This Prosciutto Caprese Crostini Wreath is a stunning holiday appetizer that brings together the classic flavors of Italian caprese with the salty richness of thinly sliced prosciutto. Each toasted baguette slice is topped with fresh mozzarella balls, sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and delicate folds of prosciutto, arranged beautifully into a festive wreath shape. It looks impressive but takes very little effort, making it an ideal choice for Christmas parties, New Year’s gatherings, or elegant dinner appetizers. The colors are bright and inviting, the textures are perfectly balanced, and the fresh flavors make every bite unforgettable. This is the kind of dish that immediately becomes the centerpiece of your table while remaining simple and approachable for any home cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Visually Stunning and Festive: The wreath shape creates a beautiful presentation perfect for the holidays without requiring advanced cooking skills.
• Classic Italian Flavors: Fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, and prosciutto come together for a deliciously balanced bite, creamy, salty, bright, and savory.
• Zero Cooking Beyond Toasting Bread: This recipe keeps things simple, toast the bread, assemble the toppings, and you’re done.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to set out on a large board or platter, and it holds beautifully at room temperature.
• Customizable and Adaptable: You can add pesto, balsamic glaze, roasted tomatoes, or different cheeses to suit your preferences or event.
• Crowd-Friendly: Both adults and kids enjoy the familiar caprese flavors mixed with the special touch of prosciutto.
• Fast but Luxurious: Assembly takes minutes, yet the final result looks like something from a gourmet holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4–6 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: Toast the Crostini
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
STEP 2: Prepare the Toppings
• Pat mozzarella balls dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Slice cherry tomatoes in half.
• Separate basil leaves and keep them whole for a fresh look.
• Tear prosciutto into small, delicate folds to create ribbon-like pieces.
STEP 3: Assemble the Wreath
• Arrange toasted crostini in a circular wreath pattern on a large serving board.
• Place mozzarella balls on different crostini around the wreath.
• Add cherry tomatoes beside the mozzarella to create color balance.
• Tuck basil leaves between crostini and toppings for a natural, leafy look.
• Place folded prosciutto on top, spacing it evenly around the wreath.
• Season lightly with pepper and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
STEP 4: Serve
• Serve immediately, or assemble up to 30 minutes before guests arrive.
Variations
• Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: Add a thin drizzle of balsamic glaze for sweetness and extra shine.
• Pesto Spread: Spread a light layer of basil pesto on each crostini before adding toppings for deeper herb flavor.
• Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Roast tomatoes with olive oil and garlic for a sweeter, more intense flavor.
• Burrata Wreath: Replace mozzarella balls with spoonfuls of creamy burrata for a more luxurious texture.
• Prosciutto Alternatives: Replace prosciutto with serrano ham, coppa, or speck for a different cured-meat profile.
• Mediterranean Version: Add marinated artichokes, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a heartier wreath.
• Spicy Twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian salami for gentle heat.
Cooking Notes
• Make sure crostini are toasted well so they stay crisp under the toppings.
• Mozzarella should be dried to avoid adding moisture to the bread.
• Basil wilts quickly, add it as close to serving time as possible.
• Prosciutto should be gently torn and folded, not rolled tightly, for a light, airy presentation.
• If serving outdoors or for a long time, keep basil refrigerated and add it right before guests arrive.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve as the centerpiece of an appetizer board with olives, nuts, cheese, and cured meats.
• Add small bowls of pesto, olive tapenade, or balsamic glaze to drizzle on top.
• Present on a wooden board for a rustic holiday look.
• Pair with white wine, prosecco, champagne, or sparkling water with citrus.
• Add a small bowl of fresh mozzarella pearls in the center for extra serving flair.
Tips
• Use a serrated knife to cut the baguette so the slices stay even and smooth.
• Toast crostini up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container.
• Fold prosciutto loosely, it creates a more elegant and airy look.
• Add a small pinch of flaky sea salt on tomatoes for better flavor.
• Keep ingredients chilled until assembly for the freshest result.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 210 calories – 10g protein – 12g fat – 15g carbs
FAQs
Can I make this wreath ahead of time?
- You can toast the bread and prep all ingredients ahead, but assemble the wreath right before serving to keep basil fresh and bread crisp.
Can I replace mozzarella with another cheese?
- Yes, burrata, fresh ricotta dollops, or marinated mozzarella balls work beautifully.
What type of prosciutto is best?
- Use thinly sliced prosciutto di Parma or prosciutto di San Daniele for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use large tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
- Cherry or grape tomatoes work best because they hold their shape and don’t release too much liquid.
Is this recipe good for brunch?
- Absolutely, it fits perfectly on brunch boards alongside fruit, eggs, pastries, and sparkling drinks.
Conclusion
This Prosciutto Caprese Crostini Wreath is the perfect holiday appetizer, visually stunning, delicious, and effortless to prepare. With its fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, vibrant basil, and savory prosciutto arranged in a festive wreath shape, it brings elegance and color to your holiday table. Whether for Christmas dinner, seasonal gatherings, or intimate celebrations, this recipe delivers flavor, beauty, and ease all in one dish.