Prosciutto with Melon with Balsamic Glaze (prosciutto e melone) is a simple, fresh, and classic Italian appetizer recipe. Topped with fresh basil, this makes a perfect summer snack or party food. Sweet cantaloupe with salty cured pork is a classic flavor combination for a reason!

A white plate full of Prosciutto Wrapped Melon with Balsamic Glaze pieces

Take a trip to Italy with this Prosciutto with Melon with Balsamic Glaze. This simple and fresh Italian recipe is perfect as an antipasti appetizer or a party.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Prosciutto wrapped melon (prosciutto e melone) is a classic Italian appetizer that you will find all over Italy.

When I lived in Bologna, Italy during college, it was a classic at just about every restaurant I visited in any city.

Italian flavors are simple yet delicious and this simple pairing quickly became a favorite.

This appetizer recipe blends the contrasting yet complementary flavors and textures of two classic Italian ingredients.

The sweet juiciness of the melon meets the salty richness of the prosciutto and is topped with fresh basil and a sweet balsamic glaze.

This recipe is perfect served alongside other Italian antipasti options such as our Bruschetta with Mozzarella or as a first course for our Arrabiata Pasta, Lasagne al Pesto, or Chicken Scampi.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need to make this prosciutto with melon:

Cantaloupe
Prosciutto
Balsamic Glaze – I love to make my own balsamic glaze but you can also buy it bottled.
Fresh Basil

Equipment

Here is what you need to make the recipe:

Knife
Cutting Board
Toothpicks

A close view of one piece of Prosciutto Wrapped Melon with Balsamic Glaze

Instruction Overview

Cut your cantaloupe into bite sized pieces.

Cut a slice of prosciutto lengthwise and short wise to make four quadrants.

Wrap a piece of melon with the prosciutto and place on a plate.

When done, drizzle everything with balsamic glaze.

Top with some fresh basil pieces.

Serve with toothpicks!

Modifications and Substitutions

Honeydew melon would also work well.

Pair this with some cheeses like burrata or parmesan!

Kim’s Tips

Drizzle the balsamic right when you are ready to serve as it will start to thin out over time.

This could also be served as long wedges for a fork and knife appetizer.

FAQs

What is prosciutto and melon called?

In Italian, it is called prosciutto e melone.

Why is prosciutto served with melon?

This combination became popular because of pairing fruit with the salty pork. And this combination was a perfect pairing of sweet, salty, juicy flavors that stuck and became a favorite!

Is sliced prosciutto raw?

Yes. Prosciutto is a salted, cured meat that is intended to be eaten raw.

How do Italians serve prosciutto?

It is commonly served with cheese and fruit, such as this classic prosciutto with melon!

Can you eat prosciutto raw?

Yes! It is safe to eat raw.

Where does prosciutto e melone come from?

Prosciutto with melon is from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, just north of Tuscany.

What do you drink with prosciutto and melon?

Reisling, prosecco, and moscato d’asti would all be great options! The wines would taste less sweet when paired with the sweet melon and salty prosciutto.

A white plate filled with Prosciutto Wrapped Melon with Balsamic Glaze drizzled across them all

Pin of Prosciutto Wrapped Melon with Balsamic Glaze pieces on a white plate with title at top

More Cantaloupe Recipes

Cantaloupe Recipes

Prosciutto Melon Panzanella Salad