10 Prosciutto Recipes for Festive Entertaining
A Taste of Italian Celebration
There’s something effortlessly elegant about prosciutto recipes, whether draped over melon, wrapped around roasted vegetables, or folded into pasta. This Italian staple brings a savoury depth and a touch of tradition to any gathering, making it perfect for festive entertaining.
At Queen Victoria Market, you’ll find artisan deli traders offering genuine Italian-style cured meats, including prosciutto sliced to perfection. Combine those market-fresh ingredients with seasonal produce, and you have the makings of a feast that feels both authentic and local.
Why Prosciutto Is the Ultimate Entertaining Ingredient
Prosciutto’s delicate texture and salty-sweet flavour pair beautifully with a wide range of ingredients. It can transform simple dishes into show-stoppers, ideal for holiday platters or casual get-togethers. From antipasto boards to pasta dishes, its balance of savouriness and richness makes every bite memorable.
The best prosciutto recipes highlight freshness, such as sweet figs or crisp pears from the fruit stalls, peppery rocket leaves from local growers, and creamy cheeses from the Dairy Hall. It’s a way to bring an Italian spirit to Melbourne’s festive tables while supporting market traders.
Inspired Prosciutto Recipes to Try
1. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Oil
Toss trimmed asparagus in olive oil, wrap each spear with a thin slice of prosciutto, and grill until crisp. Finish with a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil for a bright, festive side.
2. Melon and Prosciutto Bites
The classic summer appetiser combines juicy rockmelon or honeydew with silky prosciutto. Add a mint leaf for a refreshing twist perfect for warm-weather celebrations.
3. Creamy Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas
Sauté shallots in butter, stir through cream, lightly cook the peas, and add ribbons of prosciutto just before serving. Top with fresh parmesan shavings from your favourite market deli.
4. Prosciutto Flatbread with Fig and Blue Cheese
Layer a crisp base with mascarpone, sliced figs, blue cheese, and prosciutto. Bake until golden, then drizzle with local honey from market beekeepers for the ultimate balance of sweet and savoury.
5. Prosciutto-Wrapped Prawns with Chilli Lime Glaze
Wrap large raw prawns in prosciutto and grill until the edges crisp. Brush with a chilli-lime glaze made from lime juice, honey, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Ideal as a BBQ starter or platter hero.
6. Peach, Burrata & Prosciutto Salad
Layer ripe summer peaches with torn burrata and ribbons of prosciutto. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and reduced balsamic. Scatter basil leaves for a bright, fresh centrepiece perfect for outdoor lunches.
7. Prosciutto & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Parcels
Stuff chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella and thin slices of prosciutto, then wrap the whole parcel in additional prosciutto for extra crispness. Roast until juicy and serve with a lemony rocket salad.
8. Prosciutto & Zucchini Ribbon Skewers
Use a veggie peeler to shave zucchini into ribbons, fold them accordion-style, and thread onto skewers with pieces of prosciutto. Grill lightly and serve with a garlic yoghurt dip for a simple, elegant BBQ side.
9. Prosciutto, Nectarine & Basil Crostini
Toast baguette slices, spread with ricotta, and top with sliced nectarines and torn prosciutto. Finish with basil and a drizzle of olive oil. A vibrant summer canapé with sweet stone-fruit notes.
10. Prosciutto-Wrapped Halloumi with Honey & Sesame
Cut halloumi into batons, wrap in prosciutto, and pan-sear until golden. Drizzle with warm honey and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for grazing boards or a quick festive snack.
Create a Grazing Table with Market Produce
For simple yet impressive entertaining, build a grazing board inspired by Queen Victoria Market’s Italian delis and fresh stalls. Include paper-thin charcuterie, marinated olives, fresh mozzarella, grissini, and a variety of seasonal fruits. Arrange everything on a large board and let guests serve themselves for a perfect mix of casual and elegant.
Need advice on presentation or ingredient pairing? Visit the Queen Victoria Market traders for recommendations. Many deli owners will happily guide you to the best accompaniments and local wines for your selection.
Bringing It All Together
Whether served as part of a festive platter or folded into pasta, these prosciutto recipes bring a touch of Italian authenticity and local flair to any celebration. The beauty lies in simplicity, using quality ingredients, prepared thoughtfully, and shared with those you love.
Next time you’re planning a feast, wander through Queen Victoria Market’s delicatessens, chat with the traders, and take home slices of prosciutto ready to inspire your next culinary creation.
