Prosciutto is a tasty Italian dry-cured ham that can make many dishes more exciting. It has a sweet and salty flavor that works well in all kinds of recipes.

You can use prosciutto to add zest to your meals from breakfast to dinner.

You’ll find lots of easy ways to cook with prosciutto in these recipes. The ideas range from simple snacks to fancy main courses.

Wrapping foods in prosciutto or adding it to pastas and pizzas are just a few options. With these recipes, you can learn new tricks for using this versatile ingredient in your cooking.

1. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a quick and tasty appetizer you can make for parties or special dinners. It’s simple to prepare with just two main ingredients.

Choose thick asparagus spears for the best results. They’re easier to wrap and won’t dry out as quickly in the oven.

Cut prosciutto slices into quarters lengthwise before wrapping them around each spear.

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the wrapped asparagus on a rack over a foil-lined baking sheet. This setup helps the prosciutto crisp up nicely.

For extra flavor, try sprinkling grated cheese and lemon zest over the wrapped asparagus before baking. Roast until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender.

2. Prosciutto Pizza with Arugula

Prosciutto pizza with arugula is a tasty combo that brings together salty and peppery flavors. You’ll love how the thin slices of prosciutto pair with the fresh, crisp arugula.

To make this pizza, start with a pre-baked crust or roll out your own dough.

Brush it with olive oil and sprinkle on some grated garlic for extra flavor.

Bake the pizza at 450°F until the crust is golden. After it comes out of the oven, top it with fresh arugula tossed in lemon juice. Then add thin slices of prosciutto.

For more variety, try adding cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers. You can also mix in different cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan for added richness.

3. Fig and Prosciutto Salad

You’ll love this tasty mix of sweet and salty flavors. Fresh figs bring natural sweetness, while crispy prosciutto adds a savory crunch.

Start with a bed of mixed greens. Add sliced figs and crumbled goat cheese on top.

Bake thin slices of prosciutto until crisp, then break into pieces over the salad.

Drizzle with a simple balsamic glaze for extra tang. This light dish works great as a starter or lunch. The contrasting textures and flavors make each bite interesting.

You can prepare most ingredients ahead of time. Just assemble right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

4. Prosciutto and Melon Skewers

Prosciutto and melon skewers are a tasty and easy appetizer. You can make them in just a few minutes.

Start by cutting cantaloupe into small balls using a melon baller. Fold thin slices of prosciutto and thread them onto skewers with the melon balls.

For extra flavor, add fresh mozzarella pearls and basil leaves between the melon and prosciutto. The mix of sweet, salty, and fresh tastes is really good.

These skewers look nice on a plate and work well for parties. Serve them right away to enjoy the melon at its freshest.

5. Prosciutto Crostini with Goat Cheese

Prosciutto crostini with goat cheese is a tasty appetizer for parties. You’ll need a French baguette, goat cheese, prosciutto, and olive oil.

Slice the baguette into thin pieces. Brush them with olive oil and toast until crispy. Spread softened goat cheese on each slice.

Top the crostini with small pieces of prosciutto. For extra flavor, add caramelized onions or baby spinach. Some recipes include a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze.

This appetizer is quick to make and looks impressive. The creamy goat cheese pairs well with the salty prosciutto. Your guests will love these bite-sized treats.

6. Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Breast

Prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast is a tasty and easy dish to make. You’ll need chicken breasts, prosciutto, and a few other ingredients.

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Wrap each breast in a slice of prosciutto.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the wrapped chicken for a few minutes on each side until the prosciutto is crispy.

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven. Roast until the chicken reaches 160°F (71°C) inside, about 12-15 minutes.

For extra flavor, add capers and shallots to the pan after cooking. This dish pairs well with many sides and is sure to impress your guests.

7. Prosciutto Pasta with Parmesan Cream Sauce

This dish combines the salty flavor of prosciutto with a rich, creamy sauce. You’ll love how the crispy prosciutto contrasts with the smooth pasta.

To make the sauce, melt butter in a pan and cook prosciutto until it’s crispy. Add heavy cream and simmer until it thickens. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Cook your pasta of choice – penne works well, but any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine is great too. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and crispy prosciutto.

Top your pasta with extra prosciutto and freshly grated Parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste for a delicious meal.

8. Prosciutto and Mozzarella Bites

Prosciutto and mozzarella bites are a tasty appetizer you can make quickly. Start by cutting mozzarella into small cubes or using small mozzarella balls.

Wrap each piece of cheese with a thin slice of prosciutto. You can add a basil leaf for extra flavor if you like.

These bites are perfect for parties or snacks. They’re easy to pick up and eat in one bite. You don’t need to cook them, just assemble and serve.

For a fancier version, try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or olive oil. You can also skewer them with toothpicks for easier serving.

9. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

This dish combines juicy pork tenderloin with savory prosciutto for a flavorful main course. You’ll wrap the pork in thin slices of prosciutto before cooking.

Season the tenderloin lightly with salt and pepper. Add sage leaves on top for extra flavor. Carefully wrap prosciutto around the pork, slightly overlapping each slice.

Sear the wrapped tenderloin in a skillet to crisp up the prosciutto. Then roast it in the oven until the pork reaches 145°F inside. Let it rest before slicing.

The result is tender pork with a crispy, salty exterior. It’s an easy yet impressive meal you can serve for guests or a special family dinner.

10. Prosciutto and Pear Salad

Prosciutto and pear salad is a tasty mix of sweet and salty flavors. You’ll love how the crisp pears contrast with the thin slices of prosciutto.

To make this salad, start with a bed of fresh arugula or baby spinach. Add sliced pears and torn pieces of prosciutto on top.

For the dressing, blend olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of mustard. Drizzle it over your salad just before serving.

You can also add some crumbled blue cheese or burrata for extra flavor. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts gives a nice crunch.

This salad works great as a light lunch or a starter for dinner. It’s quick to make and looks impressive on the plate.

11. Prosciutto Eggs Benedict

Prosciutto Eggs Benedict puts an Italian twist on a breakfast classic. You start with toasted ciabatta bread or English muffins as the base.

Layer thin slices of prosciutto on top of the bread. This adds a salty, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Next, add poached eggs and drizzle with hollandaise sauce. Some recipes include fresh basil leaves for extra Italian flair.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for more flavor.

This dish makes an impressive centerpiece for a brunch gathering. It’s easy to prepare and tastes delicious.

12. Prosciutto and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Prosciutto and ricotta stuffed shells are a tasty twist on classic Italian comfort food. This dish combines pasta, cheese, and cured meat for a satisfying meal.

To make it, cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Mix ricotta cheese with chopped prosciutto, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add some garlic powder and black pepper for extra flavor.

Stuff the shells with the cheese and prosciutto mixture. Place them in a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce. Sprinkle more cheese on top.

Bake the stuffed shells until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles. The result is a creamy, savory dish with a nice balance of flavors and textures.

13. Prosciutto Flatbread with Figs

Prosciutto flatbread with figs is a tasty and easy dish. You can make it at home in about 25 minutes.

Start with a flatbread crust. Spread hot pepper jelly mixed with balsamic vinegar on top. This adds a sweet and tangy flavor.

Add quartered fresh figs and thin slices of prosciutto. The figs bring sweetness while the prosciutto adds a salty touch.

Bake the flatbread at 375°F until it’s crispy. After baking, top it with baby arugula and a drizzle of olive oil.

For extra flavor, you can add some burrata cheese or a balsamic glaze. This dish is great for a quick meal or as an appetizer when having friends over.

14. Prosciutto and Pesto Pinwheels

Prosciutto and pesto pinwheels are a tasty appetizer you can make easily. Start with puff pastry as your base. Roll it out into a square shape.

Spread pesto sauce over the pastry, leaving a small border. Layer slices of prosciutto on top of the pesto.

Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Roll up the pastry tightly from one edge.

Slice the roll into thin pieces. Place them on a baking sheet cut-side up.

Bake until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm for a delicious snack or party treat.

15. Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates

Prosciutto-wrapped dates are a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You’ll need pitted dates, prosciutto, and cheese like ricotta or blue cheese.

Slice the dates lengthwise and remove the pits. Fill each date with a small amount of cheese. Wrap a thin strip of prosciutto around each stuffed date.

Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the prosciutto is crispy.

These appetizers offer a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Understanding Prosciutto

Prosciutto is a type of dry-cured ham from Italy. It has a salty, savory flavor and a delicate texture that melts in your mouth. This versatile meat can be enjoyed on its own or used in many recipes.

History of Prosciutto

Prosciutto dates back to ancient Roman times. Farmers developed curing techniques to preserve pork legs for long periods. The word “prosciutto” comes from the Latin word “perexsuctum,” meaning “dried thoroughly.”

Over centuries, different regions in Italy refined their curing methods. Each area created its own unique style of prosciutto. The process spread to other parts of Europe and eventually around the world.

Today, prosciutto is still made using traditional methods. Pork legs are salted and air-dried for months or even years. This slow curing gives prosciutto its distinctive taste and texture.

Types of Prosciutto

There are two main types of prosciutto: crudo and cotto.

Prosciutto crudo is raw, dry-cured ham. It’s the most common type you’ll find. Some popular varieties include:

• Prosciutto di Parma
• Prosciutto di San Daniele
• Prosciutto Toscano

Prosciutto cotto is cooked ham. It’s less salty and has a milder flavor than prosciutto crudo. This type is often used in sandwiches and cooked dishes.

You can also find prosciutto made from different meats like:

• Wild boar
• Goose
• Lamb

Each type of prosciutto has its own unique taste and texture. Try different varieties to find your favorite!

Pairing Prosciutto with Ingredients

Prosciutto’s salty and savory flavor makes it a great match for many foods.

Cheeses that Complement Prosciutto

Prosciutto goes well with both soft and hard cheeses.

Try it with creamy mozzarella for a classic Italian pairing. The mild flavor of mozzarella balances prosciutto’s saltiness.

Parmesan is another good choice. Its nutty taste brings out prosciutto’s rich flavor.

For a bolder combo, pair prosciutto with blue cheese. The strong, tangy flavor of blue cheese stands up to prosciutto’s intensity.

Goat cheese also works nicely. Its tartness cuts through prosciutto’s fattiness. Wrap prosciutto around goat cheese-stuffed figs for a fancy snack.

Fruits to Pair with Prosciutto

Sweet fruits balance prosciutto’s salty taste.

Melon is a popular choice. The juicy sweetness of cantaloupe or honeydew melon goes great with prosciutto’s dry texture.

Figs are another good option. Their soft texture and sweet flavor complement prosciutto well.

Try wrapping prosciutto around fresh figs for an easy appetizer.

Pears also pair nicely with prosciutto. The fruit’s crisp texture contrasts with prosciutto’s softness.

Slice pears thinly and layer them with prosciutto on crostini.

For a summer treat, try prosciutto with peaches or nectarines. The fruit’s sweetness brings out prosciutto’s savory notes.