Try a quick prosciutto crostini with a balsamic glaze for an easy, incredibly delicious appetizer to serve on a charcuterie board.
A charcuterie board is great for entertaining because guests can choose from various ingredients to put together their own delicious bite. Yet sometimes it’s nice to do this for them in advance! It’s so pretty when they’re arranged on a gorgeous board, and they can still enjoy the other ingredients on their own.
One of our favorite bites—especially because it’s so universally loved—is salty prosciutto on toasted crostini. Add a little burrata cheese, a balsamic glaze drizzle, and fresh basil leaf, and it’s simply heavenly!
How to make Prosciutto Crostini with Balsamic Glaze
First, you’ll want to toast your crostini. You can start with a French baguette and slice it yourself or buy one presliced. Then drizzle each slice with a little olive oil, sprinkle it with a little salt, and toast them in a preheated oven at 400F for about 10 minutes until they’re golden brown.
You can also pick up crostini that’s already been toasted to make it even easier!
A few minutes before serving, arrange the ingredients onto each crostini. First, a small spoonful of burrata cheese is placed, and then a little prosciutto is folded on top. Next, add a fresh basil leaf and drizzle it all with the balsamic glaze.
You can substitute the burrata for fresh mozzarella and the prosciutto for another cured meat if you like. Or, combine several different meats and cheeses on the same platter!
Another option would be to add a little fresh fruit or jam to each crostini. A thin slice of fresh peach or plum is divine and won’t slip off like a whole raspberry might. A sliver of a fresh strawberry would also be fabulous! For jam, try a little fig or raspberry jam and spread it directly onto the crostini.
Be sure to use balsamic glaze instead of straight-up balsamic vinegar. Not only is it sweeter, but it’s also thicker and will stick better to the ingredients.
FAQ’s
- Can you make prosciutto crostini ahead of time? Yes, you can, but try to keep it within an hour or so of serving time. If you absolutely must assemble it longer than an hour before, save the balsamic drizzle until just before serving.
- Can I use something other than crostini? Yes! Any sturdy cracker or toasted bread will be fine. Here’s a list of charcuterie accoutrements if you need some inspiration.
- What if I don’t have fresh basil? Can I use dried? Not in this case, no. If you don’t have fresh basil, it’s better to skip it entirely than use dried herbs on a charcuterie board.
- What type of bread should I use for crostini? Use a baguette or any crusty Italian bread. Slice it thinly and toast until crispy.
- How do I make the crostini? Slice the bread into thin pieces, brush with olive oil, and toast in the oven at 400F for about 10 minutes or so until it’s golden brown.
- Can I make the crostini ahead of time? You can make the crostini ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. If they lose their crispness, re-toast them briefly.
- What is prosciutto, and where can I buy it? Prosciutto is an Italian dry-cured ham. You can find it at most grocery stores, especially in the deli section or specialty food stores.
- Do I need to cook the prosciutto? No, prosciutto is served uncooked and is meant to be enjoyed as is.
- Can I make my own balsamic glaze? Simmer balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces and thickens. You can also add a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness.
- How do I store leftover crostini? Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the balsamic glaze just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- How long does the balsamic glaze last? Homemade balsamic glaze can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- Can I use a different type of vinegar for the glaze? Balsamic vinegar is ideal for the glaze due to its sweetness and thickness, but you can experiment with other types of vinegar like red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- How can I make the crostini more flavorful? You can rub the toasted bread with a garlic clove before topping it, or add a sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper.
- What’s the best way to slice prosciutto for crostini? Slice the prosciutto thinly so it’s easy to drape over the crostini without overwhelming the bread. If it’s pre-sliced, just layer it directly.
Prosciutto Crostini with Balsamic Glaze
An easy, impressive appetizer that's perfect for any charcuterie board!
Ingredients
- 16 crostini, toasted
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- 4 oz prosciutto
- 16 fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Place a small amount of burrata cheese on each crostini, dividing it evenly.
- Place 1/3 slice of prosciutto onto the burrata cheese, folding it over if necessary.
- Place a basil leaf on top of the prosciutto, then drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 275Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 851mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 7gProtein: 15g
The nutrition information is HIGHLY estimated as we don't typically provide exact amounts for our charcuterie boards. For more accurate information, we suggest using an online nutrition calculator and entering the exact amounts you use for your particular board.
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