Melon and prosciutto skewers

These cantaloupe melon and prosciutto skewers take the classic Italian combination and make it into a slightly fancier-feeling, but just as delicious, appetizer. They're so easy to make, and perfect as a highlight of any party platter.

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Prosciutto and melon, "prosciutto e melone", might almost be considered a bit cliche as an Italian antipasti, but it's a classic for a reason. It's incredibly simple and the flavors work so well together.

While it's typically an antipasti (appetizer), I remember having it as my lunch in Italy on the odd hot day when I wasn't feeling like much more. You often make it with a slice of honeydew, cut into chunks, with the cured meat on the side. But cantaloupe is also an option.

This skewer version adds in just a couple more ingredients to make the basic sweet-salty combination into a great finger food that's perfect for entertaining. They're quick to put together, look good and taste just as amazing.

Origins of prosciutto and melon

The combination of prosciutto and melon has been around a surprisingly long time. Apparently it was created by the Greek/Roman doctor Galenus in the 2nd century.

He believed in balancing your diet for good health to align with the four elements of fire, air, earth and water. These aligned in foods as warm, cold, dry and juicy. Melon was considered cold and juicy, so ham, being cured in warm, dry conditions, balanced it out.

Origins aside, it's a wonderfully simple and tasty combination that remains popular. And while these may a tiny bit more to them, the additions pair well.

Ingredients in these antipasti skewers

These skewers have only a handful of ingredients in them:

• Prosciutto - this is a classic Italian cured ham that's made in the North of the country. It's sliced thin, tender and lightly salty. While you can get similar products from elsewhere, I highly recommend an Italian prosciutto for these (either prosciutto de Parma or San Danielle). Some others can be good, but many are just not as tender making them a little harder to eat.
• Melon - you can use honeydew or cantaloupe for these, as you have and prefer. Make sure your melon is nicely ripe and juicy for best flavor. Scooping melon balls helps to make prettier skewers, but you could also cut chunks. Watermelon could work but it can be too juicy and break up more easily so it wouldn't be my first choice.
• Mozzarella - you could skip this, but the creaminess works so well so I highly recommend it. The small mozzarella balls also fit in perfectly with the balls of melon.
• Basil - you only need a small amount to add some extra color and bright, herby flavor. You could skip if you like, but it adds a nice extra freshness.
• Balsamic glaze - again, you could skip this, but again, it pairs so well. The slight sweetness and acidity works well with the other ingredients, plus it's looks pretty, too. You could use an aged balsamic instead but it doesn't tend to 'stick' quite as well.

In terms of preparation, I'd suggest you can break up the prosciutto and scoop melon balls a little ahead of time, as suits. I find halving the prosciutto slices lengthwise then folding concertina-style works well. You can store the prosciutto stacks and scooped melon in the fridge for a few hours.

Then, thread together the skewers close to when you are serving for everything to stay in best condition. A final drizzle of glaze, if using, and they're ready to go. This is best added near when you plan to serve or it can run off. Though the thicker glaze is better for this than a regular balsamic vinegar.

Serving ideas

These skewers are great for entertaining as they're easy to scale up or down, quick to make and hand-held, too. You can serve them just as they are or add in other appetizers, dips, or alongside larger plates in a buffet.

In terms of pairing, if you want to stay Italian-influenced, then maybe add some grisini breadsticks or some crostini with simple toppings like pate and cheese. Other mini skewers like caprese-inspired tomato, mozzarella and basil could be good, or nibbles like salami, olives and chunks of firmer cheese. Really, the options are endless!

These melon and prosciutto skewers so easy to make yet a fantastic balance of sweet, savory, salty and creamy flavors. They're colorful and perfect for entertaining, but just as good to put together to snack on just because. Be sure to enjoy any excuse you can.

Try these other tasty finger foods:

• Papdi chaat - this Indian street food style snack is a fantastic mix of flavors with crackers, chutneys, herbs, cool yogurt and more.
• Pintxos - or pinchos, these Spanish bites have a bread base and various toppings, from crab to cheese and cured meats. Try some classics and get other ideas, too.
• Haggis bon bons - turn leftover haggis into a tasty appetizer with a crisp coating, perfect dipped in the honey-whisky mayo sauce.
• Plus get more appetizer recipes and summer recipes in the archives.

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