Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears with Honey & Thyme

What if you could create a restaurant-worthy appetizer in just minutes, using only a few fresh ingredients? Imagine something that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a quick weekday treat. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears with Honey & Thyme — a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors that delight with every bite.

This recipe is the perfect example of how less can truly be more. With just pears, prosciutto, honey, and thyme, you can create a dish that looks stunning and tastes even better. The natural sweetness of the pear pairs perfectly with the salty prosciutto, while the honey drizzle and fresh thyme add depth and freshness.

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Whether you’re planning a holiday appetizer, a romantic dinner, or a quick snack to enjoy with wine, this dish never disappoints.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: None (optional baking 5–7 minutes if desired)
• Total time: 10–15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 6–8 pieces

Essential Ingredients

To make Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears with Honey & Thyme, you’ll need:

• 2 ripe but firm pears – Bosc or Anjou are perfect choices for their flavor and texture.
• 6–8 slices of prosciutto – thinly sliced and easy to wrap.
• 2 tablespoons honey – raw or local honey adds a deeper, floral sweetness.
• Fresh thyme leaves – for garnish and a fragrant finish.
• Cracked black pepper – to balance the sweetness with a subtle bite.
• Balsamic glaze (optional) – for an extra layer of tangy richness.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use apples instead of pears for a crispier texture.
• Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a vegan-friendly sweetness.
• Add crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese inside the wrap for a creamy surprise.
• Replace prosciutto with turkey bacon or smoked salmon for a twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pears
   Wash the pears and pat them dry. Cut each one into quarters, remove the core, and slice each quarter into smaller wedges (about 8 per pear). Keep the skin on for color and texture.
2. Lay Out the Prosciutto
   Place each slice of prosciutto on a cutting board. If it’s large, cut it in half lengthwise so it’s easier to wrap around the pear.
3. Wrap the Pears
   Starting at one end of each slice, place a pear wedge and roll the prosciutto around it. The ends should slightly overlap to hold everything together.
4. Arrange and Drizzle
   Arrange your wrapped pears on a serving platter. Drizzle honey lightly over the top — not too much, just enough to glisten.
5. Add Fresh Thyme
   Sprinkle thyme leaves on top. They’ll add an aromatic note that complements both the fruit and meat.
6. Finish and Serve
   Add a pinch of cracked black pepper and a swirl of balsamic glaze for presentation. Serve immediately, or chill briefly before serving for a refreshing bite.

Pro Tip:
If you prefer a warm appetizer, place the wrapped pears on a baking sheet and bake for about 5–7 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the prosciutto just starts to crisp.

Assembly and Presentation

Presentation makes this dish shine even more. Arrange the Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears with Honey & Thyme on a large white platter for contrast.

• Drizzle honey and balsamic glaze in artistic lines.
• Add a few extra thyme sprigs for garnish.
• Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt for sparkle and flavor.

If serving at a party, you can insert small toothpicks to make them easy to grab and enjoy.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the wrapped pears up to 4 hours before serving. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, and drizzle honey and thyme just before serving.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Brush the pears with lemon juice before wrapping to prevent browning.
• Reheating: If you’ve baked them, reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 minutes until just warm. Avoid microwaving — it can make the prosciutto chewy.

Recipe Variations

Want to make this appetizer your own? Try these creative spins:

1. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears with Cheese
   Add a thin slice of Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese before wrapping for a creamy addition.
2. Grilled Pear Skewers
   Thread prosciutto-wrapped pear chunks onto skewers and grill briefly for a smoky twist.
3. Pear and Fig Bites
   Add a slice of fig to each pear wedge before wrapping. The fig’s jammy texture enhances the sweetness.
4. Vegan Alternative
   Replace prosciutto with thin roasted red pepper strips or grilled zucchini ribbons. The flavor combination remains elegant and flavorful.
5. Nutty Crunch
   Sprinkle crushed pistachios, walnuts, or almonds over the top for a delightful crunch.

Conclusion

Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears with Honey & Thyme proves that simplicity can be stunning. In less than 15 minutes, you can create an appetizer that feels luxurious but requires no cooking skills at all. Each bite brings together the sweetness of pear, the saltiness of prosciutto, the earthiness of thyme, and the smooth sweetness of honey — a perfect blend of textures and flavors.

This dish is more than just an appetizer; it’s an experience. It works beautifully for Christmas parties, summer gatherings, or elegant dinners. Whether you serve it cold and fresh or warm and crisp, it’s sure to impress every guest.

FAQs

1. What type of pear works best for this recipe?
Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal because they’re firm and hold their shape when sliced. Avoid overly ripe pears as they may become too soft.

2. Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Absolutely! Apples, peaches, or melon slices work wonderfully. Each brings a slightly different sweetness and texture.

3. Do I have to cook the prosciutto?
No, it’s cured and ready to eat. But if you prefer a crispy texture, you can bake it for a few minutes.

4. How do I keep the pears from turning brown?
Brush the sliced pears with lemon juice before wrapping. This helps maintain their bright color.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the wraps a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Add the honey and thyme right before serving for freshness.

6. What pairs well with this appetizer?
Try pairing with Prosecco, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio. The acidity in the wine complements the pear’s sweetness and the prosciutto’s saltiness.

7. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! It’s naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and uses simple whole ingredients. Pears provide fiber and vitamin C, while honey adds natural antioxidants.

8. Can I make it look fancier for holidays?
Definitely! Add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or pomegranate seeds for color and festive flair.