Fig and Prosciutto Grilled Cheese with Provolone

This Provolone Grilled Cheese Sandwich is layered with prosciutto, blue cheese, peppery arugula, and sweet fig jam for a richly flavored, satisfying sandwich.

If you missed “National Grilled Cheese Day” this year, don’t worry — all of April can be your personal grilled cheese celebration. This Prosciutto Provolone Fig Grilled Cheese is a great way to honor classic melty-cheese comfort with a gourmet twist.

Combining salty prosciutto, mild melted provolone, tangy blue cheese, peppery arugula, and sweet fig spread creates a balance of textures and flavors. It’s easy to assemble, quick to cook, and hearty enough for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 slices sourdough bread
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 10 ounce jar fig spread
• 16 slices provolone cheese
• 16 slices prosciutto (about ½ pound)
• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup fresh arugula

Instructions

Follow these steps to build and cook four hearty prosciutto-provolone grilled cheese sandwiches.

1. Spread about ½ tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
2. Flip the slices and spread approximately 2 tablespoons of fig spread on the other side of each slice.
3. On four bread slices (fig spread side up), layer the fillings in this order: two slices of provolone, two slices of prosciutto, a few crumbles of blue cheese, a small handful of arugula, then two more slices of prosciutto and two slices of provolone. The cheese on both top and bottom helps the sandwich melt evenly.
4. Top each assembled sandwich with the remaining bread slice so the fig spread faces inward toward the filling.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat or preheat a panini press. Place the sandwiches in the skillet (butter side down) or in the press. Cook 3–4 minutes per side in a skillet, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is fully melted. In a panini press, cook until golden and melted, usually about the same total time.
6. Remove the sandwiches, let them rest 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

Serve these sandwiches hot so the provolone is gooey and the fig spread is slightly warmed — the contrast with cool arugula and savory prosciutto is what makes this sandwich especially satisfying.

Tips & Variations

• Substitutions: If you prefer a milder cheese, swap blue cheese for goat cheese or skip it entirely and add extra provolone for a creamier melt.
• Bread choices: Sourdough gives great texture and tang, but a rustic Italian loaf or country white also work well. Thicker slices hold the filling better.
• Cooking method: A panini press yields even pressing and crisping. In a skillet, use medium heat and press the sandwich with a heavy spatula or a cast-iron pan to help cheese melt thoroughly without burning the bread.
• Make-ahead: Assemble sandwiches and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to a day. Grill straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute per side if needed to ensure the cheese melts.
• Serving suggestion: Pair with a simple green salad or a cup of tomato soup for a classic combo.

More grilled cheese sandwich ideas

Want more inspiration? Try variations that combine sweet, spicy, or savory elements to create your favorite grilled cheese:

• Roasted jalapeño and fig grilled cheese — sweet meets heat.
• Buffalo chicken grilled cheese — spicy shredded chicken with melted cheese.
• Jalapeño popper grilled cheese — cream cheese, jalapeño and cheddar for a bold bite.
• Sriracha candied bacon grilled cheese — sweet, spicy, and smoky.
• Caramelized pear and brie grilled cheese — elegant and sweet with creamy brie.

Nutrition (approximate per recipe batch)

The following nutrition facts are approximate for the full recipe as prepared (four sandwiches total).

• Calories: 1295 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 125 g
• Protein: 54 g
• Fat: 64 g
• Saturated Fat: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg
• Sodium: 2368 mg
• Potassium: 518 mg
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 38 g
• Vitamin A: 1611 mg
• Vitamin C: 7 mg
• Calcium: 1074 mg
• Iron: 6 mg

Enjoy the layers of sweet fig, savory prosciutto, and molten provolone. This Prosciutto Provolone Fig Grilled Cheese is a delicious, easy way to elevate the classic grilled cheese sandwich into something memorable.