Brochettes of Melon, Prosciutto, and Fresh Mozzarella
Description
This vibrant and delectable recipe, inspired by a Bon Appétit creation from Epicurious, is sure to impress your guests with its delightful combination of flavors and stunning presentation. Perfect for brunch or a light luncheon, these brochettes are not only visually appealing but also refreshingly tasty, providing a delightful balance of sweet melon, savory prosciutto, and creamy mozzarella. With just a bit of preparation, you can create an impressive appetizer that garners “WOWs” from everyone at the table. If you’re curious about the original version, feel free to explore Epicurious under the same recipe title.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 203.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 16.8 mg |
| Sodium | 142.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 5.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 4.6 g |
| Protein | 5.3 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh basil leaf | 1/3 cup |
| Shallot | 1, finely chopped |
| Cantaloupe | 1, halved |
| Fresh mozzarella balls | 6 – 8 |
| Prosciutto | 6 slices |
Instructions
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Prepare the Sauce: Begin by combining the olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and chopped shallot in a food processor. Pulse until the basil and shallot are finely chopped and well incorporated into a luscious green sauce, which will serve as the perfect dip for your brochettes.
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Make Ahead Tip: For convenience, you can prepare this sauce a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate, allowing it to come to room temperature for about an hour before serving.
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Create Melon Balls: Using a melon baller, scoop out round balls from the smaller end of the cantaloupe. Aim for a diameter of about an inch, leaving at least half an inch of space around the edges. This will ensure that the balls are sturdy enough to hold their shape.
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Assemble the Brochettes: Take a toothpick and hold it between your fingers, inserting a melon ball onto the pointed end, with the rounded side facing down. This will serve as the base of your delicious creation.
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Add Prosciutto: Next, take a slice of prosciutto and roll it up into a neat shape. Place the rolled prosciutto on top of the melon ball, allowing it to rest securely.
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Finish with Mozzarella: At the end of the toothpick, add a piece of fresh mozzarella, creating a delightful trio of flavors on each skewer.
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Position in Cantaloupe Rims: Carefully stick the toothpick with the mozzarella side down into the rim of the cantaloupe half. This not only provides stability but also creates an eye-catching presentation.
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Repeat the Process: Continue this assembly process until both halves of the cantaloupe are filled with these charming brochettes, each bursting with flavor.
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Chill Before Serving: For added convenience, you can prepare these brochettes up to two hours ahead of time. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
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Serve with Sauce: Before serving, divide the prepared basil sauce between two small bowls, pouring it into the hollowed-out cantaloupe halves for an appealing display.
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Enjoy: To experience the full burst of flavors, dip a brochette into the basil sauce and pop the whole thing into your mouth at once, savoring the delightful combination of sweet, savory, and creamy.
This recipe not only elevates any gathering with its sophisticated yet simple approach, but it also provides a delightful opportunity to showcase seasonal produce in an innovative way. Whether for a festive brunch or a casual gathering, these brochettes will undoubtedly be a highlight on your table, leaving your guests asking for the recipe. Enjoy the compliments!
