Bushra Griffith
Charcuterie boards are a delightful way to present a variety of gourmet cheeses, meats, fruits, and more. Prosciutto, a popular choice for charcuterie, is a delicate meat with a mild flavor that pairs well with fruits and mild cheeses. When serving prosciutto on a cheese platter, there are several ways to style and present it. From folding prosciutto into rosettes or ribbons to creating skewers with cheese and fruit, there are many creative ways to impress your guests and make your platter visually appealing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Folding technique | Fold in half, fourths, or ribbons; cut in half before folding to avoid tearing |
| Skewers | Toothpicks or skewers with cheese, fruit, or vegetables (e.g. mozzarella and cantaloupe, or cucumber, peach, and mozzarella) |
| Pairings | Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese; fruit, especially melon for a sweet-and-salty pairing |
| Presentation | Prosciutto rosettes or "flowers" can add height to the platter; fan or accordion folds make prosciutto stand out |
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What You'll Learn
Folding prosciutto into ribbons or rosettes
To fold prosciutto into ribbons, cut slices of prosciutto in half. Then, fold that half in half again and roll it around the centre to create a mini rosette. You can also cut the prosciutto into smaller pieces and fold them back and forth like an accordion or a fan. Pinch the bottom and fan out the top. Group 6-10 prosciutto fans together on the board, letting them overlap slightly. This method is great for serving because the portions are small enough to fit on a cracker and easy to pick up.
To make prosciutto rosettes, start by cutting a full slice of prosciutto in half with a sharp knife to avoid tearing the meat. Then, roll one corner diagonally across to the other side. You can hold one finger in the centre to help fold it around that point. Group the rosettes together on the board and prop them up on slices of cheese to add height. This method is perfect for when you want the prosciutto to be the star of the show, as it makes a pile of prosciutto stand out.
You can also make prosciutto skewers by folding half a slice of prosciutto into fourths or a little ribbon. Then, pierce a toothpick or skewer through the prosciutto, add a small slice of cheese, and finish with a cantaloupe ball. These are perfect bite-sized servings that are easy for guests to take from the platter.
Prosciutto rosettes are a great way to serve prosciutto because they are easy to pick up and pop into your mouth. They also look pretty on the plate and are easy to make.
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Prosciutto pairs well with soft cheeses
Prosciutto is a delicate, mild, and smooth meat with a touch of saltiness. It is cured and aged with salt and sometimes other spices for a few months to several years, resulting in a rich, concentrated flavour and tender texture. Its thin, salty slices pair well with soft cheeses, especially those with a salty, sharp, or nutty flavour.
Soft cheeses that go well with prosciutto include brie, goat cheese, and herbed cheese. Brie's mild flavour and creamy texture complement the saltiness of prosciutto without overwhelming it. Goat cheese, with its sharp flavour, draws out the smooth, even flavour of prosciutto. An herbed cheese, such as dill Havarti, adds a combination of salty and sharp flavours with a mild undertone.
When serving prosciutto with soft cheeses, consider the presentation and serving method. For a beautiful display, fold the prosciutto into rosettes or ribbons and secure them with a toothpick or skewer, alternating with pieces of soft cheese and fruit. This creates a bite-sized serving that is easy for guests to enjoy. Another option is to simply place the prosciutto slices on a plate with the soft cheese, adding fruits like figs or melon for a touch of sweetness.
In addition to soft cheeses, prosciutto also pairs well with crumbly, hard cheeses. Salty, fresh Parmesan combines well with the richness of prosciutto, especially when served with nutty crackers or sharp flavours like green olives or roasted garlic. Smoked Gouda, a firm but moist cheese, also complements the meaty flavour of prosciutto. These combinations create a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, making your cheese platter a delightful and well-balanced offering for your guests.
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Prosciutto skewers with mozzarella and basil
Ingredients:
- Prosciutto
- Mozzarella balls (mini-sized or cut into small pieces)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Cherry tomatoes (or any small, bite-sized tomato variety)
- Toothpicks or skewers
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Method:
Firstly, prepare each ingredient separately. Roll up the prosciutto, wash and dry the basil leaves, and halve or cube the mozzarella and tomatoes. Place each ingredient in separate bowls or plates.
Next, assemble the skewers. Decide on a pattern, such as alternating ingredients or grouping them together. Thread the prosciutto onto the skewer first, followed by the mozzarella, basil, and tomato. Repeat the process until all ingredients are used, creating multiple skewers.
If desired, season the skewers with salt and pepper, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. The balsamic glaze can be added just before serving to ensure the flavours and presentation are fresh.
Tips:
- These skewers can be made up to 4 hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- For a more substantial bite, use thicker slices of prosciutto and fold them into a small square before threading onto the skewer.
- If using longer skewers, you can alternate ingredients multiple times to create a colourful and flavourful presentation.
- For a festive touch during the Christmas season, add some fresh parsley or cranberries alongside the basil.
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Wrap melon in prosciutto
Wrapping melon in prosciutto is a great way to serve prosciutto on a cheese platter. This combination of sweet, ripe melon and salty prosciutto is a mouthwatering classic that requires minimal preparation and no cooking.
To make prosciutto-wrapped melon, start by cutting a ripe melon into wedges. Cantaloupe is a popular choice, but you can also use other varieties such as gala melon. Peel the melon and remove the seeds, then cut it into wedges or slices. Cut each slice of prosciutto lengthwise into strips—you'll need one strip per wedge of melon. Wrap each strip of prosciutto tightly around a piece of melon. You can secure the prosciutto with a toothpick or skewer, and even add a small slice of cheese or a grape on top for a bite-sized appetizer.
Arrange the wrapped melon on a serving platter. For added flavour and presentation, drizzle the melon with honey and/or balsamic glaze, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. You can serve this dish immediately or make it ahead of time and chill it for up to a couple of hours. Take the platter out of the fridge 10 to 15 minutes before serving to bring it back to room temperature.
Prosciutto-wrapped melon is a refreshing and delicious appetizer or salad that is perfect for summer. It can be served as a starter or alongside a refreshing Italian-style cocktail, such as a Negroni or a Limoncello Spritz.
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Prosciutto bouquet for height on the platter
A prosciutto bouquet is a great way to add height and interest to your cheese platter. This method is not only visually appealing but also easy to serve. To create a prosciutto bouquet, follow these simple steps:
First, take a full slice of prosciutto and cut it in half with a sharp knife to avoid tearing the delicate meat. Then, roll one corner diagonally across to the other side. You can use your finger to help fold it around that point. Repeat this process to create multiple prosciutto rosettes, which will form the "flowers" in your bouquet.
Next, group the prosciutto rosettes together to form a beautiful bouquet. To add height to your platter, prop the rosettes up on slices of cheese. You can use mild cheeses such as provolone or aged cheddar, which not only taste great with prosciutto but also provide a stable base for your bouquet.
If you want to make your prosciutto bouquet even more eye-catching and dramatic, try this variation: fold a full slice of prosciutto back and forth like an accordion or fan, and then pinch the middle to create a stand-alone "flower." Build several of these little fans and prop them up against each other for stability. This method creates a stunning display that will surely impress your guests.
For a playful and colourful addition to your prosciutto bouquet, consider making mini skewers. Fold half a slice of prosciutto into fourths or a little ribbon. Thread a toothpick or small skewer through the prosciutto, followed by a small slice of cheese or cheese wedge, and finish with a piece of fruit such as a cantaloupe ball. These bite-sized treats are not only delicious but also add a whimsical touch to your platter.
By following these steps, you can create a prosciutto bouquet that adds height, elegance, and visual appeal to your cheese platter. Enjoy experimenting with different folding techniques and cheese pairings to find the perfect combination for your taste and presentation preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
You can serve prosciutto on a cheese platter by making prosciutto rosettes, fans, skewers, or ribbons.
Cut a full slice of prosciutto in half and roll one corner diagonally across to the other side. Group the rosettes together on the platter and prop them up on slices of cheese.
Simply fold a full slice of prosciutto back and forth like an accordion or fan.
Fold a piece of prosciutto into fourths or a ribbon, then pierce a toothpick or skewer through it. Add a small slice of cheese or cheese wedge and finish with a piece of fruit, such as a cantaloupe ball or peach cube.
Prosciutto has a mild and delicate flavor, so it pairs well with soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, and mozzarella. A general rule of thumb is that if a cheese pairs well with fruit, it will also complement prosciutto.
