Gourmet Grilled Eggplant & Prosciutto Sandwiches
Indulge in these Gourmet Grilled Eggplant & Prosciutto Sandwiches, where grilled slices of fresh eggplant are layered between crispy, golden Italian bread, combined with rich Jarlsberg cheese and savory prosciutto. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or a delightful snack, this recipe elevates the humble sandwich into a gourmet experience. Enjoy them with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal. Share with friends and family—this is a hearty treat everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
small eggplant
1 lb (trimmed and thinly sliced lengthwise)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (divided)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Italian bread
8 slices
Jarlsberg cheese
2 1/2 cups (shredded)
prosciutto
4 ounces (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking.
2
In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced eggplant with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, tossing to coat the eggplant evenly.
3
Place the seasoned eggplant slices on the grill. Cook for approximately 4 minutes, turning once, until they are soft and grill marks appear.
4
On a clean work surface, lay out the 8 slices of Italian bread.
5
Begin assembling the sandwiches by placing a layer of shredded Jarlsberg cheese on 4 slices of bread. Add a layer of prosciutto, followed by a generous portion of the grilled eggplant. Top with another layer of prosciutto and a final layer of cheese for a melty finish.
6
Place the remaining slices of bread on top to complete the sandwiches.
7
Brush the exterior sides of each sandwich with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to promote a crispy texture when grilled.
8
Carefully transfer the assembled sandwiches to the grill. Cook covered, turning once, for about 2 minutes on each side or until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary ingredients in these gourmet sandwiches?
The main ingredients include a small eggplant, extra virgin olive oil, Italian bread, shredded Jarlsberg cheese, and thinly sliced prosciutto.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 1/2 cups of shredded Jarlsberg cheese for a rich and melty finish.
How should the eggplant be prepared for grilling?
The eggplant should be trimmed and thinly sliced lengthwise, then tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How long does the eggplant need to be on the grill?
The eggplant slices should be grilled for approximately 4 minutes, turning once, until soft with visible grill marks.
What kind of bread is best for these sandwiches?
Eight slices of Italian bread are used to create the perfect crispy, golden exterior.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
Preheat your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning the bread.
How much olive oil is required for the entire recipe?
A total of 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil is used, divided between the eggplant seasoning and brushing the bread.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto and adding more eggplant or other grilled vegetables.
What is the specific layering order for the sandwich assembly?
Layer shredded cheese, prosciutto, grilled eggplant, another layer of prosciutto, and a final layer of cheese.
How do I make the sandwich bread crispy?
Brush the exterior sides of each assembled sandwich with olive oil before placing them on the grill.
How many slices of Italian bread are needed for this recipe?
You will need 8 slices of Italian bread to make 4 complete sandwiches.
Should I cover the grill when cooking the assembled sandwiches?
Yes, cook the sandwiches covered for about 2 minutes on each side to help melt the cheese.
How long do the assembled sandwiches take to grill?
They take approximately 4 minutes total, or 2 minutes per side, until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted.
What seasonings are used for the eggplant?
The eggplant is seasoned generously with salt and pepper after being coated in olive oil.
How can I prevent the sandwiches from burning on the grill?
Keep a close eye on them while grilling and ensure the heat is maintained at a medium level.
How much prosciutto is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of thinly sliced prosciutto.
What type of eggplant is recommended?
A small eggplant weighing approximately 1 lb is ideal for this recipe.
Does the cheese need to be shredded or sliced?
The recipe recommends using shredded Jarlsberg cheese for optimal melting.
What are some suggested sides for these sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair beautifully with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.
Is the eggplant peeled before slicing?
The instructions specify trimming and slicing but do not require peeling the eggplant.
How many sandwiches does this recipe yield?
With 8 slices of bread and the listed ingredients, this recipe yields 4 gourmet sandwiches.
Can I use a different type of olive oil?
While extra virgin olive oil is recommended for flavor, you can use regular olive oil if preferred.
What is the first step in the assembly process?
The first step of assembly is placing a layer of shredded Jarlsberg cheese on 4 of the bread slices.
How do I know when the eggplant is done grilling?
The eggplant is ready when it becomes soft and has developed distinct grill marks.
Can these be made in a skillet if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or a heavy skillet on the stovetop to achieve similar results.
What makes this sandwich 'gourmet'?
The combination of savory prosciutto, nutty Jarlsberg cheese, and grilled eggplant on Italian bread elevates it to a gourmet level.
How much cheese goes on the bottom layer?
The cheese is divided into two layers per sandwich, so use about half of the portion for each sandwich on the bottom.
Should the prosciutto be cooked before adding it to the sandwich?
No, the prosciutto is added thinly sliced and will warm through as the sandwich grills.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, with a total grill time of under 10 minutes, it is a great option for a satisfying lunch.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: eggplant, olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian bread, Jarlsberg cheese, and prosciutto.