Andy Montoya
Charcuterie boards have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer a variety of gourmet cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables, and more, providing something for everyone. One popular meat to include on a charcuterie board is prosciutto, an uncooked, cured ham known for its delicate flavor and easy pairing with fruits and mild cheeses. In this discussion, we will explore different ways to fold and present prosciutto on a charcuterie board, from simple rolls to elegant roses, ensuring both taste and aesthetic are satisfied.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prosciutto | Full slice, folded in half or quarters |
| Cheese | Mild, soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, provolone, or aged cheddar |
| Other ingredients | Fruits, nuts, crackers, dips, sauces, bread |
| Presentation | Fold prosciutto into rosettes, ribbons, roses, or cups; stack or prop up slices for height |
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What You'll Learn
Pair prosciutto with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese
Prosciutto is a delicate meat with a mild flavour that pairs well with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. When creating a charcuterie board, it is important to include a variety of textures and flavours to create a balanced offering.
Brie is a soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and a creamy texture. When paired with prosciutto, the cheese complements the meat without overwhelming its delicate flavour. The mild saltiness of the prosciutto will also help to enhance the creamy flavour of the brie.
Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is another soft cheese that pairs well with prosciutto. It has a tangy and creamy flavour with a slightly crumbly texture. When paired with the prosciutto, the tanginess of the cheese will be accentuated, creating a delightful contrast with the savoury notes of the meat.
To showcase the prosciutto when pairing it with brie or goat cheese, try folding the prosciutto into rosettes or fans and propping them up on slices of cheese. This will add height and visual interest to your charcuterie board. You can also create small skewers by folding a piece of prosciutto into fourths, adding a toothpick, and then skewering a small slice of cheese and a piece of fruit, such as a cantaloupe ball. This bite-sized serving is not only visually appealing but also easy for guests to enjoy.
In addition to the cheese selections, consider adding other complementary ingredients to your charcuterie board. Fresh fruits such as figs, grapes, or melon can provide a touch of sweetness that enhances the flavour of prosciutto. You can also include nuts, crackers, or bread for added texture and variety.
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Fold prosciutto into rosettes or ribbons
Folding prosciutto into rosettes or ribbons is an art that adds visual appeal to your charcuterie board and enhances the prosciutto's flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to master this art:
The Ribbon Fold:
For the ribbon fold, start by taking a slice of prosciutto and folding it in half lengthwise. Next, create a zigzag pattern by folding the slice back and forth. Gently press on the fold to maintain the shape. Repeat this process for 6-7 slices of prosciutto. You can now arrange the ribbons on your charcuterie board. Start by placing oversized items like cheeses and crackers, then add the prosciutto ribbons.
The Rosette Fold:
To create prosciutto rosettes, take a full slice of prosciutto and cut it in half with a sharp knife to prevent tearing. Fold one of the halves back and forth like an accordion or fan. Pinch the middle of the folded slice and stand it up on your board. Repeat this process for 6-10 slices of prosciutto, grouping the rosettes together to create a pile of prosciutto that stands out. You can also prop the rosettes up on slices of cheese for added height.
Creative Variations:
You can get creative by making prosciutto flowers, such as roses, lilies, or any other shape you desire. To make a rose, cut round pieces from a prosciutto pack using a cookie cutter to form identical petals. Fold the petal around a glass with half of it inside and the other half hanging outside. You can also make a bouquet by folding half a slice of prosciutto into fourths or a ribbon, piercing it with a toothpick, and adding a small slice of cheese and a cantaloupe ball.
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Use prosciutto as a wrap for snacks like crostini
Prosciutto is a versatile meat that can be used in a variety of ways on a cheese board. One way to use prosciutto on a cheese board is as a wrap for snacks like crostini. Here are some ideas and instructions on how to do this:
Prosciutto-Wrapped Crostini
Crostini with prosciutto are slices of toasted baguette topped with prosciutto and other ingredients. To make prosciutto-wrapped crostini, start by slicing a baguette into thin slices and toasting them in the oven until crispy. Then, take a slice of prosciutto and cut it in half lengthwise. Wrap the prosciutto around the crostini, securing it with a toothpick if needed. You can then add other toppings to the crostini, such as tomato, Boursin cheese, or herbs.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Another option is to use prosciutto as a wrap for mozzarella sticks. Cut the mozzarella into 3- to 4-inch-long matchstick pieces, about 1/2-inch thick. Cut the prosciutto into rectangles and trim the fat off the edges. Place a large basil leaf on the prosciutto, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Place the mozzarella stick on top of the basil and roll the prosciutto around it tightly. These can be served as-is or warmed in the oven for a few minutes.
Prosciutto and Melon Crostini
For a sweet and salty appetizer, try prosciutto and melon crostini. Slice the prosciutto and melon into thin slices. Whip some ricotta cheese until smooth and spread it on toasted baguette slices. Add a folded slice of prosciutto, a folded slice of melon, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. Sprinkle with fresh basil to finish.
Prosciutto and Cheese Skewers
For a mini cheese board, you can make prosciutto and cheese skewers. Fold a piece of prosciutto into fourths or a ribbon shape. Thread a toothpick or skewer through the prosciutto, followed by a small slice of cheese or cheese wedge, and finish with a piece of fruit such as cantaloupe. These bite-sized snacks are easy for guests to enjoy.
When using prosciutto as a wrap for snacks on a cheese board, it's important to consider the portion size and the ease of serving. Prosciutto can be folded or rolled in different ways to create visually appealing presentations that are also functional and easy for guests to pick up and enjoy.
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Source ingredients from an Italian grocery store
When creating a cheese board with prosciutto, it's important to source your ingredients from an Italian grocery store to ensure authenticity and affordability. Italian grocery stores offer a wide range of gourmet ingredients, allowing you to create a beautiful and delicious charcuterie board.
- Cheese: Italian cheese is renowned for its variety and quality. Look for classic options like Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Provolone, and Fontina. You can also explore softer cheeses such as Scamorza, Asiago, or even goat cheese, which pairs well with prosciutto.
- Cured Meats: Prosciutto is a delicate meat that pairs well with other cured meats such as salami. Pinocchio's Pantry offers a range of Italian salami flavours, including Wild Boar salami and Olli Toscano Salami Chub seasoned with fennel pollen. You can also find traditional cured pork jowl, which is perfect for adding flavour to dishes like carbonara or Amatriciana.
- Fruits and Accompaniments: Italian grocery stores will often carry fresh fruits that pair well with cheese and cured meats. Look for options like figs, apricots, and cantaloupe. You can also find nuts, olives, and honey to add texture and sweetness to your board.
- Online Options: If you don't have access to a physical Italian grocery store, there are excellent online options like Supermarket Italy and Pinocchio's Pantry. These stores offer a wide range of authentic Italian ingredients, from cured meats to gourmet cheeses, that can be delivered straight to your door.
- Presentation: When creating your cheese board, remember that presentation is key. Fold or roll your prosciutto in creative ways to make it stand out. Fan out the slices or create small rolls by pairing them with cheese. You can also make mini skewers by folding prosciutto over a toothpick, adding a slice of cheese, and finishing with a cantaloupe ball—a perfect bite-sized treat for your guests.
- Balance: Finally, remember that a well-balanced cheese board offers a variety of flavours and textures. Aim for a mix of salty, sweet, crunchy, and soft elements. Include some strong-flavoured cheeses along with milder options to cater to different tastes.
By sourcing your ingredients from an Italian grocery store, you can create a delightful and authentic cheese board featuring prosciutto and a variety of complementary flavours.
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Include a mix of salty and sweet foods
When creating a cheese board, it's important to include a mix of salty and sweet foods. Prosciutto, a type of uncooked, cured ham, can be a great addition to a cheese board and is known for its delicate flavor. It pairs well with mild cheeses such as provolone, aged cheddar, brie, goat cheese, or mozzarella. To enhance the salty flavour of the prosciutto, consider adding some cured olives or caper berries.
For a touch of sweetness, pair the prosciutto with fresh or dried fruit. Figs, both fresh and dried, are a popular choice to pair with prosciutto. You can also wrap the prosciutto around pieces of fruit, such as dates or melon, or even asparagus spears. Another option is to stuff dates with blue cheese and wrap them in prosciutto for a bite-sized treat.
If you're looking for a more creative presentation, try making prosciutto roses. Cut the prosciutto into half-inch-wide strips and roll them into small roses. These can be served on their own or paired with a rice cracker spread with cream cheese and topped with chopped dill.
Another option is to fold the prosciutto into ribbons or fans and pair it with cheese. Cut the prosciutto slices into halves or quarters, then roll or fold them into rosettes or fans. Prop up the prosciutto piles on slices of cheese for added height and a mix of textures. You can also skewer the prosciutto with cheese and fruit for a bite-sized option that's easy for guests to grab.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut a piece of prosciutto that is about half an inch wide. Grab the prosciutto piece from the fat side and roll it into a small rose. To make roses of the same size, cut the pieces to the same length and width.
Fold a full slice of prosciutto back and forth like an accordion or fan. Then pinch the middle and stand it up on the board.
Take a prosciutto sheet and fold it in half, then fold it once more to make an equilateral triangle. Make several triangles and place them on a tray. Add goat cheese slices, a ball of burrata cheese, mozzarella cheese, or any other cheese of your choice. Mix the cheese with a dash of milk to give it a creamy consistency. Use a piping bag or a spoon to pour the cheese into the prosciutto cups.
Prosciutto has a mild and delicate flavor, so it is best paired with soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or mozzarella that will not overpower the meat.
Prosciutto can be rolled and stacked, twisted and wrapped around the end of a long crostini, or cut into ribbons and skewered with cheese and cantaloupe.
