Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 8 slices crusty bread
• 8 slices prosciutto (about 2 ounces)
• 8 slices monterey jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
• 1/2 cup pitted dates, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

1. Spread the butter on one side of each bread slice. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Put 2 bread slices in the skillet, buttered-side down. Layer 2 slices of prosciutto, 1 slice of cheese, one-quarter each of the dates and basil, and another slice of cheese on each piece of bread. Close each with another piece of bread, buttered-side up.
2. Cook, pressing the sandwiches occasionally with a spatula, until the cheese melts and the bread is golden, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Repeat to make 2 more sandwiches.
3. Photograph by Andrew Mccaul