Prosciutto is a tasty Italian dry-cured ham that can add flavor to many dishes.
It’s thin, salty, and goes well with both savory and sweet foods. You can use it in appetizers, main courses, and even some desserts.
These prosciutto recipes will give you new ways to enjoy this versatile meat.
You’ll find ideas for wrapping prosciutto around other foods, adding it to salads and pasta, or using it as a pizza topping. Some recipes are quick and easy, while others might take more time to make. There’s something for every skill level and taste.
1. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a tasty appetizer you can make with just two main ingredients.
It’s quick to prepare and looks elegant on any plate.
To make this dish, wrap thin slices of prosciutto around fresh asparagus spears. Choose thinner asparagus for easier wrapping and even cooking.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the wrapped spears on a baking sheet lined with foil. Make sure they don’t overlap.
Roast the asparagus for about 10-15 minutes until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
This simple recipe is perfect for spring gatherings or holiday meals.
2. Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
Fig and prosciutto pizza is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.
Start with a pizza crust and spread fig jam or fresh figs on top. Add thin slices of prosciutto and fresh mozzarella cheese.
Bake the pizza in a hot oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese melts. After baking, top it with fresh arugula and shaved Parmesan cheese.
This pizza combines the sweetness of figs with the salty taste of prosciutto. It’s perfect for a fancy dinner or a casual meal with friends.
3. Melon and Prosciutto Salad
This simple yet elegant salad combines sweet melon with salty prosciutto. It’s a classic Italian pairing that’s perfect for warm summer days.
To make it, you’ll need ripe cantaloupe or honeydew melon. Use a melon baller to scoop out small, round pieces.
Arrange them on a plate with thin slices of prosciutto.
For extra flavor, add some fresh mozzarella or creamy burrata cheese. Peppery arugula provides a nice contrast in taste and texture.
Drizzle the salad with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. You can also add cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes for more freshness.
This no-cook dish is quick to prepare and makes a great appetizer or light meal. The mix of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors will delight your taste buds.
4. Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Tart
This tasty tart combines salty prosciutto with creamy goat cheese for a delicious appetizer or light meal. You can make it using puff pastry for a quick and easy option.
Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares. Top each square with goat cheese and small pieces of prosciutto. Add a dollop of fig jam for extra flavor.
Bake the tarts in a 400°F oven until the pastry is golden and puffy. The combination of crispy pastry, melted cheese, and savory prosciutto creates a mouthwatering treat.
You can customize these tarts by adding spinach or shallots to the filling. Serve them warm as an elegant starter or part of a brunch spread.
5. Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken
Prosciutto-wrapped chicken is a delicious and easy dish to make. You start by seasoning chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Next, wrap each breast with 2-3 slices of prosciutto. This adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist while cooking.
Place the wrapped chicken in a baking dish. You can brush it with melted butter for extra richness if you like.
Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. The prosciutto will become crispy as it cooks.
For added flavor, try stuffing the chicken with goat cheese or a honey-garlic mixture before wrapping. This creates a tasty surprise inside.
6. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
This dish combines the rich flavor of prosciutto with tender pork. Start by seasoning a pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
Lay out thin slices of prosciutto and place sage leaves on top.
Wrap the prosciutto around the tenderloin, making sure to overlap the slices slightly. This creates a flavorful outer layer that crisps up during cooking.
Sear the wrapped tenderloin in a hot skillet for about 2 minutes per side. This step helps the prosciutto become crispy. Then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven.
Roast the pork for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let it rest before slicing to keep the juices inside.
7. Prosciutto and Arugula Sandwich
This simple yet tasty sandwich combines salty prosciutto with peppery arugula for a delicious flavor combo. Start with good quality bread like ciabatta or a baguette.
Layer thin slices of prosciutto on the bread. Add a handful of fresh arugula on top. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
For a heartier sandwich, you can add sliced mozzarella or tomatoes. Fresh figs also pair nicely with the prosciutto and arugula.
This sandwich makes a great quick lunch or light dinner. The crisp bread, salty meat, and fresh greens create a satisfying mix of textures and tastes.
8. Prosciutto Pasta with Parmesan
Prosciutto pasta with Parmesan is a tasty dish you can make in about 30 minutes.
The sauce uses butter and Parmesan cheese instead of cream, making it lighter.
Cook your pasta until it’s just right, not too soft. Add salt to the pasta water for extra flavor. The prosciutto adds a salty, crispy touch to the dish.
You can mix in peas for a fresh flavor and pop of color. Some recipes also include tomatoes or other veggies like zucchini or spinach.
When you’re done cooking, grate fresh Parmesan on top. This gives the pasta a nutty, cheesy taste that goes great with the prosciutto.
9. Prosciutto and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
You can make a tasty meal with prosciutto and mozzarella stuffed chicken breast. Start by cutting a pocket in each chicken breast.
Stuff the pocket with a slice of prosciutto and some mozzarella cheese. You can add spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Secure the chicken with toothpicks to keep the filling inside. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
Cook the stuffed chicken in a preheated 375°F oven. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This dish is great for a special dinner or weekend meal.
10. Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp
Prosciutto-wrapped shrimp is a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You’ll need large shrimp and thin slices of prosciutto.
Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Wrap each shrimp with a strip of prosciutto.
For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice before wrapping. Place the wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet.
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the shrimp are pink and the prosciutto is crispy.
Serve warm with a garlic butter dipping sauce for a fancy yet simple appetizer. The salty prosciutto pairs well with the sweet shrimp.
11. Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Crostini
Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Crostini is a tasty appetizer you can make quickly. Start with thin slices of toasted bread. Spread some Gorgonzola cheese on each slice.
Top the cheese with a piece of prosciutto. You can add extras like pears or figs for more flavor. Drizzle honey or balsamic glaze on top if you want.
These crostini are great for parties. They mix salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. You can make them ahead of time and warm them up before serving.
12. Prosciutto and Ricotta Flatbread
Prosciutto and ricotta flatbread is a tasty appetizer for parties. It’s easy to make and looks impressive. You can use store-bought flatbread as the base.
Spread creamy ricotta cheese on the flatbread. Top it with crispy prosciutto for a salty crunch. Cook the prosciutto in a skillet until it turns brick red and crispy.
Add some fresh figs for sweetness if you like. A drizzle of balsamic reduction gives it a tangy finish. Grill the flatbread for a few minutes to warm it up and melt the cheese slightly.
This dish combines creamy, salty, and sweet flavors. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or as a light meal.
13. Prosciutto and Tomato Bruschetta
Prosciutto and tomato bruschetta is a tasty appetizer you can make easily. Start by toasting slices of Italian bread until golden brown.
While the bread toasts, chop fresh tomatoes and mix them with basil, salt, and pepper. Let this sit for about 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
For crispy prosciutto, bake thin slices in a 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Once done, it will be dark and crunchy.
Top your toasted bread with the tomato mixture. Add pieces of the crispy prosciutto on top. For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Romano cheese.
This dish combines fresh and savory tastes. The crisp bread, juicy tomatoes, and salty prosciutto work well together. It’s perfect for parties or as a light meal.
14. Creamy Prosciutto and Mushroom Risotto
This dish combines the rich flavors of prosciutto and mushrooms in a creamy risotto.
You’ll need arborio rice, chicken stock, white wine, and various mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and porcini.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter and oil. Add the rice and toast it briefly. Pour in the wine and let it absorb before adding hot stock gradually.
While the rice cooks, fry strips of prosciutto until crispy. Sauté the mushrooms separately. Stir them into the risotto near the end of cooking.
Finish with butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Top with the crispy prosciutto for a delicious contrast in textures.
15. Prosciutto and Melon Skewers
Prosciutto and melon skewers are a tasty Italian appetizer perfect for summer gatherings. You can make them easily with just a few ingredients.
Start by cutting cantaloupe or honeydew melon into small cubes or balls. Wrap thin slices of prosciutto around the melon pieces.
Thread the wrapped melon onto skewers. For extra flavor, add fresh mozzarella balls and basil leaves between the melon pieces.
These skewers offer a balance of sweet and salty flavors. The juicy melon pairs nicely with the savory prosciutto. Serve them chilled for a refreshing bite.
16. Prosciutto Wrapped Dates with Cheese
Prosciutto wrapped dates with cheese make a tasty appetizer. To make them, you’ll need dates, soft cheese, and prosciutto.
Start by slicing the dates lengthwise and removing the pits. Fill each date with a small amount of cheese, like blue cheese or a mixture of cheeses.
Wrap each stuffed date with a thin slice of prosciutto. Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the dates in a preheated 400°F oven for about 15 minutes. The prosciutto will become crispy and the cheese will melt.
These savory-sweet bites are perfect for parties or as a quick snack. You can customize the cheese filling to suit your taste preferences.
Understanding Prosciutto
Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that’s a staple in Italian cuisine. It has a rich history and comes in different types.
History of Prosciutto
Prosciutto’s roots go back to ancient Rome. Farmers found that salting pork legs helped keep the meat fresh longer.
This method spread across Italy over time. In the Middle Ages, prosciutto became popular among nobles. They enjoyed it as a luxury food.
By the Renaissance, prosciutto was a common treat in many Italian households. Today, prosciutto is made using traditional methods passed down for generations.
The process takes months or even years to complete. This long curing time gives prosciutto its unique flavor 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.
Popular varieties include:
- Prosciutto di Parma: From Parma, Italy
- Prosciutto di San Daniele: From San Daniele, Italy
- Jamón Ibérico: From Spain
Prosciutto cotto is cooked ham. It’s less salty and has a milder flavor than crudo. You can eat it hot or cold. The type of pig and its diet affect the taste of prosciutto.
Some pigs are fed special diets to create unique flavors. The curing process also varies by region, giving each type its own character.
Cooking with Prosciutto
Prosciutto adds a salty, savory flavor to many dishes. You can use it in both hot and cold recipes.
It’s a versatile ingredient that works well with many foods.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
When cooking with prosciutto, slice it thinly. This helps it crisp up nicely.
You can wrap it around meats, fruits, or vegetables before cooking. Try wrapping chicken breasts or asparagus spears.
For pasta dishes, cut prosciutto into small pieces. Add it near the end of cooking to keep its texture. It pairs well with creamy sauces and cheese.
You can also use prosciutto in salads or on pizzas. For salads, tear it into bite-sized pieces. On pizzas, add it after baking to prevent burning.
Be careful not to overcook prosciutto. It can become tough and lose flavor if cooked too long.
A quick sear or light baking is often enough.
Try using prosciutto in place of bacon in some recipes. It can add a new twist to familiar dishes.