With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about holiday menus! If you’re anything like me, festive food is on your mind all season long. This time of year is all about gathering with family and friends, sharing meals, and indulging in some truly delicious bites. And what better way to kick off your holiday feasting than with some irresistible prosciutto-wrapped Christmas appetizers?
So many of my wonderful readers—and real-life friends—often ask for more recipes on Shine Your Light, and I’m more than happy to oblige. We’re foodies around here, and with Christmas entertaining on the horizon, I’ve been digging through my favorite cookbooks and saved recipes to find some truly spectacular holiday bites. Since my little Seanie is home sick today, I’ve had a little extra time to plan, and I figured, why not share these favorites with you? Whether you’re hosting Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or attending a festive gathering, these prosciutto-wrapped appetizers will surely impress your guests.
Prosciutto is a staple in my kitchen when it comes to appetizers. Its salty, savory goodness pairs beautifully with so many different ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for easy yet elegant starters. It adds a touch of sophistication while being simple to work with, ensuring that your appetizers are not just delicious but also visually stunning. If you’re using domestic prosciutto, I recommend tasting it before buying in large quantities—some varieties can be saltier than others, which may affect the overall balance of flavors in your dish.
Without further ado, here are four tried-and-true recipes that highlight the deliciousness of prosciutto-wrapped Christmas appetizers!
Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp with Garlic Dipping Sauce
Serves: 6
Adapted from: Bon Appetit, December 1996
[PRINT RECIPE HERE]
Ingredients:
- 9 thin slices of prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise (18 total pieces)
- 18 fresh basil leaves
- 18 extra-large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Short bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the dipping sauce:
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Lay a slice of prosciutto on a clean surface. Place a basil leaf and shrimp on top, then roll tightly. Thread onto skewers. Repeat until all shrimp are wrapped.
- (Optional) Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to a day in advance.
- Preheat grill to medium-high or set the broiler.
- Blend vinegar, mustard, and garlic in a food processor or blender. Gradually add oil until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- Grill or broil shrimp until opaque, about 6 minutes, turning once.
- Serve hot or at room temperature with garlic dipping sauce.
Pear-Prosciutto Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1/4 lb. thinly sliced prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise
- 3 ripe pears, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch thick wedges
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 package softened Boursin herb cheese
- About 30 arugula leaves
Instructions:
- Toss pear slices in a small bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Lay a piece of prosciutto flat. Place a pear slice, a small dollop of Boursin cheese, and an arugula leaf on top.
- Wrap the prosciutto around the pear until secure.
- Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy!
Avocado Wrapped in Prosciutto
Serves: 16
[PRINT RECIPE HERE]
(Note: Use firm avocados to ensure they hold their shape when sliced.)
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 small cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 avocados
- 1/4 lb. thinly sliced prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise
Instructions:
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and carefully peel.
- Slice each half into four wedges.
- Wrap each wedge with a strip of prosciutto and arrange on a serving plate.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
Asparagus-Prosciutto Rolls
Serves: 12
Adapted from: In Style Magazine, February 2004
[PRINT RECIPE HERE]
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 18 slices of prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise (36 total pieces)
- 5 oz. goat cheese
- About 2 lbs. asparagus
Instructions:
- Trim the tough ends off the asparagus stalks.
- Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
- Lay out prosciutto slices on a flat surface. Spread a small amount of goat cheese on each slice.
- Place one asparagus spear diagonally on the prosciutto and roll tightly.
- Arrange rolls on a platter and drizzle with dressing before serving.
Final Thoughts
I hope these prosciutto-wrapped Christmas appetizers inspire you to create something delicious and different this holiday season! They’re simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor—perfect for impressing your guests while keeping things stress-free in the kitchen.
Let me know if you try any of these recipes—I love hearing from you! Comments welcome!
For more holiday inspiration, check out other amazing Christmas recipes here. Thanks to Jerri at Simply Sweet Home for hosting, and don’t forget to visit Designs by Gollum’s Foodie Friday for even more festive food ideas!
Images in this post: shineyourlightblog, freeextras.com, frontofhousemagazine.co.uk, epicurious.com, shineyourlightblog.
