This recipe for prosciutto wrapped dates is the perfect combination of sweet and salty- making them instant party favorites. These are crispy on the outside while soft and creamy from the cheese on the inside.
If you’re looking for a prosciutto appetizer that is easy to prepare and serve, then I’ve got you covered!
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Recipe Summary
These prosciutto snacks are an excellent choice for serving at any type of party, whether Christmas, birthdays, or other social gatherings. The recipe provides approximately 12 roll ups, and doubling the recipe is a cinch.
Did you notice I used the word ‘roll-up’? Typically for wrapped dates, you have to carefully stuff the whole date with cheese and wrap it with strips of prosciutto.
I think that stuffing the dates is somewhat of a pain, and felt like there had to be an easier way.
It then dawned on me to try rolling them instead. Bingo! I think I just won the lottery.
Ingredients
To make these prosciutto snacks, here are the ingredients you’ll need.
- Strips of prosciutto
- Whole milk ricotta cheese. See notes below for other soft cheeses you can use.
- Pitted dates. If your dates are hard, soak them in some hot water.
- Olive oil
Portions
Since these are finger foods, it’s always hard to estimate how much you need. The recipe I’m providing offers 12 individual roll ups. I estimate 2-3 roll ups per person – so roughly 4 servings in total.
One long (intact) prosciutto slice provides 2 roll ups. But you’ll need to account for some that will tear and fall apart making them unusable.
Step by Step Instructions
Here are the steps for how to make these crispy prosciutto appetizers.
Step 1. Make sure there are no pits in your dates. Chop them up very fine, almost like a paste.
Step 2. Take a full strip of prosciutto and lay it flat on your cutting board. Spread a thin layer of ricotta on top across the length of the strip.
Step 3. Take about a 1/2 Tablespoon of the dates and spread them along the long edge of the prosciutto.
Step 4. Gently roll them up so they end up looking like a long log. Then using a sharp knife, cut it in half to create two roll ups.
PRO TIP: Don’t worry if there are some tears and it looks messy. Prosciutto is super thin and tears easily.
Step 5. In a medium or large frying pan, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 6. Once the oil is hot, add the prosciutto wrapped dates for about 30 seconds and then turn them so the other sides get crispy. Use a splatter guard or cover the pan if it starts to splatter.
PRO TIP: You’ll know they’re ready when the prosciutto turns more brown and looks like bacon.
Step 7. When done, transfer the roll ups to a plate with paper towels to help absorb excess oil.
Step 8. When cooled, serve on a serving tray with some toothpicks to make these finger foods a little easier to eat.
Recipe Video
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Recipe Card
Prosciutto Wrapped Dates
Ingredients
- 15 pitted dates chopped
- 8 strips Prosciutto plan for more in case they tear
- 1/2 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Make sure there no pits in your dates. Chop them up very fine, almost like a paste.15 pitted dates
- Take a full strip of prosciutto and lay it flat on your cutting board. Spread a thin layer of ricotta on top across the whole strip.8 strips Prosciutto
- Take about a 1/2 Tablespoon or so of the dates and spread them along the long edge of the prosciutto.1/2 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese
- Gently roll up the prosciutto so it ends up looking like a long log. Then using a sharp knife, cut it in half to create two roll ups.
- In a medium or large frying pan, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat.1 1/2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- Once the oil is very hot, add the prosciutto wrapped with the date spread for about 30 seconds and then turn them so the other sides get crispy. Use a splatter guard or cover the pan if it starts to splatter.
- You'll know when it's ready when the prosciutto turns more brown and looks like bacon.
- When done, transfer the roll ups to a plate with paper towels to help absorb excess oil.
- When cooled, serve on a serving tray with some toothpicks to make these finger foods a little easier to eat.
Video
Notes
- Don’t worry if there are some tears in the prosciutto and it looks messy. Prosciutto is super thin and tears easily.
- Use soft tongs to turn the prosciutto if you can, to avoid additional tearing.
- Adjust quantities as you see fit – some like more cheese, some like less.
- Try other types of soft cheeses – such as gorgonzola, brie, etc.
- See post for additional modifications and serving tips.
Nutrition
Recipe Tips & Modifications
This recipe is so flexible and can be easily modified. Here are some ideas.
- Add in some herbs such as basil.
- Use a mix of cheeses or swap out the ricotta for another soft cheese such as gorgonzola, brie, mozzarella, goat cheese, etc.
Storage and Serving Tips
Feel free to make these in advance and reheat in the oven until they begin to sizzle. But remember, fresh is always best.
- Serve on a platter with toothpicks, small tongs or forks for easier eating. These are oily so it’s best to avoid finger contact if you can.
- Serve alongside other party foods and appetizers.
Additional Appetizer Recipes
For a full list of Italian party appetizers click here. Otherwise, check out these below!
Antipasto salad is convenient for parties.
Garlic roasted pecans are a delicious party treat.
Stuffed mini sweet peppers are an easy and simple appetizer stuffed with cheese and herbs.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe! If you’ve tried it or made any changes to make it your own (or kept it all the same), let me know in the comments below!
Liz
