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cold_biteEasyItalian

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

Sweet cantaloupe wrapped in silky prosciutto - simple Italian perfection

⏱️ Prep: 20min0⏰ Total: 20min👥 Serves: 24🌡️ cold
✓ gluten-free✓ dairy-free

Ingredients

  • 1ripe cantaloupe
  • 6 ozprosciutto di Parma(thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbspaged balsamic vinegar(good quality)
  • freshly cracked black pepper
  • fresh mint leaves(optional garnish)

📝 Make Ahead

Can be assembled up to 2 hours before serving. Cover and refrigerate.

Instructions

  1. Cut cantaloupe in half and scoop out seeds
  2. Slice into thin crescents, then cut away rind
  3. Cut each crescent into bite-sized pieces
  4. Tear prosciutto slices in half lengthwise
  5. Wrap each melon piece with strip of prosciutto
  6. Arrange on platter
  7. Drizzle with aged balsamic
  8. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper
  9. Garnish with mint if desired
  10. Serve at cool room temperature

💡 Pro Tips

The melon must be perfectly ripe - fragrant at the stem end with slight give. Use authentic prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele for best flavor. Paper-thin slicing is essential. Good aged balsamic is thick and syrupy, not thin and sharp. Serve at cool room temperature, not cold, for best flavor.

📜 History

Prosciutto e melone is a beloved Italian antipasto that exemplifies the Italian genius for combining simple, high-quality ingredients. The pairing has been enjoyed in Italy since at least the Renaissance. The salt of the prosciutto intensifies the melon's sweetness in a perfect balance of flavors.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

proseccochampagnewhite-wineaperol