Prosciutto is a tasty Italian ham that adds flavor to many dishes. It’s thin, salty, and can be eaten on its own or used in cooking.

You can find prosciutto in lots of recipes, from simple snacks to fancy meals.

These 15 prosciutto recipes will give you new ideas for using this versatile ingredient. You’ll find ways to include prosciutto in appetizers, main courses, and even some surprising dishes.

Whether you’re new to cooking with prosciutto or looking for fresh ideas, these recipes will inspire you to try something new in the kitchen.

1. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a tasty and easy appetizer. You can make it in just a few steps.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus spears.

Cut prosciutto slices into thin strips. Wrap each strip around an asparagus spear, starting at the bottom and spiraling up.

Place the wrapped spears on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and add a sprinkle of black pepper.

Bake for about 5 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp. Serve warm and enjoy this simple yet elegant dish.

2. Prosciutto and Melon Salad

This classic Italian appetizer makes a refreshing summer salad. You’ll love the sweet and salty combo of juicy melon and savory prosciutto.

Start by scooping melon balls or cutting cubes from cantaloupe and honeydew. Arrange them on a bed of peppery arugula.

Tear thin slices of prosciutto into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the melon. Add fresh mozzarella balls for a creamy touch.

Drizzle the salad with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves.

Toss gently and serve immediately for a light, flavorful meal.

3. Prosciutto and Gruyere Croissants

Prosciutto and Gruyere croissants offer a tasty blend of savory flavors. You can make these as a special breakfast treat or appetizer for gatherings.

Start with buttery croissants, either store-bought or homemade. Slice them open and layer thin slices of prosciutto inside. Add generous amounts of shredded Gruyere cheese.

For extra flavor, you can include a honey Dijon glaze or everything bagel seasoning.

Bake the filled croissants until the cheese melts and the outside turns golden brown.

These croissants pair well with fresh thyme or your favorite jam for a sweet and savory combo. They’re quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests or family.

4. Prosciutto-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Prosciutto-stuffed chicken breasts offer a tasty twist on a classic dish. You can create this meal by slicing a pocket into chicken breasts and filling them with prosciutto and cheese.

Popular cheese options include goat cheese, burrata, or a mix of your favorites. Some recipes add herbs like thyme or oregano to boost flavor.

To cook, you can pan-sear the stuffed chicken breasts and finish them in the oven. This method ensures a golden exterior and juicy interior.

Serve your prosciutto-stuffed chicken over mashed potatoes or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal. This dish works well for special dinners or when you want to impress guests.

5. Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread

This tasty flatbread combines sweet and savory flavors. You’ll love the mix of figs, prosciutto, and cheese on a crispy crust.

Start with a flatbread base. Spread fig jam over it, leaving a border around the edges. Add sliced prosciutto and your choice of cheese on top.

For extra flavor, try adding arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can use fresh or dried figs, depending on what’s available.

Bake the flatbread in a hot oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese melts. This quick and easy dish works great as an appetizer or light meal.

6. Prosciutto Carbonara Pasta

Prosciutto carbonara pasta is a tasty twist on the classic Italian dish. You’ll love this quick and easy meal that’s ready in about 15 minutes.

Start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente. While it’s cooking, dice some prosciutto and cook it in a skillet until crispy. This adds a delicious salty crunch to your dish.

In a bowl, mix eggs, grated cheese, and black pepper. Once the pasta is done, toss it with the egg mixture. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce.

Add the crispy prosciutto to your pasta and mix well. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious prosciutto carbonara!

7. Prosciutto Pizza with Arugula

Prosciutto pizza with arugula is a tasty Italian-inspired dish. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by stretching out your pizza dough on a floured surface. Spread tomato sauce on the dough, then add shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake the pizza in a hot oven until the crust is golden and the cheese melts. This usually takes 5-8 minutes.

After baking, top the pizza with thin slices of prosciutto. Add fresh arugula leaves tossed in olive oil and lemon juice.

The hot pizza will slightly wilt the arugula, creating a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Enjoy your homemade prosciutto and arugula pizza!

8. Peaches and Prosciutto with Balsamic Glaze

This sweet and savory appetizer combines juicy peaches with salty prosciutto. The balsamic glaze adds a tangy finish.

To make it, wrap peach slices in thin prosciutto strips. Grill the wrapped peaches for a couple minutes per side until lightly charred.

Drizzle the grilled peaches with a balsamic glaze made from honey, vinegar, and mustard. Serve on toothpicks for an easy party snack.

You can also use this combo on flatbreads or salads. The fruity-salty mix works well in many dishes.

9. Caprese Salad with Prosciutto

This classic Italian dish gets a tasty upgrade with the addition of prosciutto. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures in this easy-to-make salad.

Start with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Arrange them on a plate in alternating layers. Tear or slice prosciutto and place it on top.

Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. For extra crunch, you can crisp the prosciutto in a pan before adding it.

This salad works great as a light lunch or appetizer. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

10. Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

These stuffed mushrooms are a tasty appetizer that combines savory prosciutto with creamy goat cheese. You’ll need mushroom caps, goat cheese, prosciutto, and a few herbs and spices.

Start by removing the stems from the mushrooms. Mix goat cheese with herbs like basil or chives in a bowl.

Crisp up some prosciutto and crumble it into the cheese mixture.

Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap. For extra flavor, roll the stuffed sides in breadcrumbs.

Bake the mushrooms in a 400°F oven until they’re heated through and lightly browned on top.

These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a fancy snack. The combination of prosciutto and goat cheese creates a rich, flavorful filling that pairs well with the earthy mushrooms.

11. Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates

Prosciutto-wrapped dates are a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You start by slicing open dates and removing the pits. Then you stuff them with cheese.

Popular cheese options include goat cheese, mascarpone, or a mix of both. You can add herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor.

Next, wrap each stuffed date with a thin strip of prosciutto. Place them on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.

Bake the wrapped dates in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. The prosciutto will become crispy and the cheese will soften.

These sweet and salty bites are perfect for parties or as a quick snack. You can serve them warm or at room temperature.

12. Prosciutto and Ricotta Bruschetta

Prosciutto and ricotta bruschetta is a delicious Italian appetizer. You’ll love this tasty combination of flavors and textures.

Start by grilling or toasting slices of crusty bread until golden brown. Rub each slice with a clove of garlic for extra flavor.

Spread a generous layer of creamy ricotta cheese on the toasted bread. Top with thin slices of prosciutto and a few leaves of fresh arugula.

Drizzle some olive oil over the top and sprinkle with black pepper. For added sweetness, you can include sliced fresh figs or peaches when in season.

This easy appetizer is perfect for parties or as a light meal. The crispy bread, smooth ricotta, and salty prosciutto create a perfect balance of flavors.

13. Prosciutto and Pear Salad

Prosciutto and pear salad is a delicious blend of sweet and salty flavors. You’ll love how the crisp pears contrast with the tender prosciutto.

To make this salad, start with a bed of fresh arugula. Add sliced ripe pears and torn strips of prosciutto on top.

For dressing, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving.

You can enhance the salad with extras like creamy burrata cheese or crunchy pecans. Red onion adds a nice bite too.

This easy salad works great as a light lunch or appetizer. It’s sure to impress guests at your next dinner party.

14. Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops

Prosciutto-wrapped scallops are a tasty appetizer that combines tender seafood with salty cured ham. To make them, you’ll wrap each scallop in a thin slice of prosciutto.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the wrapped scallops on a baking sheet. You can add extra flavor with a sprinkle of garlic, paprika, or lemon zest.

Roast the scallops for about 10-15 minutes until cooked through. The prosciutto will become crispy, creating a nice contrast with the soft scallop inside.

Serve these bite-sized treats warm. They’re perfect for parties or as a fancy starter for a dinner at home. The salty prosciutto pairs well with the mild, sweet flavor of the scallops.

15. Prosciutto, Mozzarella, and Basil Sandwich

This Italian-inspired sandwich combines salty prosciutto with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil. It’s a simple yet delicious lunch option you can make in minutes.

Start with good-quality bread like ciabatta or a baguette. Layer thin slices of prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes. Add a few basil leaves for a pop of flavor.

Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar on the inside of the bread. This adds moisture and tanginess to complement the other ingredients.

You can enjoy this sandwich cold or press it in a panini maker for a warm, crispy version. It’s perfect for picnics or quick meals at home.

Understanding Prosciutto

Prosciutto is a beloved Italian dry-cured ham. It has a silky texture and rich flavor that makes it perfect for many dishes.

What Is Prosciutto?

Prosciutto is made from pork legs that are salted and aged for months or years. The curing process gives it a deep, complex taste. Prosciutto is usually sliced very thin and eaten raw.

You can enjoy it on its own as an appetizer or add it to recipes. It pairs well with fruit, cheese, and bread. Prosciutto adds a salty, savory flavor to pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches.

The meat has a rosy pink color and streaks of white fat. When cut properly, prosciutto almost melts in your mouth. Its taste is less salty than other cured meats like bacon.

Types of Prosciutto

There are two main types of prosciutto: crudo and cotto. Prosciutto crudo is raw and dry-cured. It’s the type most people think of when they hear “prosciutto.”

Prosciutto di Parma and Prosciutto di San Daniele are famous varieties of crudo. They come from specific regions in Italy and follow strict production rules.

Prosciutto cotto is cooked ham. It’s less common but still tasty. You can use it like regular cooked ham in sandwiches and other dishes.

Some other countries make prosciutto-style hams too. Spain has jamón serrano, and Germany produces Westphalian ham.

Pairing Ingredients with Prosciutto

Prosciutto’s salty, savory flavor pairs well with many ingredients. The right combinations can create delicious appetizers, main dishes, and snacks.

Cheese Pairings

Soft cheeses like mozzarella and burrata balance prosciutto’s saltiness. Wrap prosciutto around mozzarella balls for a quick appetizer.

Hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and aged cheddar complement prosciutto’s texture. Grate them over prosciutto-topped pizzas or pasta dishes.

Creamy cheeses such as ricotta or goat cheese work well in prosciutto-based sandwiches or crostini. Spread the cheese on bread, then top with a thin slice of prosciutto.

Blue cheeses offer a bold contrast. Try crumbling gorgonzola over a prosciutto and arugula salad.

Fruits and Nuts

Sweet fruits balance prosciutto’s saltiness. Wrap melon slices in prosciutto for a classic pairing.

Figs, pears, and peaches also work well.

Dried fruits like dates or apricots stuffed with prosciutto make tasty appetizers.

Add sliced apples or pears to a prosciutto sandwich for crunch and sweetness.

Nuts provide texture and richness. Sprinkle chopped pistachios or walnuts over a prosciutto and fruit plate.

Almond slivers or pine nuts work well in prosciutto pasta dishes or salads.