These prosciutto-wrapped pears are a tasty treat! The sweet, juicy pears paired with salty, crispy prosciutto make a perfect appetizer or snack. It’s a match made in flavor heaven!
Honestly, they’re so easy to make! Just wrap the prosciutto around the pear slices and pop them in the oven. They disappear quickly, and everyone loves them—trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: Bosc or Anjou are perfect because they are sweet and hold their shape well when baked. If you can’t find these, try Bartlett or Asian pears for similar results.
Prosciutto: This dry-cured ham adds a wonderful salty crunch. If you’re looking for a substitute, try crispy cooked bacon for that similar salty flavor.
Arugula: The peppery taste of arugula complements the sweet pears nicely. For a milder option, you could use fresh spinach or even mixed greens.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil enhances flavors and promotes crispness. If you’re looking for a substitute, avocado oil works just as well.
Pomegranate Seeds: These are optional but add a lovely tart touch. Instead, chopped walnuts or pecans could give a nice crunch if you prefer.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crisp on Prosciutto?
Getting crispy prosciutto is key; here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C); a hot oven helps crisp up the prosciutto.
- Wrap the prosciutto snugly around the pears without making it too tight, as this allows air to circulate for crispiness.
- Keep an eye on the pears while roasting; 12 to 15 minutes should make the prosciutto crispy but check them at 10 minutes if your oven runs hot.
Let them cool for a short while before serving, as they will crisp up a bit more as they cool. Enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors!
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Pears
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pears:
- 2 small pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), halved and cored
For Wrapping:
- 8 thin slices of prosciutto
For the Filling and Garnish:
- 1 cup fresh arugula leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 12-15 minutes to roast. In total, you’ll need approximately 30 minutes to have these tasty bites ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Get your oven ready by setting it to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure your prosciutto gets nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Pears:
Wash and dry your pears thoroughly. Cut each pear in half lengthwise, and use a small spoon or melon baller to carefully remove the core, creating a little cavity for the filling.
3. Fill with Arugula:
Take a small handful of arugula leaves and place them into the cavity of each pear half. This adds a delicious peppery flavor that complements the sweetness of the pears!
4. Wrap with Prosciutto:
Wrap each pear half with a slice of prosciutto, tucking in the arugula as you go. Make sure the prosciutto is snug but not too tight, allowing the pears to bake evenly.
5. Prepare for Roasting:
Place the prosciutto-wrapped pears on a baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup or lightly oil the pan.
6. Add Olive Oil and Pepper:
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the wrapped pears and sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper on top for extra flavor.
7. Roast in the Oven:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the pears for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the prosciutto to be crispy and the pears to soften slightly.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the pears out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors develop and makes them easier to handle.
9. Garnish the Pears:
Arrange the beautiful prosciutto-wrapped pears on a serving plate. Add sprigs of fresh rosemary for an aromatic touch and sprinkle some pomegranate seeds if you’d like a splash of color and zest!
10. Enjoy:
Serve these warm or at room temperature. They make a fantastic appetizer or a light snack. Enjoy the exquisite combination of juicy, sweet pears with the savory crunch of prosciutto and a peppery bite from the arugula!
Can I Use Different Types of Pears?
Absolutely! While Bosc and Anjou are great choices, you can also use Bartlett or Asian pears. Just make sure they are ripe but still firm to hold their shape during baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Prosciutto Wrapped Pears?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to the roasting stage, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just roast them according to the recipe’s instructions, adding a few extra minutes if they’re cold from the fridge.
What Can I Serve with Prosciutto Wrapped Pears?
These pears pair beautifully with a variety of dishes! Consider serving them alongside a cheese platter, a light salad, or even as part of a charcuterie board for a delightful appetizer spread.
