Name: Pineapple Prosciutto Skewers: A Delicious & Easy Appetizer Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6-8 skewers
Ingredients: 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks; 8 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat); Fresh basil leaves, for garnish; Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Pineapple Prosciutto Skewers: the appetizer that will vanish before your eyes! Trust me, I've seen it happen at countless gatherings. There's something undeniably irresistible about the sweet and savory combination, a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. But these aren't just any skewers; they're a delightful marriage of Italian and tropical influences, a culinary conversation between salty cured ham and juicy, tangy pineapple.

While the exact origins of pairing pineapple and prosciutto are somewhat hazy, the concept of contrasting sweet and salty flavors has been a culinary cornerstone for centuries. Think of the classic melon and prosciutto pairing, a staple in Italian cuisine. The addition of pineapple brings a vibrant, tropical twist, adding a burst of sunshine to the familiar savory profile. This modern take on a classic pairing is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of food and our willingness to experiment with exciting flavor combinations.

People adore Pineapple Prosciutto Skewers for their simplicity and incredible taste. The sweetness of the pineapple perfectly complements the saltiness of the prosciutto, creating a harmonious balance that's both refreshing and satisfying. The texture is also a key factor – the tender pineapple and slightly chewy prosciutto offer a delightful contrast. Plus, they are incredibly easy to assemble, making them the perfect appetizer for any occasion, from casual backyard barbecues to elegant cocktail parties. They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I can't wait to share my foolproof recipe with you!

Ingredients:

1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
8 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
1/4 cup balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Preparing the Pineapple and Prosciutto:

Okay, let's get started! The key to amazing Pineapple Prosciutto Skewers is using high-quality ingredients and taking a little time to prepare them properly. First, we need to tackle the pineapple and prosciutto.

Pineapple Prep: Make sure your pineapple is ripe but firm. Overripe pineapple will be too soft and won't hold its shape on the skewers. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand it upright and carefully slice off the rind, following the curve of the fruit. Remove any remaining "eyes" with a paring knife. Now, core the pineapple. You can use a pineapple corer if you have one, or simply cut the pineapple into quarters and remove the core from each quarter. Finally, cut the pineapple into 1-inch chunks. You want them to be uniform in size so they cook evenly and look great on the skewers. Set the pineapple chunks aside.
Prosciutto Prep: Prosciutto is the star of the show here, so choose a good quality one. You want it thinly sliced, but not so thin that it falls apart. If your prosciutto slices are very large, you might want to cut them in half lengthwise. This will make them easier to wrap around the pineapple. If the slices are too thick, they won't crisp up nicely when grilled or baked.

Making the Balsamic Glaze (Optional):

While you can definitely use store-bought balsamic glaze, making your own is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize the flavor. Plus, it tastes so much better!

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (or honey).
Simmer and Reduce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to burn it! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cool and Thicken: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glaze cool. It will thicken further as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can add a teaspoon or two of water to thin it out.
Store: Store the balsamic glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Preparing the Marinade:

This marinade adds a touch of sweetness, acidity, and a hint of spice to the skewers, complementing the pineapple and prosciutto perfectly.

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, honey, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the honey is well incorporated.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter marinade, add a little more honey. If you want more tang, add a bit more lime juice.

Assembling the Skewers:

Now for the fun part! This is where you get to be creative and assemble your delicious skewers.

Wrap the Pineapple: Take a slice of prosciutto and wrap it around a pineapple chunk. You can either wrap it completely around the pineapple or just partially, leaving some of the pineapple exposed. I like to partially wrap it so you can see both the pineapple and the prosciutto.
Thread onto Skewers: Carefully thread the wrapped pineapple onto a soaked wooden skewer. Repeat with more pineapple chunks and prosciutto until the skewer is almost full, leaving a little space at the end for easy handling. I usually put about 4-5 pineapple chunks per skewer.
Arrange Skewers: Arrange the assembled skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier.
Brush with Marinade: Generously brush the skewers with the prepared marinade, making sure to coat all sides of the pineapple and prosciutto.

Cooking the Skewers:

You have a couple of options for cooking these skewers: grilling or baking. Grilling will give them a nice smoky flavor, while baking is a bit more convenient and less weather-dependent.

Grilling Instructions:

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the pineapple is slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The honey in the marinade can cause them to brown quickly.
Baste with Marinade (Optional): If desired, you can baste the skewers with a little more marinade during the last minute of grilling.

Baking Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake the Skewers: Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crispy and the pineapple is heated through. Turn the skewers halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): For extra crispy prosciutto, you can broil the skewers for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch them carefully to prevent burning!

Finishing Touches:

Almost there! Just a few final touches to make these skewers truly irresistible.

Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill or oven and drizzle them generously with balsamic glaze.
Garnish with Basil: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Pineapple Prosciutto Skewers immediately while they are still warm and the prosciutto is crispy. They are best enjoyed fresh!

Enjoy! These Pineapple Prosciutto Skewers are perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a party snack. The combination of sweet pineapple, salty prosciutto, and tangy balsamic glaze is simply divine. I hope you love them as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This isn't just another appetizer; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The sweet tang of grilled pineapple, the salty richness of prosciutto, and that hint of balsamic glaze create a symphony of tastes that will have your guests begging for more. Seriously, these Pineapple Prosciutto Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or even just a fun weeknight snack. But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible flavor profile, it's incredibly easy and quick to prepare. We're talking minimal prep time and maximum impact. You can whip up a batch of these skewers in under 30 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the party (or relax with a glass of wine!). Plus, the presentation is stunning. The vibrant colors and elegant arrangement make these skewers look like they came straight from a fancy restaurant. And the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze. If you're not a fan of balsamic, a honey-mustard glaze would also be delicious. Vegetarian? No problem! Simply substitute the prosciutto with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu for a equally satisfying and flavorful skewer. You can also add other fruits like strawberries or melon for an even more colorful and diverse flavor profile. Serving suggestions are endless! These skewers are fantastic on their own as an appetizer, but they also pair beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. You can even add them to a salad for a burst of flavor and texture. For a truly decadent experience, serve them alongside a creamy goat cheese dip or a tangy aioli. I've made these Pineapple Prosciutto Skewers countless times, and they're always a hit. I've seen even the pickiest eaters devour them! The combination of sweet, salty, and savory is simply irresistible. I truly believe that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your appetizer rotation. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or oven!), and get ready to experience the magic of these skewers. I promise you won't be disappointed. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! And I'd love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your guests think? Share your photos and comments below! Let's create a community of skewer-loving foodies! Don't forget to rate the recipe once you've tried it. Your feedback helps other home cooks discover this amazing appetizer. Happy cooking!