My Perfect Prosciutto Sandwich is a simple yet elegant recipe that brings together the best of fresh, Italian-inspired flavors. With layers of salty prosciutto, creamy fresh mozzarella, juicy tomato slices, and fragrant fresh basil leaves, this sandwich is all about showcasing high-quality ingredients in the most delicious way. Perfect for a quick picnic lunch, a light dinner, or even a snack, it’s a great sandwich that feels both effortless and indulgent. Whether it’s your first time making a mozzarella sandwich or you’re looking for a new favorite recipe, this one is sure to become a go-to. Simple, flavorful, and made with love—just the way a delicious sandwich should be!
What is Prosciutto?
Prosciutto is a type of Italian cured meat made from the hind legs of pigs and is known for its rich, salty flavor and delicate, silky texture. The word "prosciutto" simply means "ham" in Italian, but the version most people are familiar with is prosciutto crudo, which is uncooked and air-dried. It’s often thinly sliced and enjoyed in dishes like prosciutto sandwiches, on charcuterie boards, or wrapped around fruits like melon.
One of the most famous varieties is prosciutto di Parma, which comes from Parma, Italy, and is prized for its sweet, nutty taste. It’s made using high-quality pork, a touch of sea salt, and plenty of time to age and develop its unique flavor. Whether you pair it with creamy mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, prosciutto adds an unmistakable savory depth to any dish!
Looking for more? Try my Tuna Sandwich, Italian Sandwich, Tri-Tip Sandwich, and Roast Beef Sliders.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Simple, High-Quality Ingredients: This recipe highlights fresh, flavorful ingredients like salty prosciutto, creamy fresh mozzarella, and juicy tomato slices, making it easy to create a sandwich that feels both effortless and indulgent.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making a quick picnic lunch, a light dinner, or a hearty snack, this prosciutto sandwich is versatile enough to suit any mealtime or gathering.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With no cooking required and just a few minutes of prep time, this sandwich comes together in a flash, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute meals.
🥘 Ingredients
- Prosciutto: Thinly sliced, salty prosciutto adds a rich, savory flavor to the sandwich. I recommend using prosciutto di Parma for its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and high quality.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy and mild, fresh mozzarella is the perfect complement to the salty prosciutto. Look for a ball of mozzarella that’s soft and moist for the best results.
- Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet tomato slices bring freshness and balance to the sandwich. Use ripe, in-season tomatoes to get the best flavor.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Fragrant and herbaceous, basil adds a pop of vibrant flavor that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Bread: Whether it’s crusty French bread, a fresh baguette, or sourdough, choose a type of bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the layers while complementing the other flavors.
- Optional Olive Oil or Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth and enhance the overall flavor of the sandwich.
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
Prepare the Bread: Use a bread knife to slice your loaf or bread slices in half lengthwise. If you prefer a bit of crunch, lightly toast the bread slices until golden brown.
Layer the Prosciutto: Lay 5–7 slices of prosciutto evenly across one side of the bread. Ensure it’s spread out to create a savory base layer.
Add the Mozzarella: Slice the fresh mozzarella into even pieces and place them over the prosciutto, covering as much surface as possible for a creamy texture in every bite.
Layer the Tomatoes: Slice a large, ripe tomato into thin rounds and arrange them over the mozzarella. Sprinkle a pinch of salt or black pepper over the tomatoes for added flavor, if desired.
Add the Basil: Place 4–5 fresh basil leaves on top of the tomato slices, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
Assemble the Sandwich: Place the top piece of bread over the layered ingredients, pressing gently to hold the sandwich together without crushing the fillings.
Cut and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the sandwich in half for easier handling. Plate and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors at their peak.
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tips
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: The key to making the best prosciutto sandwich lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for prosciutto di Parma for its delicate, buttery flavor, and select ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum sweetness and juiciness. The better the ingredients, the more delicious your sandwich will be!
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Bread Substitute: Swap out the fresh baguette or French bread for ciabatta or sourdough to create a different texture and flavor profile for your sandwich.
- Cheese Variation: If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, try creamy brie cheese or goat cheese for a rich and slightly tangy twist.
- Sweet and Savory Touch: Add a layer of fig jam or fig preserves beneath the prosciutto for a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the salty prosciutto.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Side Salad: Serve this prosciutto sandwich alongside a panzanella, fresh arugula or mixed greens salad drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a light and balanced meal.
- Perfect for a Picnic: Pack the sandwich with a side of fresh fruit salad or crispy chips for a casual and delicious picnic lunch.
- Serve with a Bowl of Soup: Enjoy this sandwich with a bowl of creamy tomato or roasted red pepper soup for a comforting and hearty meal.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, but with a few tips to keep it fresh and delicious! If you're planning to prepare this sandwich in advance, assemble it without the tomato slices or any drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar, as these can make the bread soggy over time. Instead, layer the salty prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves on your chosen bread and store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When you're ready to serve, add the juicy tomato slices and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar for the best flavor and texture. This way, your simple sandwich stays as close to the perfect sandwich as possible, even when made ahead!
🥣 Storage & Reheating
If the sandwich is already made, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 1 day. However, for the best texture, avoid adding tomato slices or any drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar until just before serving.
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🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Prosciutto Sandwich
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Equipment
- Bread knife (for slicing bread)
- Cutting board
- Serving plate or board
- Small bowl (optional, for sprinkling salt on tomatoes)
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread or loaf, try ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough
- 5-7 slices prosciutto 5 ounces
- 1 large ball buffalo mozzarella fresh
- 4-5 slices tomato large, ripe
- 5 basil leaves large, fresh
- Pinch salt optional
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Slice the bread lengthwise to create two pieces.
- Layer the prosciutto: Lay 5–7 slices of prosciutto evenly on the bottom piece of bread.
- Add the mozzarella: Slice the buffalo mozzarella into even pieces and place them on top of the prosciutto.
- Layer the tomatoes: Arrange 4–5 tomato slices over the mozzarella. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt if desired.
- Add the basil: Place 5 large basil leaves evenly on top of the tomato slices.
- Assemble the sandwich: Place the top piece of bread over the layered ingredients to complete the sandwich.
- Slice and serve: Cut the sandwich in half for easier serving. Plate and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Ingredient Quality: Use fresh buffalo mozzarella and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Bread Variations: Try ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough for unique textures and tastes.
- Optional Enhancements: Add a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
🌡️ Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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