Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling

Imagine savoring a delectable treat with these Prosciutto Baskets filled to the brim with a delightful Whipped Goat Cheese surprise. Visualize this: thin, crispy prosciutto forming an edible basket that holds a creamy, tangy whipped goat cheese filling. It's a harmonious blend of flavors—the saltiness of the prosciutto complementing the velvety richness of the goat cheese.

The prosciutto provides a satisfying crunch, creating a delightful texture in your mouth, while the whipped goat cheese adds a luxurious and light quality that keeps you craving for more. It's the perfect appetizer to elevate any gathering, making you the star of the potluck party scene. So, whether you're an experienced chef or a novice in the kitchen, these Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling are your gateway to gourmet excellence without any hassle.

The simplicity of creating these delectable bites.

Now, let's discuss the simplicity of creating these delectable bites. You don't require extensive culinary expertise or a pantry stocked with rare ingredients—just a few straightforward steps and a handful of high-quality components. Arrange the prosciutto slices delicately, as if you were crafting an exquisite bouquet, shaping them into alluring baskets that will cradle the star of the dish. As for the whipped goat cheese filling? It's a breeze. Blend goat cheese, a touch of herbs, and perhaps a hint of honey for that perfect sweet-savory balance, and you'll have a heavenly mixture ready to be piped into the prosciutto nests. The outcome? A culinary work of art that appears and tastes as though it required hours of preparation, but in reality, it's your little secret: gourmet sophistication achieved with minimal effort. So, whether you're hosting a sophisticated gathering or simply indulging in a moment of culinary pleasure, these Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling are your express route to epicurean delight.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Yield: 24 appetizers

Jump to:

• The simplicity of creating these delectable bites.
• Ingredients needed to make Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling
• How to make Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling
• Variations on the Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling recipe
• Equipment
• Storage for the Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling
• Top tips to know when making Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling
• Related
• Pairing
• Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling

Ingredients needed to make Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling

• Non-stick cooking spray
• 12 slices thinly sliced prosciutto
• 4 oz. goat cheese, softened
• 4 oz. ricotta cheese
• 3 T. heavy cream
• 2 T. fresh thyme, leaves only
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• ⅓ c. pistachios, chopped 

How to make Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling

1. Pre-heat oven to 375°F and spray a 24-cup mini-muffin pan with non-cook cooking spray. Set aside.
   
2. Cut prosciutto slices in half lengthwise to create 24 long, thin strips.
   
3. Take one thin strip of prosciutto and place is across an empty muffin cup, with the middle of the strip over the mid-point of the cup. Press the center of the prosciutto strip into the bottom of the cup. Carefully fold and wrap one end of the prosciutto around one interior side of the cup until it overlaps the prosciutto on the opposite side. Repeat with the opposite side of the prosciutto so that the exposed areas of the muffin cup are covered to form a “basket.”
   
4. Repeat this process with the remaining 23 muffin cups.
   
5. Place muffin pan in pre-heated oven and bake for 9-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them while they bake so they don’t overcook. The edges of the prosciutto will start to brown when ready. 
   
6. While the prosciutto baskets are baking, combine the goat cheese, ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and thyme leaves in a medium bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Set aside.
   
7. Remove the muffin pan from the oven and cool for several minutes before transferring each prosciutto basket to a plate lined with paper towels. Flip each basket after a couple minutes and blot carefully to remove excess grease. When complete, transfer baskets to a large serving platter. 
   
8. Once prosciutto baskets are cool to the touch, transfer the cheese mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a tip. Carefully pipe the goat cheese mixture into each prosciutto basket.
   
9. Top each cheese-filled prosciutto basket with some chopped pistachios and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Variations on the Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling recipe

1. Fig and Honey Twist: Incorporate finely chopped dried figs into the whipped goat cheese filling and drizzle a touch of honey over the prosciutto baskets for a sweet and savory blend that's downright addictive.
2. Herb Garden Delight: Amp up the freshness by adding a mix of finely chopped fresh herbs—think basil, chives, and thyme—into the whipped goat cheese. It's like a garden party in your mouth.
3. Citrus Zest Extravaganza: Grate some citrus zest (lemon, orange, or a combo) into the goat cheese mixture to bring a zingy brightness to every bite, balancing out the richness of the prosciutto.
4. Pesto Paradise: Swirl a spoonful of your favorite pesto into the whipped goat cheese for a burst of vibrant flavor. The basil-pine nut combo takes these baskets to a whole new level.
5. Truffle Infusion: For a touch of luxury, add a few drops of truffle oil to the goat cheese filling. The earthy aroma and rich flavor will make these baskets feel like a gourmet indulgence.
6. Balsamic Bliss: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the finished prosciutto baskets for a sweet and tangy kick that complements the creamy goat cheese filling perfectly.
7. Sundried Tomato Tango: Fold in finely chopped sundried tomatoes into the whipped goat cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired twist. The sweet-tart tomatoes add depth to each bite.
8. Spicy Fiesta: Kick up the heat by mixing a pinch of red pepper flakes into the goat cheese filling. It's a spicy surprise that adds a playful element to the elegance.
9. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts—like pistachios or almonds—over the finished baskets. The nutty crunch provides a delightful contrast to the smooth goat cheese and crispy prosciutto.
10. Smoked Salmon Soiree: For a seafood-inspired variation, top the whipped goat cheese with thin slices of smoked salmon. It's a marriage of flavors that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Equipment

mini-muffin pan
non-cook cooking spray.

Storage for the Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling

The storage time for your Prosciutto Baskets with Whipped Goat Cheese Filling depends on a few factors, but generally, they are best enjoyed fresh. Here are some guidelines:

1. Short-Term Storage: If you need to prepare them in advance, you can store the assembled baskets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will help them retain their crispiness and flavors.
2. Longer Storage of Components: If you want to prepare components ahead, you can whip the goat cheese and store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Prosciutto slices can also be kept separately in the fridge for a day or two. Assemble the baskets closer to serving time for the best texture.

Remember, the charm of Prosciutto Baskets lies in their texture—crispy prosciutto and creamy goat cheese. So, try to plan your preparation so that you can assemble them as close to serving time as possible for the best culinary experience.

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Pairing

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