Prosciutto wrapped pears are a perfect mix of sweet and salty. Juicy pears wrapped in thin, savory prosciutto make a tasty, elegant snack or appetizer that’s easy to love!
These little bites always impress guests, but honestly, I think I make them just for myself. They’re so simple to prepare. I often enjoy them with cheese and a glass of wine—perfect for a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bosc Pears: These pears are my favorite because they’re crisp and hold up well when baked. If you can’t find them, you can use Anjou or Bartlett pears. Just make sure they are ripe but firm!
Prosciutto: Look for high-quality, thinly sliced prosciutto for the best flavor. If you want a substitute, try thinly sliced pancetta or even turkey bacon for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the flavors will slightly differ.
Soft Cheese: I love using creamy goat cheese for a tangy taste. Cream cheese works well too. If you want to skip the cheese or have dairy restrictions, try a thick vegan cream cheese alternative.
Pomegranate Seeds: These are optional but add a lovely pop of color and sweetness. If they’re out of season, feel free to skip them or use chopped nuts instead for crunch!
How Can I Ensure the Prosciutto Gets Crispy?
Getting that prosciutto crispy is all about the right baking temperature and timing. Start with a hot oven and focus on these steps:
- Using thin slices of prosciutto helps them crisp up nicely. Don’t overlap them too much.
- Keep an eye on the pears while they bake; they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly!
- If your prosciutto isn’t getting crispy enough at 12 minutes, you can broil them for just a couple of minutes. But watch very closely to prevent burning!
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Pears
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pears:
- 3 ripe Bosc pears
- 9 thin slices of prosciutto (3 slices per pear)
- A handful of fresh arugula leaves (for serving)
For Extra Flavor:
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 oz soft cheese such as goat cheese or cream cheese (optional, for stuffing)
- Fresh cracked black pepper (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in about 25-30 minutes, you can have a tasty appetizer ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps ensure your prosciutto gets crispy while the pears soften just right.
2. Prepare the Pears:
Wash your pears thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut each pear in half vertically, but keep the stem on each half intact. Use a small spoon or melon baller to gently remove the core and seeds, creating a little cavity for the cheese, if you’re using it.
3. Add the Cheese (Optional):
If you want to add a creamy touch, scoop a small amount of soft cheese into each pear half’s cavity. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely flavor contrast!
4. Wrap with Prosciutto:
Take 3 slices of prosciutto per pear half and wrap them snugly around the pear. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible, as this will help maintain moisture while adding flavor.
5. Bake the Pears:
Carefully place the wrapped pears onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them. You want the prosciutto crispy and the pears tender but still firm.
6. Cool and Arrange:
Once done baking, remove the pears from the oven and let them cool slightly. Meanwhile, arrange fresh arugula on a serving plate, which adds a nice peppery flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Place the warm prosciutto-wrapped pears on top of the arugula. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and a hint of sweetness, if you like. For some extra flavor, crack a few turns of fresh black pepper on top.
8. Enjoy!
These delicious bites can be served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors with each delightful bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Pears?
Absolutely! While Bosc pears are great for their firmness, Anjou or Bartlett pears work well too. Just make sure they’re ripe but still hold their shape when baked.
How Can I Store Leftover Prosciutto Wrapped Pears?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, which helps keep the prosciutto crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pears and wrap them with prosciutto a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This works great for parties or gatherings!
What Other Toppings or Garnishes Can I Use?
If you don’t have pomegranate seeds, try using chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also add a lovely flavor as a garnish.
