Prosciutto e Melone {Melon wrapped in Prosciutto}
This is the quintessential Italian appetizer to me. It’s just amazing and I never tire of it. I always get a little giddy when melon season is upon us because I KNOW it’s time for Prosciutto e Melone! The sweet cantaloupe, the sexy and salty Prosciutto, the tang of the mint and then the balsamic. Mamma Mia!
I was thrilled when Black Star Gourmet sent me some complimentary goodies in the mail! I didn’t know what they would be sending, but after looking through their online site of gourmet goodies I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. When I opened the package and saw that glorious PROSCIUTTOI was in heaven! Not just any Prosciutto mind you, Prosciutto di Parma! It’s not like the stuff at the regular grocery kids, just look at that color! Ah, swoon! Well, I knew immediately what I was going to use it for! Prosciutto e Melone!
I recently served these during my Dinner in the Dark party {yes I totally blindfolded my guests and it was a hoot, can’t wait to do it again}. My dinner guests loved these. I really adored the melon balls! Such little perfect serving sizes. You can certainly serve them as a traditional wedge {I’m not going to turn down either of them}, it’s just a nice little way to shake things up. You can even make these ahead of time and place them into the fridge just until right before it’s time to assemble them. You’ll probably want to make a few dozen because you simply won’t be able to stop popping them in your mouths. It’s also fantabulous with honeydew melons!
As luck would have it, there was also a sweet little bottle of 10 year aged Balsamic Vinegar from Modena tucked away in my little care package and it was the perfect finishing touch for the Prosciutto e Melone. A little goes a long way so drizzle with a light hand. If you’ve never had a GOOD quality Balsamic you’re missing out. I could just drink this stuff straight from the bottle, it’s soooooooo good! Only thing better would be seeing it actually made in Modena, ah dare to dream!
Their package of deli sliced, Prosciutto di Parma was incredibly generous in size, after making the appetizers I even had enough slices left over to use in my Pollo al Marsala {& okay I even snacked on one slice too} LOL Who can blame me, it is after all PROSCIUTTO & that’s to be expected ; )
Baci!
What you’ll need:
1 - .5 pound package Prosciutto di Parma
1 large cantaloupe
Few sprigs of fresh mint {smaller leaves are best}
Balsamic Vinegar - to drizzle
1 lime – juiced
What to do:
To make the melon BALLS: Cut the cantaloupe in half and remove the seeds. Using your melon baller {size of your choice} remove as many scoops of the cantaloupe as possible. Place the cantaloupe balls into a container and pour the lime juice over. Slice the Prosciutto into small strips large enough to wrap around the circumference of your melon ball once.
When you’re ready to assemble, wrap the prosciutto strips around the melon ball and garnish with a small mint leaf. Place on serving tray. Right before serving drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar on top.
To make the melon SLICES: Cut the cantaloupe in half and remove the seeds and the rind. Cut the cantaloupe into slices, careful not to break them. When you’re ready to assemble follow instructions above.
Buon Appetito!
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This is also one of my favorite appetizers. Fresh, sweet and savory. Just love it.
I couldn’t agree with you more bella!. I love prosciutto e melone; in fact we had this as appetizer last Monday when we went for a seaside lunch at our favorite little Italian restaurant here in Macau.
This dish is a perfect example on how you don’t need to spend hours on the kitchen to create a wonderful dish.
xo
Looks delicious, Paula! The ultimate summer appetizer!!
I love the melon balls. Beautiful pictures, and what a refreshing appetizer!
love this what a refreshing item for summer
This is by far one of my favorite Italian appetizers, I’m a big fan of the savory/sweet combination. Love it!
Beautiful! The melon can’t grow fast enough in the garden
Do I make the gazpacho or do I make these little beauties??? This is the burning question in my life right now?
I had these when I went to the Amalfi Coast- my eyes were opened to a whole new level of awesomeness!! LOL! These seriously look like heaven- I may just have to try my hand at making some!
This is among my favorite Italian foods… I just love the salty-sweet combo!
Gorgeous! I would never have thought of that.
This is one of my favorites too – and Parma is ooooooooooooooooooooooh….no words for it. Where can I get THAT kind of gift package??
A classic and one that we love here as well. Great photos
Just stunning! Wonderful dish love it:)
I like your presentation! It is truly a classic combination on the Italian menu.
Salt/sweet heaven. nothing says summer better than this classic combo. Gogeous presentation!
One of my favorites… I love it with lime and mint on top. Now I’m craving prosciutto.
I would have never thought about this, but it looks fantastic!
Bellisima! So perfectly executed, it is truly edible art–brava!
These look amazing! Perfect for a summer appetizer.
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Ooh. My favorite appetizer… and such beautiful photos! Excellent!
I have just realized that I did not have this delicious snack in years
Hello! I’ve just found your blog and I have to admit that I love it!. I am a mexican woman married to an italian guy, so I’ve been living in Rome for almost 8 years.
Congratulations for your blog and all those wonderful recipes, I can see you really like italian cuisine
Un bacione
This has always been my husbands favorite snack. How lucky to have gotten such a great package of treats. I’m heading to the web site now to see what else they sell. Thanks
I never get tired of salty/sweet combinations. This is seriously my favorite thing to snack on for brunch. Also, the textures from the prosciutto and melon are great with one another. Lovely pictures, too!
I am making this for my daughter’s 30th birthday/engagement party. Also, I will be serving watermelon slices sprinkled with lime juice and ground cayenne. Most of the menu items are directly from the garden, even the venison for the sausage bread!