Prosciutto Roll Ups: A Chef’s Simple Pleasure

The first time I tasted a truly memorable prosciutto roll up was at a tiny trattoria nestled in the hills outside of Parma, Italy. It wasn’t the fanciest dish on the menu, but the simplicity of the combination – salty, paper-thin prosciutto, creamy cheese, and a peppery bite of arugula – was perfection. I remember thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” It was the kind of food that made you feel happy, like sunshine on a plate. Ever since, I’ve been experimenting with variations, but the heart of the dish always remains: fresh ingredients, simply prepared, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Varies based on slice size, approximately 24 pieces
• Yields: Approximately 24 pieces
• Dietary Type: Low Carb

Ingredients

• 5 ounces semi-soft spreadable cheese with garlic and herbs
• 2 ounces goat cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup toasted almonds
• 4 ounces prosciutto, thin sliced 1/16th inch (8 slices)
• 1 1/2 cups spinach or 1 1/2 cups arugula leaves

Equipment Needed

• Medium bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Serving plate
• Plastic wrap or airtight container

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the semi-soft spreadable cheese with garlic and herbs and the softened goat cheese. Use a fork or spoon to thoroughly mix the two cheeses together until they are well combined and creamy.
2. Chop the toasted almonds into small pieces. You can use a food processor for a quicker chop, but be careful not to over-process them into a powder. You want to retain some texture. Add the chopped toasted almonds to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
3. Lay out the prosciutto slices on a clean cutting board. Ensure the prosciutto is sliced very thinly – about 1/16th of an inch is ideal. This will make the roll ups easier to handle and more delicate to eat.
4. Using a knife or small spatula, evenly divide the cheese mixture and spread it onto each prosciutto slice. Be sure to spread the cheese thinly and evenly, leaving a small border at the edges of the prosciutto to prevent it from squeezing out when rolled.
5. Top each prosciutto slice with spinach leaves or arugula leaves. Distribute the greens evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring they are tucked in so they don’t easily fall out during the rolling process.
6. Carefully roll up each prosciutto slice, tucking in the sides and the leaves as you roll to create a tight and neat roll. Start at one end and roll tightly towards the other.
7. Using a sharp knife, cut each rollup into 1/2 inch slices. This will create bite-sized pieces that are perfect for serving as appetizers or snacks.
8. Place the sliced prosciutto roll ups on a serving plate. Cover the plate with plastic wrap or transfer the roll ups to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the roll ups to firm up.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cheese Consistency is Key: Ensure both cheeses are at room temperature for optimal mixing. If the goat cheese is too cold, it will be difficult to incorporate smoothly.
• Toast Those Almonds Right: Toasting the almonds brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Watch them carefully in the oven – they can burn quickly. A light golden brown is what you’re aiming for. You can also toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat.
• Prosciutto Precision: If you can’t find pre-sliced prosciutto, ask your deli counter to slice it very thinly. The thinner the prosciutto, the easier it is to roll and the more delicate the final product will be.
• Flavor Infusions: Consider adding a touch of lemon zest to the cheese mixture for brightness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These roll ups are perfect for making ahead. Prepare them up to 6 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and makes them a convenient appetizer for parties or gatherings.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these prosciutto roll ups chilled on a platter as an appetizer or snack. They pair well with a crisp white wine or a light sparkling beverage. You can also arrange them on a charcuterie board alongside other cheeses, olives, and crackers.

Leftover prosciutto roll ups should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. Avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods, as the cheese can spoil. Reheating is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the prosciutto and cheese. They are best enjoyed cold.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	20.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	15 g	76%
Total Fat	1.7 g	2%
Saturated Fat	0.6 g	2%
Cholesterol	1.9 mg	0%
Sodium	13.7 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	0.5 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	0.2 g	0%
Protein	1 g	1%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Nutty Alternatives: As the original cook mentioned, swap the almonds for pine nuts. Walnuts or pecans would also be delicious.
• Cheese Creativity: Experiment with different types of spreadable cheese. A creamy mascarpone or even a herbed cream cheese would work well.
• Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian option, replace the prosciutto with thinly sliced roasted red peppers or grilled eggplant.
• Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb Garden: Swap out the spinach or arugula for other fresh herbs like basil, mint, or parsley.
• Mediterranean Flair: Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or Kalamata olives to the cheese mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-crumbled goat cheese instead of softened goat cheese?
A: While you can, it’s best to use softened goat cheese. Pre-crumbled goat cheese often contains cellulose to prevent clumping, which can affect the final texture of the cheese mixture.

Q: How do I prevent the prosciutto from tearing when rolling?
A: Make sure the prosciutto is very thinly sliced. If it’s too thick, it will be difficult to roll without tearing. Also, avoid overfilling the prosciutto with the cheese mixture.

Q: Can I freeze these prosciutto roll ups?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the cheese and prosciutto. The roll ups are best enjoyed fresh or chilled for a short period.

Q: How long will these last in the refrigerator?
A: The prosciutto roll ups will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.

Q: What kind of wine pairs well with these prosciutto roll ups?
A: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the salty prosciutto and creamy cheese. A light sparkling wine like Prosecco is also a great choice.

Final Thoughts

These Prosciutto Roll Ups are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create simple moments of culinary joy. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious snack, these little bites of flavor are sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and find your own perfect combination. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with friends and family. And please, let me know what variations you come up with – I’m always looking for new inspiration!