Have you ever wanted an appetizer that feels elegant enough for a cocktail party but is so simple you can pull it together in just a few minutes? That’s exactly what I love about these prosciutto wrapped pear appetizers with blue cheese. They’re the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy – with just five ingredients, no oven, and barely 15 minutes of prep.
And while this is a no-bake recipe, you can also pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes. The heat softens the pears, melts the cheese slightly, and makes the prosciutto extra savory, it works perfectly either way.
Every time I make them, people think I spent hours fussing, but really, it’s as easy as slice, stuff, and wrap. These little bites always disappear first from the party platter.
What Do You Need to Made These Prosciutto Wrapped Pear Appetizers?
These fresh ingredients are all you need to make this no-bake starter:
- Pears – ripe but firm, so they hold their shape.
- Lemon juice – it helps to keep the pear slices from browning.
- Arugula – peppery and bright, plus it looks pretty peeking out of the wrap.
- Blue cheese – creamy and tangy, choose your favorite style (gorgonzola, stilton, or Danish blue).
- Prosciutto – thinly sliced, slightly salty, and perfect for wrapping.
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Pear Appetizers
Follow these four simple steps to make these delicious appetizers:
- Slice the pears – Cut each pear into wedges and brush with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Top each slice with a bit of blue cheese and a sprig of arugula.
3. Gently roll a strip of prosciutto around the pear and filling to secure it.
4. To plate and serve, arrange on a platter and drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze if you want to dress them up. I like using this balsamic glaze first because it’s slightly sweeter and has a thick, syrupy texture that not only tastes amazing but also makes the appetizers look so much more polished.
That’s it! No cooking, no stress.
Tips & Variations
Not a big fan of blue cheese? No problem. You can totally swap it out for something milder like brie, creamy goat cheese, or even plain cream cheese if that’s what you have on hand. Each one changes the vibe of the appetizer a little, brie makes it extra buttery, goat cheese adds tang, and cream cheese keeps it super simple and smooth.
If prosciutto isn’t your thing (or it’s tough to find), try using serrano ham or even a thinly sliced smoked ham. They’ll still give you that salty, savory balance against the sweetness of the pear.
Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle a little something on top before serving. Honey makes them sweeter, balsamic glaze adds a tangy punch, and pomegranate molasses gives them this deep, fruity kick that feels fancy with almost zero effort.
And for extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the top, almonds, pecans, or walnuts all work beautifully. It adds a little texture so every bite has that perfect sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy combo that keeps people going back for more.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep up to 2 hours before serving, cover tightly, and keep chilled. Add any drizzle just before serving.
What’s the best pear to use?
Bosc pears are my go-to because they hold their shape, but any ripe-yet-firm pear works.
Can I serve these with crackers?
Absolutely, place each wrapped pear on a cracker to turn it into a heartier bite.
What’s the best balsamic glaze to use?
Any store-bought balsamic glaze will work, but I like choosing one that’s slightly sweet with a thick, syrupy texture like this one – it clings beautifully to the pears and makes the appetizers look extra polished. If you don’t have glaze, you can easily make your own by simmering regular balsamic vinegar on low heat until it reduces by half. It thickens into a rich, glossy drizzle that tastes amazing.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Just skip the prosciutto and wrap the pears with thin slices of cucumber or zucchini or even large spinach leaves. You’ll still get that “wrapped” look and the same mix of flavors with the pear and cheese. If you go for the vegetarian version, make sure to add any kind of nuts to add extra flavor to your appetizer.
These prosciutto wrapped pear appetizers are the kind of recipe that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Whether you serve them no-bake or give them a quick bake, they’re always a hit – simple, delicious, and gone in minutes.
Prosciutto Wrapped Pear Appetizers with Blue Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe pears, cut into 8 wedges
- 4 tsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh arugula
- 3 oz blue cheese, cut into 8 chunks
- 6 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, halved lengthwise
Instructions
- Slice pears into wedges and brush with lemon juice.
- Place a piece of blue cheese and arugula on each wedge.
- Wrap with prosciutto and secure snugly.
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
