Prosciutto and Strawberry Toasts
By Emma Kitchen
Certified Culinary Professional
•
Recipe tested & approved
This dish features grilled country bread topped with herbed cream cheese, prosciutto, and fresh strawberries. The blend of flavors is heightened by balsamic glaze and fresh basil. Elevated yet simple. Good for an appetizer or snack.
Prep:
10 min
Cook:
15 min
Total:
25 min
Servings:
4
#appetizer
#Italian
#snack
#fusion
#toast
Toasts with strawberries. Topped with prosciutto. Fresh and satisfying. Contrast of flavors. Creamy texture from cheese. Crunchy toast base. Sweet and savory.
Ingredients
For the topping
- 120g cream cheese, softened
- 3ml (1/2 tsp) crushed black peppercorns
- 80g fresh strawberries, sliced
- 12ml balsamic glaze
- 6 slices of sourdough bread
- 15ml olive oil
- 4 slices of prosciutto
- Basil leaves, to taste
- Maple syrup, to drizzle
About the ingredients
Select fresh strawberries for best taste. Use sourdough for hearty texture. Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness. Balsamic glaze enhances the dish. Olive oil is crucial for grilling. Adjust prosciutto to preference.
Method
For grilling the bread
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. Brush the slices of sourdough with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with salt.
- Grill the bread for about 4 minutes on each side until toasted and golden. Remove from grill and set aside.
For the cream cheese spread
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and peppercorns until well combined. Set aside.
For assembly
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over each slice of grilled bread. Top with slices of prosciutto and strawberries. Add basil leaves for freshness. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a touch of maple syrup.
Cooking tips
Grilling takes a bit of attention. Keep an eye to avoid burning. Mix the cream cheese well for an even spread. Layer the toppings generously. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Chef's notes
- 💡 Use fresh berries for ultimate flavor. Check for ripeness. Sourcing matters big time. Look for vibrant, fragrant strawberries. Not mushy.
- 💡 Grilling bread is key. Brush with olive oil. Little salt too. Medium heat crucial. Keep monitoring, avoid burning. Nice golden color.
- 💡 Cream cheese spread is easy. Mix in black pepper. But blend it well. Consistency matters here. Even coverage is essential for balance.
- 💡 Layer generously. Start with cream cheese. Then layer prosciutto. Add strawberries on top. Fresh basil next. Balsamic glaze at end. Drizzle lightly.
- 💡 Maple syrup brings unique sweetness. Use sparingly. Drizzle also. You can even skip it. If not into sweet. But enhances flavor combo.
- 💡 Sourdough is the bread of choice. Hearty and crunchy base. Good texture to hold toppings. Avoid bread that’s too soft. Needs structure.
Common questions
What type of bread is best?
Sourdough works great. Good structure. Crunchy texture. Avoid soft breads. They won't hold toppings.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes, go for goat cheese. Maybe ricotta too. Both bring different flavors. Creaminess varies though.
How long do leftovers last?
Best consumed fresh. For a day maybe. Keep in fridge. But toppings might get soggy. Not ideal after a day.
Can I prepare ahead of time?
Yes, prep everything. Keep toppings separate. Assemble just before serving. Maintain freshness that way.
