Prosciutto Melon Crostini - A Fresh, Savory-Sweet Appetizer

Ingredients

• Baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• Olive oil for brushing
• Prosciutto (thinly sliced)
• Melon (cantaloupe or honeydew), cut into small cubes or thin slices
• Soft cheese (goat cheese, ricotta, or mascarpone)
• Fresh basil or mint, thinly sliced
• Honey or balsamic glaze (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of flaky sea salt
• Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices on a sheet pan and brush both sides with olive oil.

2. 2

   Toast for 7–10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp at the edges but still tender in the center.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, stir your cheese of choice with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a little lemon zest to taste.

4. 4

   Spread a generous layer of cheese on each warm crostini.

5. 5

   Top with melon. Use small cubes for easy bites or thin slices for a sleek look.

6. 6

   Fold a strip of prosciutto on top of the melon to create texture and height.

7. 7

   Finish with basil or mint, a light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze, and a crack of black pepper. Add a pinch of flaky salt only if your prosciutto isn’t too salty.

8. 8

   Serve immediately while the crostini are crisp and the melon is chilled.