Melon Prosciutto Skewers
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
These Melon Prosciutto Skewers are the perfect holiday treat, combining the sweetness of ripe melon with the savory depth of prosciutto. They’re an easy yet elegant addition to any festive gathering, sure to delight your guests with their delightful blend of flavors.
Super Easy Melon Prosciutto Skewers
These Melon Prosciutto Skewers are a real treat, where sweet melon meets salty prosciutto, making a perfect pair. I like to add a basil leaf for a hint of freshness and finish them with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for that extra zing. They’re so easy to make and are always a hit at parties, especially during the holidays!
Why You’ll Love These Melon Prosciutto Skewers
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: People will love how the sweet, juicy melon perfectly complements the rich, savory prosciutto.
- Easy and Quick to Prepare: With minimal preparation time and no cooking required, these Melon Prosciutto Skewers are ideal for those who want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Elegantly Simple Presentation: The vibrant colors and elegant presentation of these skewers make them visually appealing.
- Cantaloupe or Honeydew Melon: The melon adds a sweet, juicy flavor to the skewers. You can also use watermelon for a different, but equally delicious, sweetness.
- Prosciutto: This brings a savory and slightly salty contrast to the sweet melon. Feel free to substitute with thinly sliced ham or even smoked salmon for a different twist.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch to each skewer. If basil isn’t your thing, or you just don’t have it on hand, mint or arugula can be great alternatives, offering a similar fresh burst of flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: This drizzle adds a sweet and tangy finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully. You can make your own balsamic glaze using my recipe here.
To whip up these Melon Prosciutto Skewers, start by halving a ripe melon and scooping out the seeds. Then, use a melon baller or a small spoon to create juicy melon balls.
Next, slice your prosciutto into thin strips and fold each piece to match the size of the melon balls. Place a fresh basil leaf between the melon and the folded prosciutto, and thread them onto a toothpick or small skewer. As a final touch, arrange the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle them with balsamic glaze right before serving for a burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the melon and prosciutto skewers a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. However, I recommend adding the basil leaves and balsamic glaze right before serving to maintain their freshness and flavor.
What are the best melons to use for this recipe?
Cantaloupe and honeydew are my go-to choices because of their sweet, juicy flavors that pair well with prosciutto. If you’re feeling adventurous, try watermelon for a different, but equally delicious, taste.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to prosciutto?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, you can substitute prosciutto with cheese like mozzarella or feta. They provide a nice contrast to the sweet melon, similar to prosciutto.
How can I serve these skewers at a party?
These skewers are perfect as a finger food for parties. Serve them on a platter or in individual glasses for a stylish presentation. They’re great for mingling guests to grab and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Choose Ripe Melons: For the best flavor, make sure your melon is ripe and juicy. A ripe cantaloupe or honeydew will have a fragrant aroma at the blossom end and give slightly under pressure.
- Thin Prosciutto Slices: Slice the prosciutto thinly to ensure it wraps easily around the melon without overpowering it. If the prosciutto is too thick, it can dominate the delicate balance of flavors.
- Drizzle Just Before Serving: To keep the skewers looking their best, add the balsamic glaze drizzle right before serving. This prevents the melon from becoming soggy and keeps the presentation crisp and appealing.
- Keep Skewers Chilled: If you’re prepping these skewers in advance, keep them chilled in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the freshness of the ingredients and ensures a refreshing bite for your guests.
- Experiment with Herbs: While basil is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs like mint or arugula for a different flavor profile. Each herb can add a unique twist to the skewers.
Storage
These Melon Prosciutto Skewers are best enjoyed fresh. If you do have leftovers or need to prep ahead, you can store the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind, the fresher, the better, especially to maintain the texture and flavor of the melon and prosciutto.
I wouldn’t recommend it for this dish. Freezing can significantly alter the texture of the melon and prosciutto, and the thawing process could result in a less than desirable consistency and wateriness.
Discover More Delicious Appetizers
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
- Baked Feta And Spinach Dip
- Bread Dipping Oil
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Antipasto Platter
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
- Sausage Balls
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Melon Prosciutto Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 ripe cantaloupe (or honeydew melon)
- 12 slices prosciutto (halved lengthwise)
- fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Cut the melon in half and scoop out the seeds. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, create melon balls. Aim for 24 if you can. Place them in a bowl and set aside.
- Cut each slice of prosciutto in half lengthwise so you get 24 thinner strips.
- Take a strip of prosciutto and fold it once or twice so it's roughly the size of your melon balls. Place a leaf between the melon and prosciutto.
- Thread a melon ball onto a toothpick or small skewer, followed by the folded prosciutto and basil.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Right before serving, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the skewers for that extra punch of flavor.
Equipment
Notes
- Melon Selection: Use ripe cantaloupe or honeydew for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Prosciutto Thickness: Opt for thinly sliced prosciutto for easier wrapping and a balanced taste.
- Basil Substitute: Mint or arugula can be used instead of basil for a different flavor twist.
- Serving Tip: Add balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain the best texture and appearance.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble skewers a few hours ahead, but refrigerate until serving.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace prosciutto with mozzarella or feta cheese for a vegetarian variant.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
