Save A stunning gourmet appetizer featuring delicate prosciutto roses, artisan cheeses, and vibrant accompaniments, artfully arranged for an elegant and shareable starter.
This elegant board was my go-to for entertaining guests when I wanted something impressive yet simple to assemble.
Ingredients
- Charcuterie: 180 g thinly sliced prosciutto, 100 g sliced soppressata or salami
- Cheese: 120 g fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), 120 g wedge of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano broken into chunks, 100 g creamy goat cheese formed into quenelles or small scoops
- Fruits & Vegetables: 1 cup seedless red grapes, 1 cup fresh strawberries halved, 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup mixed olives (green and black) pitted, 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts halved
- Accompaniments: 1/3 cup honey or fig preserves, 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or Marcona almonds, 100 g gluten-free crackers or crostini, fresh basil leaves for garnish, edible flowers (optional) for decoration
Instructions
- Create prosciutto roses:
- Roll 2–3 slices of prosciutto into loose spirals then gently fan the edges to resemble rose petals Repeat to form 6–8 roses
- Arrange roses:
- Arrange the prosciutto roses in a bouquet cluster on a large board or platter
- Add cheeses:
- Artfully place the cheeses beside the roses using spoons to form goat cheese quenelles if desired
- Arrange salami:
- Add the salami slices folding or rolling them for visual interest
- Fill spaces:
- Fill in spaces with grapes strawberries dried apricots olives and artichoke hearts distributing colors evenly
- Add preserves:
- Spoon honey or fig preserves into a small bowl and place on the board
- Add nuts and crackers:
- Scatter toasted nuts and lay out crackers or crostini
- Garnish:
- Garnish the bouquet with fresh basil leaves and edible flowers for a lush floral effect
- Serve:
- Serve immediately allowing guests to assemble bites as desired
Pin it This board has become a favorite at family gatherings bringing joy and elegant flavors to the table.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter cheese knives small bowls for spreads spoons for cheese and preserves small tongs optional for serving
Allergen Information
Contains milk cheese tree nuts walnuts Marcona almonds Prosciutto and some cheeses may contain traces of gluten or other allergens check labels if needed Gluten-free crackers recommended for gluten intolerance
Nutritional Information
Calories 320 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 19 g Protein 18 g per serving
Pin it This elegant appetizer is easy to customize and impresses every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you shape the prosciutto into roses?
Roll 2–3 slices of prosciutto into loose spirals, then gently fan the edges outward to resemble delicate rose petals.
- → What cheeses pair well on the board?
Fresh mozzarella balls, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano chunks, and creamy goat cheese quenelles create a balanced and varied texture.
- → Can I substitute the fruits and nuts?
Yes, seasonal fruits like fresh figs or pears and nuts such as Marcona almonds or walnuts work beautifully in this arrangement.
- → What is the purpose of honey or fig preserves on the board?
They add a subtle sweetness that contrasts with the savory meats and cheeses, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, using gluten-free crackers or crostini ensures the board remains gluten-free for sensitive guests.
- → How should this board be served?
Arrange all components artfully on a large platter and serve immediately so guests can assemble bites at their leisure.