The Best Prosciutto Sandwich (in 10 Minutes Flat)

When you're craving a sandwich that's a touch on the fancy side but requires very little prep, this Prosciutto Sandwich is what you're looking for. Every ingredient serves a purpose, making this sandwich both flavor-packed and balanced, keeping things keeps things quick without compromising flavor. Yes, please.

No panini press, no special tools required! In just 10 minutes and a few simple ingredients, you'll be serving up an Italian masterpiece from home. When the most exciting thing you'll eat all week is also the easiest thing you'll make, you know the recipe is a keeper. This prosciutto-mozzarella sandwich is perfection for serving at a spring brunch, summer lunch, or for a light dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

When my mom and I traveled to Italy, one of the things that took me by pleasant surprise was the simplicity of the food and ingredients used. Italy has a beautiful way of taking humble ingredients and turning them into masterful combinations. And this prosciutto-mozzarella sandwich is no exception.

The salty prosciutto, the creamy mozzarella, the peppery arugula, and the sweet pop and tang from the preserves and balsamic--it just all really works. Like, in an addictive kind of way.

Simple moves like toasting the bread quickly in the skillet give this sandwich a golden, crunchy interior with no special tools required, and tossing the arugula with lemon and olive oil before adding to the sandwich makes every bite gourmet-worthy.

I've tested hundreds of sandwich combinations over the years, and this one? It's a masterpiece. I planned to eat only half of the sandwich, but I just couldn't give it up. Every new bite was as charming as the last. Even my husband (who is typically more of a beefy sandwich kind of guy) was thoroughly impressed.

Italian Prosciutto Sandwich Ingredients

• Prosciutto | Italian dry-cured ham, sliced extra thin and adored for its salty, buttery texture, is bold, savory, and about as elegant as ham will get. This meat is totally worth the hype whether it's served as a sandwich, wrapped around asparagus or cantaloupe, or on a cheese board.
• Mozzarella | Leave the sliced cheese behind! Fresh mozzarella is where it's at for this recipe. There is no comparison--creamy, mild, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, a classic Italian pairing with prosciutto.
• Bread | You can use ciabatta, focaccia, or baguette. Whatever you choose, stick to a chewy bread, hearty enough to handle big flavor fillings. I used a demi baguette for this recipe, but our love for ciabatta also runs deep. If you choose the focaccia or baguette for this recipe, give the ciabatta a go with our shrimp sandwich or ciabatta sandwich.
• Arugula | Baby arugula tossed with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper adds freshness and crunch. It's like a homemade lemon vinaigrette without any of the effort.
• Fig Preserves | Never underestimate the power of a little sweet with your savory. Fig preserves bring that magical flavor note of salty-sweet, cutting through the fat and richness of the prosciutto and mozzarella, and also balancing the peppery arugula.
• Balsamic Reduction | This is the finishing touch that brings it all together. A simple drizzle of store-bought balsamic reduction adds sweet, tangy acidity, bringing more balance and gourmet vibes to your prosciutto sandwich.

Other Great Prosciutto Pairings

Cheese | If you want a punch of flavor, try an extra creamy goat cheese. Parmesan shavings will add a sharp, nutty note (use this on prime rib sandwiches), and brie also pairs extremely well with prosciutto.

Spreads + Sauces | Hot honey, peach, or apricot jam work deliciously to serve as a touch of sweetness in the place of the fig preserves. If you want to go more of a savory route, try our basil pesto spread or a whole-grain mustard.

Greens | If arugula's peppery bite doesn't suit your taste buds, swap it out for baby spinach. We use it in our croissant sandwich for the perfect added crunch without too much added flavor.

How to Make the Best Prosciutto Sandwich

Ready Your Pan | Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil and to a skillet over medium heat, allowing it to come to temperature.

Slice + Toast the Bread | Slice your bread through the middle and lay it cut side down on the now-warmed skillet. Let it toast for about 4 minutes, until it is golden brown.

Add Preserves | Move your toasted bread cut side up to a large work surface and slather it with your preserves. Set aside.

Dress Arugula | Add the arugula to a small mixing bowl. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and squeeze over the lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and toss with a fork to combine.

Make Your Sandwich | Add half of the arugula, prosciutto, and mozzarella to the bottom side of the bread. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction, and finish with the remaining arugula. Add the top slice of bread, cut in half (if desired), serve, and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich is best served fresh after you make it. The arugula will begin to wilt if you wait too long to eat it. There's really no reason to prep it too far in advance since it only takes minutes to make.

5 Sandwich Sides You’ll Love

I love serving this prosciutto sandwich with:

• Tortellini Pasta Salad | Tortellini adds a satisfying, hearty bite, while the chilled salad components (like tomatoes, spinach, or olives) keep things light. Together, the sandwich and pasta salad offer a filling but not heavy meal, perfect for a summer lunch or picnic.
• Bowtie Pasta Salad | A prosciutto sandwich—especially on crusty bread—has a chewy, savory bite. Bowtie pasta salad adds a softer, yet slightly firm texture that complements the sandwich without competing with it.
• House Salad | The combo is classic and crowd-pleasing. Whether serving guests or throwing together a quick meal, the sandwich + salad duo always feels complete and thoughtful.
• Burrata Salad | Burrata and prosciutto are a match made in Italian heaven. The creamy, mild cheese beautifully contrasts the salty, savory meat. This pairing echoes the timeless prosciutto e burrata appetizer, but in a more filling, meal-worthy format.
• Air Fryer Mozzarella | This combo is universally appealing—great for both grown-up lunch platters and family meals. It feels like an upgraded deli tray or charcuterie board turned into a fun, satisfying meal.