Nothing says comfort food to me like a grilled cheese sandwich does. I love grown-up grilled cheese sandwiches with fabulous breads, like this Manchego Grilled Cheese Panini with Fig and Prosciutto. It’s ah-mazing, and the bread I used was everything.
Try these Orange Fig Bars for dessert!

This post is sponsored by Pepperidge Farm in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own.
Do yourself a favor and choose the right bread. It matters. I went with the new Pepperidge Farm Harvest BlendsĀ® Seeded Grain, and it was absolutely perfect. There are three varieties of Harvest Blends bread (Seeded, Sprouted, and Ancient Grain),

There are also three must-haves to fabulous bread:
~Great, fresh-baked taste ā
~Soft texture ā
~Hearty and filling ā
Not only do the new Harvest Blends meet these three requirements, but they stand up to a panini press. Not all breads are panini worthy, believe me. The white bread sandwiches of my childhood would never have passed the panini test. Well done, Harvest Blends. You pass the test! ? ?
Soooo, to make the Manchego grilled cheese panini with fig and prosciutto, you’ll need Harvest Blends Seeded Grain bread, fig preserves, baby spinach, prosciutto and Manchego cheese. If you can’t find Manchego cheese, you can substitute a very sharp white English cheddar.
The sharp flavor of the cheese is the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness in the fig preserves. The ingredients all work together to tickle the palate with a balanced flavor profile, so if you’ve never tried this combination of ingredients in a sandwich before, you may be surprised by how much you like it!

There are only five ingredients in this panini, so you’ll have it ready for the panini press (here’s the one I use) in no time.

If you don’t have a panini press, you can use a cast-iron fry pan to press it or you can just make it traditional grilled cheese sandwich-style. I like paninis because I don’t have to use any butter on the bread, but I still get those appetizing grill marks on the sandwich.

Manchego Grilled Cheese Panini with Fig and Prosciutto

Manchego Grilled Cheese Panini with Fig Preserves and Prosciutto
Ingredients
For each sandwich:
- 2 slices Pepperidge Farm Harvest BlendsĀ® Seeded Grain bread
- 2 slices prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon fig preserves
- 4 baby spinach leaves washed and dried
- 3-4 slices Manchego cheese or enough to cover the sandwich
Instructions
- On one slice of bread, layer prosciutto, Manchego cheese, fig preserves and spinach. Cover with remaining piece of bread.
- Preheat panini press according to manufacturer directions. Place sandwich on panini press, close lid and heat for 4 minutes. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Enjoy!


Alissa Apel says
This does look fabulous. That’s my favorite kind of bread! My whole family likes it.
Georgia says
Well this is a combination I would not think of but it sounds amazing!! I love figs so much so I will need to try this out! Great recipe! X
Leigh Anne Borders says
I love Panni sandwiches. We have one of those makers and make them all the time. This sandwich looks great!
Momina Arif says
I am a sucker for pretty much any dish that’s got cheese. But this one is really giving me the feels. Keep it up š
Tiina A says
All my favourite ingredients – manchego, prosciutto and fig! Even how I don’t eat bread, I can do that combo!
Julie says
Looks delicious! And easy to make, my favorite type of recipe
Rosey says
I love that you’ve used fig. This does sound really good to me, and hurrah for bread that stands up well to a panini machine!
Lubka Henry says
Grilled sandwiches are so good and this one is no exception! Love the pictures too š
Melisasource says
Thus looks and sounds delicious! I am a huge cheese fan.
Fatima says
This looks delicious! We add spinach to our sandwiches as well. I find that it gives sandwiches a better taste.
Jasmine Watts says
Yumm… That combinations looks so good! I canāt wait to try it at home.
Lisa Rios says
I loved grilled sandwich in any form and the combination looks absolutely amazing for sure. We love Panini so much and this could be a wonderful recipe that everyone would love at home!
Lauten says
I would never have thought to try that combination but it does look delicious!
The London Mum says
A grown up cheese toastie sounds ah-maz-ing!!
Nayna Kanabar says
What a hearty and delicious sandwich, it looks really tasty.
Samantha says
This looks yummy! My pregnant body wants this!
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
This just looks like an amazing Grilled Cheese Sandwich! I love everything in it… I wish I can pull it out of my screen.
Erin @ Stay at Home Yogi says
Nothing makes me more excited than a fancy grilled cheese! š And good bread really takes a sandwich to the next level doesn’t it?
Farrah Less G. says
My husband and I love Panini and we used the same brand of bread too. This recipe is so perfect for easy and healthy made lunches.
Jessica McDonnell says
My husband would love this. I miss eating grilled cheese sandwiches, I’m not allowed them due to health reasons *sulks*
Melissa @ The Staten Island family says
I’m all about Grilled cheese comfort food and I absolutely love your grown up very gourmet version! can’t wait to recreate this recipe!
Chubskulit Rose says
That looks like my kind of sandwich. I don’t eat sandwich very often but I love the look of this!
Kelly Reci says
We love eating Panini at home this is a great idea. I can’t wait to try it at home.
Ourfamilyworld says
Oh, this makes us hungry. What a lovely dish, we will try it soon!
fashion-mommy says
That sounds like a really interesting toastie idea, I love proscuitto but would never add fig.
nicol says
i never would have thought of that combination! looks delish and i love figs too
Jemma says
This looks like the perfect lunchtime treat. Yum!
Nicole Etolen says
This looks so delicious. I love panini for breakfast. I will surely try this soon!
DogVills says
Wow, this looks lovely. Love this recipe, perfect for our coffee and tea time.
Carrie says
omg! This grilled cheese panini looks amazing! It sounds absolutely fabulous!
Catherine says
I love that you put jam on your panini! I love doing that but the fig jam is a wonderful idea. These look delish!
Krystel @ PlanningThe Magic says
This looks good and easy enough for me to make for a quick dinner one day. Thanks for sharing!
Ashley Gulla says
Minus the meat and I’d be good! š
Katie Clark says
I’ve never tried anything like this. It sounds so fun!
Crystal says
I’ve not outgrown my childhood favorites, like grilled cheese. This version sounds worth growing up for!
Michelle De La Cerda says
I am the same way. Whenever I made grilled cheese I specifically buy amazing bread, it is the grown up inside. š
Emma Spellman says
Your grilled cheese looks awesome! I love all the new breads that have been coming out lately. I will have to try this one next! Yummy!
Bre | Maintaining Me says
This looks delicious! I love how you transform a grilled cheese!
rebekah says
I would LOVE this. I want to try this! Printing out this recipe š
Janell Poulette says
I love panini’s, and always looking for a new way to make them. This bread looks delicious and I never thought to use spinach for a healthier twist! This looks amazing!
Dawn Rambles says
This sounds pretty good. My husband and I have never tried fig before but we are looking for new things to try.
Tami says
The little guy asks for grilled cheese sandwiches pretty often. This will be my go to when he asks for his basic cheese and bread combo.
Teresa Kunberger says
Hmmm I have never had this before.. sounds good!
Ellie Augustin says
Oh this looks so good! I can not wait to try making this!
Claudia Blanton says
oh wow, you took grilled cheese to a whole new level! Absolutely awesome – I am going to try that out right away, thank you!
Anvita says
You had me at Figs preserve. I love figs in almost every form. Paninis make such a good lunch option.
Jackie says
Oh my!, your photos made my mouth water, this looks delicious!, I have to try fig in my sandwiches because it sounds like a delicious combo
Tescha says
I have never tried this ingredients together. I love it and the ingredients are easy to find which is a great bonus š
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
That just looks absolutely delicious! It’s funny how well fig and cheese go together!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I love how this is basically an adult grilled cheese sandwich! A great way to use figs!
Kita Bryant says
I’ve never tried fig on my sandwich before. It actually sounds fantastic!
Lex says
Oh my gosh this sounds delicious! I would never have thought to put cheese with fig!
Sara says
These flavor combinations sound amazing! When I was growing up my Mom only bought Pepperidge Farm breads. It brings back so many memories.
Hannah says
This sounds like something I would love, I’ve got to try it x
Mary says
This looks absolutely delicious. Cheese is my down fall, and grilled cheese just reminds me of home. The added fig and prosciutto really step up this classic.
Bill S says
This sounds so good!! I love a good grilled cheese sandwich, especially with the cooler weather we have been having.
Tara says
Oh god this looks amazing, I want it now!
Lori Vachon says
This sure beats boring old grilled cheese! Fantastic flavor pairing!!!
Ann Bacciaglia says
This Manchego Grilled Cheese Panini with Fig and Prosciutto looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to get the ingredients I need to try this recipe for lunch this week. My family is going to love it.
Jennifer Henry-Novich says
You definitely have my mouth watering with this sandwich. It looks amazing!
Surekha @dreamingloud says
Panini with Fig. I never would have came up with this. Awesome recipe, will give it a try
Robin Rue says
This looks so delicious! I really need to invest in a panini maker for sure now.
Mary Edwards says
Oh this looks delicious. It’s a grown up grilled cheese sandwich. Love it
anna nuttall says
Yum this look delicious. I love grilled cheese panni. xx
joanna says
Ive never tried fig and prosciutto before but looks delcious
Amanda Love says
This looks really good and it’s also very healthy for the kids! I like that you chose harvest fresh, it’s a really good brand of bread. This is pretty easy to make! I’d love to make these as an after school snack or for lunch!
lex says
Charlotte, you got me cranked up, but yes this is truly a food porn classic, this looks so DELSIH to me i wish they were made only for me.
Toni | BoulderLocavore.com says
I love figs and prosciutto but never tried them together. But it sounds like a great flavor combination! I can’t wait to try it!
victoria says
Absolutely looks yummy! and it makes me hungry now. Love the perfect combination
aziel morte says
This is so yummy and looks a great combination. I love these so much
Christina G. says
What an interesting combination. I’d love to try it. Thanks for posting!
Theresa says
Can you believe that I have never had a fig before? I think this grilled cheese panini recipe would be the perfect way to remedy that!
Adriana Lopez (@MrsALOMartin) says
Oh my goodness just perfect combination between sweet and salty. Love figs and prosciutto and best when served on a nice nutty bread. Please send me some =)
MarciaF says
I’ve actually got a bag of figs and I know my husband would love this.
lynzy says
This looks SO amazing! I’ve been looking for some new and yummy lunch recipes to try. This is on the top of my list now! I can’t wait to try it.
adriana says
This looks amazing! I love grilled cheese and trying different versions of it. I’ll be trying this one for sure!! I love prosciutto – such an amazing italian meat! Haha
Bella says
I make grilled cheese at least once a week but it gets pretty boring. This sandwich sound delicious, I have to give it a try.
Jamie says
The combination of flavors in this panini are incredible! I love the use of fig!
Elizabeth O. says
You’re absolutely right, it’s important to make sure that you choose the right bread. One that is not only tasty but healthy as well. Awesome choice with the harvest blends. The sandwich is really is to make, my kids will like this one too, without a doubt!
marye@RestlessChipotle says
I love figs with cheese – and this grown up grilled cheese sandwich is calling me!
Lois Alter Mark says
Well, I know what I’m having for lunch tomorrow now! I love grilled cheese, and this takes it to a whole different sophisticated level!
Cynthia says
What a great combination of flavors. I love Manchego cheese. Such great taste. I must admit, I have never tried fig (there than a Fig Newton), but I think I would like the combination
Stephanie Huston says
What an amazing combination of flavors! I love figs and cheese together.
Milena says
You have all of my favorite tastes here! I can’t wait to try that out myself!
linda Smith says
Oh my! That looks fantastic! Will have to save this post for later!
Pam says
I love the different Pepperidge Farm breads. They are always so tasty. We have a fig tree down the street from us that is free for anyone to pick the fruits from. I will have to get me a few and try this out. It looks delicious.
Mimazine says
Oh my gosh- this is the perfect combination!! Mouth-watering photos xx
Melanie Smith says
Omg that looks so delicious!! I want that for my dinner to night.
Renz says
These sound and look amazing!! I can’t seem to find any figs here… grrr.. Need to find them
Rebecca Bryant says
i am coming over for a visit. You have like the best food in the whole place.
Cindy Ingalls says
A grilled cheese sandwich will always be a comfort food favorite for me. I really like the idea of creating adult versions, and this manchego and fig combination sounds divine.
Amber Myers says
This looks like a fantastic combination. It looks like something I’d enjoy–I do love grilled cheese, that’s for sure.
Lilinha says
I’ve never tried fig and prosciutto together, but sounds like a delicious combination! š
http://lilinhaangel.com/
Mandee says
Oh goodness!!! That looks so delicious! I love simple and delicious recipes! Thanks for sharing!
Ana says
It looks delicious and easy to make! Thanks for sharing the recipe with us!
Melanie Edjourian says
That sounds amazing the combo of flavours you have used works really well together.
Julie Syl Kalungi says
Recipe sounds delicious, easy to make, fast and whats not to like. Thanks for sharing with me š
Mixed Reviews says
Grilled cheese with prosciutto? oh yes! 2 of my favorites. Love Harvest Blend breads.
Brandy says
That sounds delicious! It sounds like a great twist on a classic sandwich.
Kathryn says
I’ve never tried figs before, but this looks absolutely delicious xx
Rhian Westbury says
I absolute love seeded breads as they have so much taste, and grilled cheese sandwiches are the best x
Sarah says
Mmm this looks so yummy! And that bread looks delicious!
Thank you for sharing!
Sarah Bailey says
Oh my goodness how amazingly delicious do these sound! I totally need to give them a whirl yum! x
Jacqui - @TradesofJacqui says
I love grilled cheese, but, never would have thought to put fig in it. What does that even taste like??? And I’ve never tried manchego cheese. Another thing I need to had to my taste buds :). Thanks for sharing!
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
Picking the right bread is so important. Some just don’t brown right, some soak up the juicy and make a mess.
Neely (@Neelykins) says
WOW! This looks and sounds incredible. I can’t eat any cold sandwiches right now due to pregnancy so this sounds like the perfect choice for me!
MsPrettyLThings says
Okay, so I’m now hungry after seeing this post despite eating 19 minutes ago. This looks absolutely yummy. Great ingredients.
Rena McDaniel says
I agree with Charlotte! I am sitting here about to go get a CT scan and I can’t eat until after it’s over and I just want to lick my computer screen! Luckily, I recently sanitized it! This looks delicious.
tara pittman says
This sandwich sounds so yummy. Those lines on the bread make it taste even better.
Tamara says
I really love more adult versions of grilled cheese. You can’t go wrong here! And the photos are wonderful. I’ve never tried figs in my grilled cheese!
Dani says
Ooh this just made my mouth water, it looks so yummy! š
Dani x
Emily says
Yum! I am always in need of some lunch ideas for me and this is a great one, thanks!
Nikki says
I love cheese paninis and yours look delicious i shall have to make my own gluten free version!
christine says
I love a good variation of grilled cheese. The bread is so important! I’m a huge fan of nice seeded breads for the added texture. This sounds fabulous.
Fatima says
This looks so delicious! Thanks for the meal idea for tomorrow’s lunch.
Joseph says
Ok…I am sold! Grilled cheese sandwiches are my favorite every since childhood. This Panini sandwich will definitely be added to my recipe file.
Yaya says
This is definitely a grown up grilled cheese sandwich. It sounds and looks divine! x
Melanie says
This looks so delicious and grown-up!
Debi at Life Currents says
This sounds so good! So full of flavor I love all the flavor combinations here!
Karen Glatt says
This sandwich looks so healthy and delicious! I have never used fig in a panini, but I am going to make this healthy sandwich!
Mimi Green says
I’ve been a fan of Pepperidge Farm for many years. They always delivery quality products. I haven’t tried this particular food combo, but it does look really good.
Ana De- Jesus says
What a great sarnie filling and as usual the photography is on point. Love grilled cheese!
Tammilee Tips says
I love grilled cheese!! This sounds so good, what a great sandwich for lunch!
Kim Lee says
Love the fig and prosciutto combo! And that bread looks so delicious and hearty! Can’t wait to give this unique spin on the grilled cheese a try!
Jeanette says
That is WAY fancier than what I make as a grilled cheese! I know a hubby that would love this! I will be making this for him!
Marcie W. says
What a tasty sandwich idea. My kids definitely need a hearty, wholesome bread for their school lunch sandwiches so they can keep their focus on learning throughout the day.
Alicia says
This looks like it’d be a really tasty lunch! I will have to give this a try, soon!
Veethee Dixit says
I am a huge cheese lover! It looks delicious. I am hungary now. lol…
Paula Schuck says
Oh gosh, that sounds amazing. I can almost taste that smokey prosciutto with the sweetness of the fig. Om nom nom.
Alli Smith says
Grilled cheese is a fave of mine and your panini is definitely all grown up. I’ve got to try this as soon as possible. And you’re right, the right kind of bread is so important. You hit a home run with this one.
Selene M. says
The sandwich looks good, but I’d leave off the figs and spinach. My tastes are simple, so just give me a more common cheese like cheddar or pepper jack and forget the prosciutto and substitute good ham.
StressedMum says
This sounds delicious, I love a panini and always looking for different fillings, I have never found a substantial bread loaf though so great to see you have found one that does the job x
Colleen Lanin says
That sounds so yummy. I’m always a big fan of sweet and savory rolled up into one delicious dish. I can’t wait to give this a try. It seems really easy to make.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Oh wow! That looks so good! I love the use of the substantial bread to give it that nice “chew”.
Cynthia C says
This is the excuse I need to get my panini press out of the box. Looks delicious!
Stephanie says
I’m with you on the bread front – a good sandwich is all about the bread! I would never have thought to use this combination but it sounds delicious – thanks for sharing! x
Rachel says
This looks and sounds just absolutely incredible, yum! x
Janet W. says
This looks like a delicious combination of flavors! I’m looking for new lunch ideas during the week and this is perfect. Thanks for the idea!
Julie Mason says
I love my panini press and use it for so many things, even quesidillas. This looks wonderful, sweetness of the fig, with saltiness of the prociutto. Great combination.
Divya @ Eat Teach Blog says
Yes. Yes. YES. We got a panini maker for our wedding and I still haven’t put it to use. This will be the first sandwich I make with it!
LaaLaa says
Looks like a very hearty sandwich, sometimes I love a thick bread because it’s filling and looks great with so much stuffed inside. Who doesn’t enjoy grilled cheese sandwich from time to time!
Michele says
This definitely sounds like something I would really enjoy–I do love a grilled cheese sandwich. I don’t have a panini press and thank you for letting me know I can make it in a pan just as easily (even though I will have to use a bit of butter).
Tania Potter - Soul Sense Coaching says
This looks delicious! I am such a cheese and fig fan that the combination sounds like a really good one.
Toughcookiemommy says
These photos are making my mouth water. I would love to try this but I don’t think I would be able to share any of it with my husband since it looks so good.
Charlotte says
this is my absolute definition of food porn ? I’ve actually never tried figs though but the bread looks so delicious, I switched to seeded breads a while ago, they have so much more flavour! Xx