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This prosciutto arugula bruschetta with honey mascarpone is the perfect last-minute appetizer for any occasion. Whip up the fancy dish with just 5 ingredients!
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Prosciutto arugula bruschetta sounds, looks, and tastes classy. But here’s a secret: it’s actually super easy to make.Â
Besides toasting the bread slices, you don’t need to cook anything for this appetizer recipe.
Toast bread until golden, liberally spread mascarpone cheese on top, stack some prosciutto and arugula over the mascarpone, and then finish with a drizzle of honey.Â
Basically, just layer the ingredients together; that’s all there is to it!
Try this easy bruschetta and get ready to exclaim, “Che buono!“ ?
What Is Bruschetta?
Bruschetta, pronounced as bru·-sket-​tuh (don’t get tricked by the “ch”), is an Italian appetizer or antipasto featuring a slice of toasted bread with various toppings.
For this easy but fancy bruschetta recipe, we have prosciutto, arugula, mascarpone, and honey on crusty slices of French baguette. We’ll call this appetizer prosciutto arugula bruschetta for short. ?
To make the dish, just lay the rest of the ingredients on top of the toasted slice of bread and finish with a drizzle of honey. You don’t even need to be a perfectionist in the assembly of the appetizer!
In my opinion, the rustic look makes it more drool-worthy.Â
Why You’ll Love This Honey Mascarpone Bruschetta Recipe
- Fancy Made Easy: This honey mascarpone bruschetta proves anyone can whip up a classy appetizer effortlessly. Making it is like doing an open-faced sandwich or a small slice of pizza!
- Simple Ingredients: You only need 5 ingredients to make this impressive bruschetta recipe. You can even swap or add components to please your eyes and taste buds!
- Delicious Flavors and Textures: Do not be fooled by the simplicity of this mascarpone and arugula bruschetta recipe. Every piece is bursting with flavor and the textures make the appetizer, well, appetizing.
What Does Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta Taste Like?
So what does honey mascarpone bruschetta with prosciutto and arugula taste like?
It’s a combination of salty, peppery, and sweet! The latter flavor from the honey really takes the rich and savory appetizer to the next level.
My favorite part of this recipe is the contrast between textures. The combination of the thick layer of creamy mascarpone cheese, crusty toasted bread, soft prosciutto, and crunchy arugula is oh-so-enjoyable. ?
The crisp bread is the “canvas” for the honey mascarpone and prosciutto arugula topping, so make sure you toast it to perfection. (More tips on this below.)
Ingredients For Bruschetta with Prosciutto and Arugula
- Slices of French baguette – French baguette is perfect for this bruschetta recipe. It can easily handle being toasted for a nice, crisp base.
- Mascarpone cheese – The creaminess of mascarpone cheese is just yummy with the crusty toasted baguette, buttery soft prosciutto, and crunchy arugula. But more than the harmony of textures, the pairing of mascarpone and honey also makes the appetizer mouthwateringly delicious.Â
- Arugula – Piled high atop the mascarpone, these peppery greens add the perfect bold flavor that makes each prosciutto arugula bruschetta even more satisfying.Â
- Prosciutto – The best cured meat for our honey mascarpone bruschetta! The salty, melt-in-your-mouth, thin slices of prosciutto complement the spicy arugula and rich mascarpone delectably.
- Honey – For a touch of sweetness that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.
Tools Needed To Prepare Mascarpone and Arugula Bruschetta
- Skillet for toasting the bread slices
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta
Mascarpone cheese substitute
This bruschetta with prosciutto and arugula will also be delicious with other types of cheese.
You can substitute mascarpone cheese with ricotta, goat cheese, or even cream cheese!
Prosciutto substitute
Make your mascarpone and arugula bruschetta with whatever meats you like. Some yummy options for the antipasto dish are coppa for something salty and fatty or the sweet bresaola, which is perfect for those who love beef.
Delicious add-ins
There are so many ways to infuse more delightful flavors into your prosciutto arugula bruschetta!
For example, after toasting the bread, rub each side with garlic cloves.
You can also toss the arugula in balsamic vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes before assembling the bruschetta.
But me? I think roasted tomatoes make the appetizers super scrumptious.Â
Here’s how you can prep them:
You want to preheat the oven to 425°F. Then, make a quick marinade by mixing olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.Â
After letting the tomatoes stand in the marinade for a few minutes, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with foil and roast for about 35 minutes until tender.
How to Make Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta With Mascarpone and Honey
Ingredients:
- 1 small French baguette, cut into one-inch slices
- 8 tbsp mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup arugula, washed and dried
- 8 slices prosciutto, sliced thinly
- 3 tbsp honey
Tools you need:
Instructions:
STEP 1: Gather the ingredients for your prosciutto arugula bruschetta.
STEP 2: Toast the baguette slices on both sides.
STEP 3: Generously spread mascarpone cheese on the toasted bread.
STEP 4: Tear each prosciutto slice into smaller pieces. Place them on top of the mascarpone.
STEP 5: Add the arugula over each bruschetta. Drizzle with honey, and they’re good to go!
What To Serve With Mascarpone Bruschetta
Prosciutto arugula bruschetta is the best way to start the meal, especially with a glass of sparkling white wine.Â
You can also enjoy the dish with Caprese salad, stuffed tomatoes, scrambled eggs, or even grilled steak for a filling dinner.
Save this honey mascarpone bruschetta recipe for your next get-together!
It’s so easy to make, but the texture and flavors in each elegant-looking piece will definitely leave everyone satisfied.Â
And with the holidays fast approaching, I cannot help but mention this Christmas wreath charcuterie board. It’s an antipasto-inspired feast that will pair nicely with bruschetta.
You can also impress your guests with Italian peach cookies to cap off the meal.
These Pinterest-worthy cookie sandwiches are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Tips About Making Bruschetta
- I suggest assembling the mascarpone and arugula bruschetta at the last minute for the best textures. And to ensure you won’t get a soggy bruschetta, go for thick and crisp slices of bread like baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough.
- Bake your own bread for this bruschetta with prosciutto and arugula recipe! Our French baguette recipe will give you perfectly crusty bread for bruschetta.
- You can toast the bread slices however you like, but since not everyone wants to prepare the grill or the oven, just heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Put the slices in the pan, and once they start to toast, lower the heat to medium. After 4 minutes, flip the bread slices and toast the other side for 3 minutes over medium heat.Â
How To Store Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta
- Fridge: Transfer your leftover prosciutto arugula bruschetta to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Nah, this will just be a bad move. The mix of creamy and crunchy in this bruschetta with prosciutto and arugula might turn into a soggy mess.
- Reheating:Â You can reheat the refrigerated leftovers in the microwave for a few seconds. For make-ahead, I suggest warming the bread slices before adding the toppings.Â
Do You Cook Prosciutto Before Eating?
You don’t need to cook prosciutto before eating. However, it’s worth noting that there are two types of prosciutto.
There’s the cooked prosciutto cotto and prosciutto crudo, which is just cured and not cooked.Â
Unsure if you should cook the meat for your bruschetta? Check the package! Some indicate that it’s ready to eat like this one.
Why Is My Bruschetta Soggy?
Bruschetta can turn soggy from the juices of the toppings. This is why it’s better to assemble it right before serving so the juices won’t soak the bread.
When assembling the appetizers, you can also use a slotted spoon for the toppings to eliminate some of the juices. This is a great trick if you’ll use a classic tomato mixture!
And, of course, it’s important to pick the right bread.
If it’s soft, your bruschetta will easily get soggy even if you toast the pieces of bread. I recommend cutting the bread into thick slices for a nice, sturdy base.
What Does Mascarpone Taste Like?
Mascarpone is a great choice for bruschetta because its creamy texture makes it easy to spread on top of toasted bread.
It also has a milder tangy flavor than cream cheese and ricotta if you find them too strong for your appetizer.
Since mascarpone tastes a bit nutty and sweet, it’s quite versatile.
Use it on savory recipes like this prosciutto arugula bruschetta, or serve it with a luscious dessert like strawberry spoon cake.
Does Prosciutto Go Well with Goat Cheese?
Are you a fan of goat cheese? It also pairs beautifully with prosciutto for bruschetta!
Your taste buds will love the tanginess and creaminess of goat cheese with the savory prosciutto on top of crunchy bread.
So go ahead and smother your toasted bread with goat cheese. It’ll make an amazing combo with prosciutto and other classic bruschetta toppings.Â
What Kind of Bread Goes with Prosciutto?
Some say bread and prosciutto is the perfect pairing, and I couldn’t agree more. ?
Savor the delicate salty flavor of the soft, melt-in-the-mouth thin slices of prosciutto on top of crusty baguette and make a bruschetta like our recipe above.
You can also treat yourself to a prosciutto sandwich made with focaccia.Â
And for a hearty meal, enjoy your bread and prosciutto alongside a thick and creamy soup. Our pumpkin soup is ready in just 15 minutes!Â
FAQ About Bruschetta Toppings
What fruit goes with prosciutto?
The mild, salty flavor of prosciutto is perfect with sweet fruits like figs, cantaloupe, and pears. Keep these fruits in mind next time you’re making bruschetta.
What cheese goes best with prosciutto?Â
Prosciutto is best paired with parmesan, pecorino, mozzarella, or even provolone. For bruschetta, something creamy like goat cheese will be amazing with prosciutto.
Why is prosciutto so expensive?
You might notice that prosciutto is more expensive than the average ham. This is because the lengthy process of making prosciutto and the meat quality comes at additional costs.
Does mascarpone melt well?
Mascarpone melts well because it’s fattier than the average cream cheese. This makes it perfect for creamy pasta sauces, and a smear of it on bruschetta definitely adds to the yumminess of the appetizer.Â
What is the closest cheese to mascarpone?
If you don’t have mascarpone, you can substitute it with cream cheese or ricotta cheese. Their textures are close to mascarpone.Â
Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta
This prosciutto arugula bruschetta with honey mascarpone is the perfect last-minute appetizer for any occasion. Whip up the fancy dish with just 5 ingredients!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients for your prosciutto arugula bruschetta.
- Toast the baguette slices on both sides.
- Generously spread mascarpone cheese on the toasted bread.
- Tear each prosciutto slice into smaller pieces. Place them on top of the mascarpone.
- Add the arugula over each bruschetta. Drizzle with honey, and they're good to go!
Notes
- To keep your mascarpone bruschetta from getting soggy, assemble it right before serving. The base should also be thick and crisp so it won't fall apart easily. Go for baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough.
- Want to try baking your own bread for this prosciutto arugula bruschetta? Check out our perfectly crusty French baguette recipe!
- To toast the bread, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the bread slices into the pan, and once the bread starts to toast, lower the heat to medium. Flip the bread after 4 minutes, then toast the other side for about 3 minutes.
*This recipe was originally published in 06/2011 by Jaclyn. Notes and photos were updated on 12/2023.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 360Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 953mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 15g
* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for the most accurate results.
Conclusion
You just learned how to make prosciutto arugula bruschetta! It looks, sounds, and tastes fancy, and I bet you never would have guessed how simple it is to make.
The appetizer only needs 5 ingredients: toasted bread slices, creamy mascarpone cheese, flavorful prosciutto, peppery arugula, and sweet honey. Though you’re very much free to customize your mascarpone bruschetta however you like. ?
Just keep our tips for toasting the bread slice in the skillet, and you’re ready to impress everyone with a satisfying and delicious start to your meal.
If you love hosting, here are more mouthwatering appetizers like this prosciutto arugula bruschetta for your events.
Just make sure to plan the portions because these dishes will keep your guests wanting more!