Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s as elegant as it is easy, you’re going to love this Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe. I promise, it’s one of those recipes you can whip up in about 20 minutes but still feel like you’ve brought something fancy to the table. Whether you’re throwing a last-minute party or just craving a bite that perfectly balances salty, sweet, and tangy, these roll-ups hit the spot every time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweet fig preserves, tangy goat cheese, and salty prosciutto come together to create a harmony of flavors.
- Quick & Easy Prep: You can throw these together in just 20 minutes, perfect for unexpected guests or a quick snack.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: Only a handful of quality ingredients make this appetizer impressive without any fuss.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Easy to tweak to your taste or dietary needs, making it a reliable go-to in your recipe box.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe is all about combining a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients that play off each other beautifully. I always recommend grabbing the best quality prosciutto you can find — thicker slices work better here so you get that perfect bite without tearing.
- Prosciutto: Look for thicker, higher-quality slices for easier rolling and richer flavor.
- Lemon chèvre (goat cheese): Soft and tangy, it spreads easily and adds creaminess that balances the saltiness perfectly.
- Fig preserves: The sweetness complements both the cheese and prosciutto, adding depth to each bite.
- Arugula: Adds just the right peppery crunch and freshness to lighten things up.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness that ties everything together with a drizzle.
- Fresh lemon juice: A little acidity brightens the flavors and cuts through richness.
- Fresh cracked black pepper: Finishes the roll-ups with a subtle bite and aroma.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best parts about this Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love switching things up depending on what I have on hand or serving occasion, so don’t be afraid to experiment a bit and make it your own.
- Variation: Sometimes, I swap out the fig preserves for apricot or honey for a different fruity sweetness that’s equally delightful.
- Dietary tweak: For a vegetarian version, try replacing prosciutto with thinly sliced roasted red peppers or marinated eggplant.
- Extra crunch: Add toasted walnuts or pine nuts inside the roll-ups for some nutty texture.
- Cheese swap: If chèvre isn’t your favorite, cream cheese or ricotta with lemon zest works great too.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prep your prosciutto like a pro
Start by slicing each piece of prosciutto in half lengthwise — this makes them more manageable and perfect for rolling. Lay them out flat on a cutting board so you can work quickly. Thicker slices are less likely to tear here, which I learned the hard way early on!
Step 2: Spread on the creamy goodness
Grab your softened lemon chèvre and spread about a teaspoon onto the rounded top edge of each piece of prosciutto. I’ve found that spreading in a gentle upward arc (instead of down) helps keep everything in place when you roll. No one wants spillover messes!
Step 3: Sweeten it up with fig preserves
Next, gently add about half a teaspoon of fig preserves over the cheese. Be mindful not to overload it — just enough to get that lovely sweetness without making the roll-ups soggy or too sticky to bite.
Step 4: Layer fresh arugula and season
Place a few fresh arugula leaves on top of the preserves. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice, then drizzle this bright dressing over the arugula. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper to add a little kick and aroma.
Step 5: Roll ‘em up tight and serve!
Carefully roll the prosciutto from the spread end toward the arugula, keeping it snug but not too tight. Repeat the process with the remaining slices and ingredients. Serve these beauties immediately, or pop them in the fridge until party time — they hold up well for a few hours.
Pro Tips for Making Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe
- Soft Cheese at Room Temp: Let your chèvre soften before spreading to avoid ripping your prosciutto and to spread smoothly.
- Don’t Overstuff: Too much fig preserves or cheese makes rolling tricky and bites messy — less is more here.
- Use Fresh Arugula: Its peppery crunch contrasts the soft cheese and sweet fig perfectly; avoid pre-wilted leaves.
- Roll Gently but Firmly: A snug roll keeps everything together without bursting, making for neater presentation and easier eating.
How to Serve Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before serving for an extra crunch and salty punch. Sometimes, I’ll toss a few chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme over the platter — it just adds a nice touch of color and freshness that pairs well with the roll-ups.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups shine as appetizers but pair beautifully alongside a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some crusty bread and olives on a cheese board. On occasion, I’ve served them with light roasted veggies for a simple but elegant lunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I like placing these roll-ups standing upright on a wooden board with small skewers, making them easy for guests to grab. Another favorite is arranging them in a circular pattern around a small bowl of extra fig preserves for dipping — it’s both stunning and interactive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate them right away and consume within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t my go-to here because the fresh arugula and delicate cheese don’t thaw well — I’ve tried and found it makes them soggy and limp. I recommend enjoying these fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
Since they’re best served fresh or chilled, I don’t usually reheat these roll-ups. If you want to warm them slightly, do so very gently in a low oven (around 250°F) for just a few minutes, but honestly, I prefer the fresh chill for the flavors and textures.
FAQs
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Can I make Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Just be mindful the arugula may wilt slightly if made too far in advance, so I recommend no more than 4-6 hours ahead for peak freshness.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have lemon chèvre?
If you don’t have lemon chèvre, plain chèvre works well, or you can use cream cheese softened with a little lemon zest mixed in to mimic that fresh citrusy tang.
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Can I use fresh figs instead of fig preserves?
Fresh figs are delicious but might not spread as easily as preserves. If you want to use fresh figs, slice them thinly and consider lightly drizzling a bit of honey or balsamic glaze to add sweetness and stickiness to hold the roll together.
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How long do Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups keep in the fridge?
Stored properly, the roll-ups are best eaten within 24 hours. After that, the arugula tends to wilt and the prosciutto can lose its tender texture.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I find myself making this Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe again and again—not just for guests but when I want a little something special to snack on. It’s a recipe that feels a bit luxurious, yet requires zero stress or complicated steps, which I don’t think you can beat. Give it a try—grab that prosciutto, spread some chèvre, add the figs, and watch your friends’ faces light up with every bite. You’re going to love how simple and stunning this dish turns out!
Print
Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Fig & Prosciutto Roll Ups combine the savory flavor of thick-sliced prosciutto with tangy lemon chevre, sweet fig preserves, and fresh arugula dressed in a lemony olive oil drizzle. Perfect as elegant appetizers or party snacks, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures in bite-sized rolls.
Ingredients
Roll Ups
- 2 packages (3 oz each) thick-sliced prosciutto
- 4 oz lemon chevre or plain chevre, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup fig preserves
- 2 cups arugula
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Prosciutto: Slice each piece of prosciutto in half lengthwise and lay them flat on a cutting board for easy assembly.
- Spread Cheese: Using about a teaspoon of lemon chevre per slice, spread it on the rounded top part of each prosciutto slice, applying the cheese in an upward arc to facilitate wrapping.
- Add Fig Preserves: Spoon approximately half a teaspoon of fig preserves over the chevre on each slice, spreading gently to cover evenly.
- Layer Arugula: Place a few arugula leaves atop the fig preserves on each slice.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
- Drizzle and Season: Lightly drizzle the lemon olive oil dressing over the arugula, then sprinkle fresh cracked black pepper to taste.
- Roll Up: Carefully roll each prosciutto slice, enclosing the fillings securely. Repeat this process with all slices.
- Serve: Arrange roll ups on a platter and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, use thick-sliced prosciutto to ensure the roll ups hold together well and provide a hearty bite.
- You can substitute lemon chevre with plain goat cheese if preferred; soften it to room temperature for easy spreading.
- Serve these roll ups immediately for optimal freshness or store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Consider adding a small skewer or toothpick if transporting to keep rolls intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
