I came up with these tasty treats when I had just a few strips of prosciutto left...they couldn't be put away and unused before their time came to an end. Plus, they are great for everything from bridal showers, to family get-togethers, to sports viewing gatherings.
Very simple to do...almost impossible to mess-up these savory bites. Plus they look really pretty too. Guys don't care about pretty, I know, but it's nice to present something that doesn't look like dog chow during a game.
Grab a skillet and let's get to cooking some bacon! I take several slices of bacon and cut them in half. This seems to allow me to fit and maneuver more of them in the skillet to get the coloring and crispness I like for each slice. Then turn the heat up to medium high and let them start cooking. I want them to be cooked and a bit browned but not quite crispy for this recipe...they will be put under a broiler in the final step.
Next, I turn my attention to the prosciutto slices, while also keeping a watchful eye on my bacon for turns and flips needed, and cut each slice in half width-wise. This allows the perfect size for placing them in a mini muffin pan without lapping over the sides.
While the bacon is cooking, I take a pastry brush and dab a little bit of the bacon grease into the muffin tins.
OR a little bit of cooking spray could be used. (I prefer to carry the bacon flavor over)
Time to start placing my prosciutto. Separating the slices can be a bit nerve wracking...especially if they are sliced extremely thin...so I take care while separating them to be sure that I don't end up splitting slices.
Then each slice is placed into the muffin tins by laying the center of the slice down
and gently pressing the sides to form a cup in the tin.
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| Option #1: Flat Slices To Be Rolled Before Placement |
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| Option #2: The Roll-up |
This allows me to pick up the pieces I need...
and makes for easy placement into the prosciutto cups.
Then I slice my mozzarella cheese sticks into 1/4" thick rounds.
The mozzarella sticks just make a perfect fit into the center of the prosciutto cups. And it's not too much mozzarella cheese...just right.
Now for my favorite garlic spread mix...Johnny's Great Caesar Garlic Spread & Seasoning. My local Costco sells this amazingly wonderful mix. If you do not have a Costco in your area, or have trouble locating some of Johnny's Great Caesar Garlic Spread & Seasoning, then visit their website at: http://www.johnnysfinefoods.com/
Sprinkle a little of the garlic spread seasoning over the top of each prosciutto cup...this just makes it so delectable. (a little goes a long way)
The final step brings our bacon back to the chopping block...each slice gets cut in half length-wise and then into 1/4" slices width-wise. Those little pieces of bacon then get sprinkled on top of the cheese.
One more quick step before going into the oven, a quick spritz of cooking spray for each cup...which helps brown the garlic spread seasoning.
Then into the oven, broiler set on low, for 5-7 minutes. Keeping an eye on the prosciutto cups so that they don't burn, but instead get nicely browned and bubbly.
Once toasted, I pull them out and resist grabbing one & popping it into my mouth.
Let them set for a couple of minutes and then plate them for those blessed to receive them.
Prosciutto & Cheese Rosettes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Servings: 24
Necessary Equipment: Mini Muffin Pan(s)
Ingredients:
3 slices Smoked Bacon, halved
12 slices Prosciutto, halved
2 sticks Mozzarella Cheese
4 slices Provolone Cheese
1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp. Johnny's Garlic Spread & Seasoning or garlic salt may be substituted (season to your liking)
Directions:
In a large skillet, lightly crisp bacon over medium high heat. Remove bacon and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain.
Prepare the mini muffin pan by taking a pastry brush and lightly coating each muffin hole with a little bit of the bacon grease. OR lightly spray muffin holes with cooking spray.
Take proscuitto slices and carefully separate each slice. Gently place the center of the slice of proscuitto into a muffin hole. Press the proscuitto along the sides of the muffin hole.
Roll the provolone cheese loosely, then slice into 1/2" rounds. OR lay the provolone cheese flat on the cutting surface and slice into 1/2" strips. (when sliced in rounds, it is easier to place into the proscuitto cups) Place one strip of provolone cheese into each proscuitto cup by circling the cheese along the inside of each cup.
Take the mozzarella sticks and slice 1/4" thick rounds. Place a round of cheese into the center of each proscuitto cup.
Top each cup with a sprinkle of Johnny's Garlic Spread & Seasoning (or garlic salt). Take care not to over season each cup or they will be too salty.
Slice each bacon strip in half down the center length-wise. Then cut each strip into 1/4" thick slices width-wise. Place bacon bits on the top of each proscuitto cup. Give each cup a quick spritz of cooking spray.
Place on the second oven shelf. Set the broiler on LOW. Allow to broil for 5-7 minutes.
Check frequently after 3 minutes to be sure that nothing is browing too quickly.
Remove and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes.
Plate and serve immediately.
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