Prosciutto and Melon Wraps
These elegant Italian appetizers combine the sweet juiciness of ripe melon with the savory, salty depth of thinly sliced prosciutto – creating a perfect balance that awakens the palate without overwhelming it. Best of all, they require virtually no cooking, making them accessible even to novice hosts looking to impress their guests with simple yet sophisticated fare.
Equipment
- Toothpicks
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Serving Platter
Ingredients
- 8 oz thinly sliced prosciutto di Parma higher quality prosciutto makes a significant difference
- 1 ripe cantaloupe or honeydew melon about 4-5 cups when cubed
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves thinly sliced, optional
- 1 tbsp high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 24 toothpicks for serving
Instructions
- Cut the melon in half and remove all seeds using a spoon. Carefully slice off the rind, then cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes or use a melon baller for uniform, attractive shapes. Aim for pieces that are substantial enough to wrap but small enough to eat in one bite – approximately 24 pieces total.
- Carefully separate the prosciutto slices, laying them flat on a clean work surface. If the slices are very long, cut them in half lengthwise to create strips approximately 1-inch wide and 4-5 inches long.
- Take a piece of melon and wrap a strip of prosciutto around it, securing with a toothpick. The prosciutto should wrap around once or twice, depending on the size of your melon piece. Arrange on a serving platter as you go.
- Lightly drizzle the assembled wraps with high-quality olive oil. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and the optional sliced mint leaves. For an elevated presentation, add a few mint sprigs to the serving platter.
Notes
Chilling your melon for at least 2 hours before preparation enhances its sweetness and creates a more refreshing contrast to the room-temperature prosciutto.
Allow prosciutto to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before assembly – cold prosciutto straight from the refrigerator tends to tear more easily.
For a more visually appealing presentation, fold the prosciutto in a pleated fashion before wrapping to create texture and visual interest.
Create a small "moat" in the center of your serving platter and add a small dish of honey or aged balsamic for guests who enjoy a touch of sweetness.
Assemble no more than 2 hours before serving to prevent the prosciutto from becoming soggy from the melon's moisture.
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 9gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 690mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 6.5g
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