pesto inside crusty sourdough. Cook it on low-medium heat for about five minutes per side to get a golden crust while the insides melt beautifully. Sprinkle some fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor—it’s the ultimate combination of comfort food and gourmet ingredients.
Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:23:48 GMT
Ultimate Grilled Cheese with Pesto and Prosciutto Pin it
Ultimate Grilled Cheese with Pesto and Prosciutto | thefamilycooks.com

The perfect Italian grilled sandwich combines thinly sliced prosciutto, melted cheese, and fresh basil between crispy sourdough bread. This elevated comfort food brings together simple ingredients in a deliciously sophisticated way that's become a modern classic.

The magic happens when the sourdough develops its golden crust while the cheeses slowly melt inside. This creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen and makes this sandwich truly special.

Key Ingredients

  • Sourdough: Select a fresh, sturdy loaf with good structure
  • Mozzarella: Fresh, water-packed balls provide ideal melt
  • Hard Cheese: Aged provolone adds sharp depth
  • Prosciutto: Paper-thin slices from quality Italian meat
  • Basil: Fresh, vibrant leaves only
  • Butter: Unsalted, softened for spreading
  • Pesto: Fresh basil pesto preferred

Preparation Method

Step 1:
Slice bread evenly. Soften butter. Dry mozzarella thoroughly. Gather ingredients before heating pan.
Step 2:
Butter bread exterior. Add grated cheese first, prosciutto next. Layer mozzarella pieces, spread pesto, finish with basil.
Step 3:
Heat pan to medium. Place sandwich and press lightly. Monitor browning carefully. Turn when golden.
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easy Stanley Tucci's Favourite Sandwich | thefamilycooks.com

Covering the sandwich briefly at the end ensures perfectly melted cheese while maintaining the bread's crispiness - a simple technique that makes a significant difference.

Variations

This versatile sandwich welcomes creative changes: Try different Italian breads, experiment with cured meats, mix cheese varieties, or add roasted vegetables.

Storage

Best enjoyed fresh, but ingredients can be prepped ahead: Grate cheese in advance, slice bread, prepare fresh pesto.

Side Dishes

Complete the meal with: Fresh green salad, classic tomato soup, Italian olives, or pickled vegetables.

This sandwich demonstrates how quality ingredients and proper technique transform simple elements into an exceptional meal, suitable for any occasion.

Cooking Philosophy

Understanding flavor balance is key - salty prosciutto with creamy cheese, fresh herbs cutting richness. These principles extend beyond sandwiches to all Italian cooking.

Beverage Suggestions

Enhance the experience with: Chilled Pinot Grigio, sparkling mineral water, or Italian sodas. Fresh fruit and light salads complement perfectly.

Group Serving

Perfect for gatherings: Slice into small portions, set up ingredient stations, prepare multiple sandwiches, serve with antipasti.

Seasonal Variations

Adapt through the year: Add spring herbs, summer tomatoes, autumn sage, winter garlic spread.

yummy Stanley Tucci's Favourite Sandwich Pin it
yummy Stanley Tucci's Favourite Sandwich | thefamilycooks.com

This sandwich embodies Italian cooking's essence - superior ingredients, careful preparation, and respect for tradition while allowing personal creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of bread should I use?
Choose sourdough or any sturdy, crusty bread. It grills perfectly and holds all the ingredients together.
→ Can I use pesto from a jar?
Absolutely! Though fresh is always great, a good-quality store-bought pesto will work just fine.
→ Is there a reason for using two cheeses?
Yes! Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess, while grated cheese melts better and boosts the overall flavor.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
It’s best enjoyed hot and fresh so the cheese stays gooey and the bread stays perfectly crisp.
→ What pairs well with this sandwich?
Try serving it with a warm bowl of tomato soup or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Cheesy Pesto Prosciutto

A mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich with layers of prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, and flavorful basil pesto on toasted sourdough.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-Style

Yield: 1 Servings (1 sandwich)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Herbs & Seasoning

01 A few fresh basil leaves (4 or 5)
02 Salt and pepper (add as much or little as you like)
03 A couple spoonfuls of fresh basil pesto (2 tbsp)

→ Cheese & Protein

04 Three slices of prosciutto
05 One good-sized handful of shredded cheese — use cheddar, gruyere, or mozzarella
06 Half a ball of mozzarella, fresh and sliced

→ Bread & Butter

07 Two hefty slices of crusty bread or sourdough
08 Enough butter to spread on the bread

Instructions

Step 01

Start by preheating your pan over medium-low heat. Prepare the first slice of bread by spreading butter all over one side. Flip it over and set it butter-side-down on your workspace.

Step 02

Take your buttered slice and start stacking the layers — shredded cheese first, then the prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and finally some dollops of pesto. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper for extra flavor, then add the second slice of bread on top. Make sure the outside of this top slice gets a nice coat of butter too.

Step 03

Carefully place your sandwich in the heated pan. Let it sit and cook for about 5 minutes per side, flipping it when one side gets golden and crunchy. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside is perfectly crisp and the cheese has melted beautifully inside.

Notes

  1. The combo of shredded and fresh cheese makes for the ultimate gooey melt.
  2. Cooking it low and slow gives the bread that amazing crispness without burning.
  3. This recipe works with whatever cheese you happen to have — no need to stick to a specific type.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big frying pan
  • A spatula for flipping

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy products like cheese and butter
  • Contains gluten from the bread

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 680
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 35 g