Elegant Prosciutto Apple Flatbread

This flatbread transforms traditional charcuterie board elements into a delicious, shareable appetizer that combines all the best flavors in every bite. Perfect for entertaining or a quick dinner, this recipe elevates store-bought flatbread with premium toppings for maximum flavor with minimal effort.

I created this recipe when hosting a last-minute gathering and needed something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Now it's my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly, and everyone always asks for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Store-bought flatbreads or naan: These create the perfect canvas and save precious time. Look for artisanal varieties with some char marks for extra flavor.
• Prosciutto: The thin, delicate slices provide the perfect salty element. Select prosciutto that's freshly sliced at the deli counter rather than pre-packaged for best quality.
• Crisp-tart apple: Honeycrisp apples provide the ideal balance of sweetness and acidity. Choose firm apples that aren't mealy for the best texture contrast.
• Burrata: This creamy cheese creates luxurious pockets of richness. Look for fresh burrata that feels heavy for its size with a soft exterior.
• Marcona almonds: These Spanish almonds add essential crunch and nutty flavor. Their buttery quality elevates the entire dish.
• Fresh basil: Adds brightness and color. Select vibrant green leaves without any brown spots.
• Honey: Creates the perfect sweet finish. Use a high-quality variety like wildflower or orange blossom for more complex flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the Flatbread:

Lightly toast your flatbread or naan until just crisp but still pliable. This creates the perfect texture base that will hold up to toppings without becoming soggy or too brittle. You can do this in a toaster oven for 2-3 minutes or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Layer the Prosciutto:

Arrange thin slices of prosciutto across the toasted flatbread, creating gentle folds and ripples rather than laying it flat. This creates texture and ensures every bite includes some of this delicate meat. The warmth from the recently toasted bread will slightly enhance the aroma of the prosciutto.

Add Apple Slices:

Distribute thin apple slices evenly across the flatbread, overlapping them slightly. The apple provides a crucial sweet-tart element and refreshing crunch that balances the rich cheese and salty meat. Make sure to slice the apples just before assembly to prevent browning.

Add Burrata:

Tear the burrata into small, irregular pieces and scatter across the flatbread. Allow some of the creamy interior to ooze onto the bread. The contrast between the outer mozzarella shell and creamy center creates textural interest across the flatbread.

Garnish and Finish:

Sprinkle with chopped Marcona almonds for crunch, scatter fresh basil leaves for color and freshness, and finish with a generous drizzle of honey. The honey should be applied in a back-and-forth motion to ensure every slice gets some sweetness.

Pin

You Must Know

The discovery of this recipe came during a particularly hectic holiday season when I needed something special but simple. The burrata is truly the star here, with its creamy center creating a luscious sauce-like quality that binds all the flavors together. My daughter now requests this for her birthday dinner every year instead of pizza.

Make-Ahead Tips

While best enjoyed shortly after assembly, you can prep all components ahead of time. Toast the flatbread and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Slice apples and toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Store all components separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble, which takes just minutes.

Flavor Variations

This recipe welcomes endless customization. Try fig jam instead of honey for a deeper sweetness, or swap prosciutto for speck or soppressata for a different flavor profile. Blue cheese can replace burrata for a more assertive taste, while pears work beautifully in place of apples during winter months. For a vegetarian version, replace the prosciutto with roasted red peppers or thinly sliced roasted beets.

Pin

Serving Suggestions

Serve this flatbread as part of a larger appetizer spread alongside olives, additional cheeses, and perhaps a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For a complete meal, add a light soup or roasted vegetable side dish. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect beverage pairing, cutting through the richness of the cheese and prosciutto.

Pro Tips

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute other meats for the prosciutto?

Absolutely! This flatbread is highly adaptable. Try substituting soppressata, speck, coppa, or serrano ham based on your preferences. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish.

→ What can I use instead of burrata cheese?

If burrata isn't available, fresh mozzarella makes an excellent substitute. You could also try ricotta, stracciatella, or even a soft goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile.

→ How should I serve this flatbread?

Serve this flatbread as an elegant appetizer for gatherings, cut into small pieces. It also makes a perfect light dinner paired with a simple arugula salad. The flatbread is best enjoyed immediately after assembly to maintain the contrast of textures.

→ What type of apple works best for this dish?

Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, plus their firm texture. Other good options include Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala apples. The key is choosing a crisp variety that won't turn mushy.

→ Can I make this flatbread ahead of time?

This flatbread is best assembled just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and prevent the bread from becoming soggy. However, you can prep the components (slicing apple, chopping almonds) in advance and assemble quickly when ready to serve.

→ What alternatives are there for the honey drizzle?

A balsamic glaze makes an excellent alternative to honey, offering a tangy-sweet finish. Fig jam, hot honey, or even a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil with flaky sea salt would also complement the flavors beautifully.