TOMATO AND BREAD SKEWERS ON PARMA HAM
This simple yet elegant appetizer combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the crunch of toasted bread, and the rich, salty flavor of Parma ham. The skewers are lightly grilled or roasted to bring out the flavors, then served over delicate slices of Parma ham for a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
This delightful appetizer blends the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the crunch of toasted bread, and the rich saltiness of Parma ham. Perfect for a light starter or party snack, these skewers offer a medley of textures and flavors, enhanced by a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. The contrast between the juicy tomatoes, crispy bread, and delicate ham creates a dish that is both simple and elegant.
This delightful appetizer blends the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the crunch of toasted bread, and the rich saltiness of Parma ham. Perfect for a light starter or party snack, these skewers offer a medley of textures and flavors, enhanced by a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. The contrast between the juicy tomatoes, crispy bread, and delicate ham creates a dish that is both simple and elegant.
Ingredients: (Serves 4-6)
For the Skewers:
16 cherry tomatoes
1 small ciabatta or baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt and black pepper to taste
8-10 fresh basil leaves
For the Assembly:
6-8 slices of Parma ham
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Extra virgin olive oil, for finishing
Instructions:1. Prepare the Skewers
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or oven to medium-high heat.
If using garlic for extra flavor, rub the cut side of a garlic clove over the bread cubes.
Thread the cherry tomatoes and bread cubes onto skewers, alternating between them for a balanced look.
2. Season and Grill
Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Place on the grill or in the oven and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tomatoes start to blister and the bread becomes golden and crispy.
3. Assemble the Dish
Arrange the slices of Parma ham on a serving plate.
Place the freshly grilled skewers on top of the ham.
4. Garnish and Serve
Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the skewers.
Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze and a little extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm as a starter or as part of an antipasto platter.
Pair with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, or a crisp rosé.
Add a side of whipped ricotta or burrata for a creamy contrast.
This easy yet impressive dish is perfect for entertaining, offering a combination of fresh, savory, and crispy elements in every bite!
For the Skewers:
16 cherry tomatoes
1 small ciabatta or baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt and black pepper to taste
8-10 fresh basil leaves
For the Assembly:
6-8 slices of Parma ham
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Extra virgin olive oil, for finishing
Instructions:1. Prepare the Skewers
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or oven to medium-high heat.
If using garlic for extra flavor, rub the cut side of a garlic clove over the bread cubes.
Thread the cherry tomatoes and bread cubes onto skewers, alternating between them for a balanced look.
2. Season and Grill
Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Place on the grill or in the oven and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tomatoes start to blister and the bread becomes golden and crispy.
3. Assemble the Dish
Arrange the slices of Parma ham on a serving plate.
Place the freshly grilled skewers on top of the ham.
4. Garnish and Serve
Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the skewers.
Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze and a little extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm as a starter or as part of an antipasto platter.
Pair with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, or a crisp rosé.
Add a side of whipped ricotta or burrata for a creamy contrast.
This easy yet impressive dish is perfect for entertaining, offering a combination of fresh, savory, and crispy elements in every bite!
Extra Tips for the Best Tomato and Bread Skewers on Parma Ham
1. Choosing the Best Ingredients
Tomatoes: Use ripe, sweet cherry or grape tomatoes for the best flavor. If they're too firm, let them sit at room temperature for a day to soften.
Bread: A rustic bread like ciabatta or a day-old baguette works best because it holds its shape while toasting. Avoid soft sandwich bread as it may become too mushy.
Parma Ham: Look for high-quality, thinly sliced Parma ham for its delicate texture and rich, slightly sweet flavor.
2. Enhancing Flavor
Marinate the Tomatoes: For extra flavor, toss the cherry tomatoes in olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of balsamic vinegar before grilling. Let them sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Garlic-Infused Bread: Rubbing the bread cubes with a cut clove of garlic before assembling the skewers adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Herbs for a Boost: Besides basil, try adding fresh oregano or thyme for a different aromatic touch.
3. Perfecting the Texture
Crispier Bread: If you prefer extra crispy bread cubes, toast them lightly in the oven (350°F/175°C for 5-7 minutes) before assembling the skewers.
Avoid Soggy Skewers: Don't over-soak the bread in oil, or it might become too soft. Light brushing is enough.
Balanced Cooking: If the tomatoes start to char too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill to avoid burning.
4. Serving & Presentation
Plating Tip: Arrange the Parma ham in gentle folds or ribbons on the plate for an elegant presentation.
Drizzle in Stages: Add half of the balsamic glaze before serving and the rest just before eating to keep the flavors fresh.
Pairing Idea: Serve with a light salad or a side of marinated olives for a complete appetizer platter.
5. Customization Ideas
Cheese Addition: Add small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or shavings of Parmesan to the skewers for extra creaminess.
Vegetarian Version: Replace Parma ham with grilled zucchini or roasted bell pepper strips for a meat-free alternative.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle chili-infused olive oil for a bit of heat.
These small tweaks can take your tomato and bread skewers on Parma ham to the next level, making them even more flavorful and visually appealing!
1. Choosing the Best Ingredients
Tomatoes: Use ripe, sweet cherry or grape tomatoes for the best flavor. If they're too firm, let them sit at room temperature for a day to soften.
Bread: A rustic bread like ciabatta or a day-old baguette works best because it holds its shape while toasting. Avoid soft sandwich bread as it may become too mushy.
Parma Ham: Look for high-quality, thinly sliced Parma ham for its delicate texture and rich, slightly sweet flavor.
2. Enhancing Flavor
Marinate the Tomatoes: For extra flavor, toss the cherry tomatoes in olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of balsamic vinegar before grilling. Let them sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Garlic-Infused Bread: Rubbing the bread cubes with a cut clove of garlic before assembling the skewers adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Herbs for a Boost: Besides basil, try adding fresh oregano or thyme for a different aromatic touch.
3. Perfecting the Texture
Crispier Bread: If you prefer extra crispy bread cubes, toast them lightly in the oven (350°F/175°C for 5-7 minutes) before assembling the skewers.
Avoid Soggy Skewers: Don't over-soak the bread in oil, or it might become too soft. Light brushing is enough.
Balanced Cooking: If the tomatoes start to char too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill to avoid burning.
4. Serving & Presentation
Plating Tip: Arrange the Parma ham in gentle folds or ribbons on the plate for an elegant presentation.
Drizzle in Stages: Add half of the balsamic glaze before serving and the rest just before eating to keep the flavors fresh.
Pairing Idea: Serve with a light salad or a side of marinated olives for a complete appetizer platter.
5. Customization Ideas
Cheese Addition: Add small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or shavings of Parmesan to the skewers for extra creaminess.
Vegetarian Version: Replace Parma ham with grilled zucchini or roasted bell pepper strips for a meat-free alternative.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle chili-infused olive oil for a bit of heat.
These small tweaks can take your tomato and bread skewers on Parma ham to the next level, making them even more flavorful and visually appealing!