Fresh Fig Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Getting Figgy With Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

September 29, 2010

Since figs are in season, I've been looking for delicious savory ways to use them. They're delectable as an appetizer and scrumptious on a pizza, but did you know that they're also absolutely divine in a sandwich? Give this grilled ham and cheese sandwich a try and you'll realize how amazing fresh figs are. It's a simple recipe with a rewarding result that's elegant enough for entertaining. Pair with mixed greens and you've got a light but filling dinner. Get the easy recipe after the break.

Modified from Martha Stewart

Fresh-Fig Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Fresh-Fig Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

1 loaf ciabatta bread, ends trimmed, sliced in half horizontally
1/4 cup store-bought fig jam
3/4 pound Fontina cheese, sliced
1/3 pound thinly sliced Black Forest ham
8 to 10 fresh figs, thinly sliced lengthwise
1 tablespoon oil

Directions

Heat a griddle over medium heat.
Spread cut sides of bread with fig jam. On the bottom half of the bread, layer 1/2 the cheese, then the ham, the figs and the remaining cheese. Enclose with the top half of the bread. Brush with oil.
Place on griddle or in a nonstick skillet, and weight top of sandwich with a heavy skillet or a foil-lined brick. Cook until bottom is golden, about 4 minutes. Flip sandwich over, and repeat with opposite side. Cut crosswise into 6 to 8 pieces; serve immediately.

Serve 4.