Dive Into Rustic Comfort: Ina Garten’s Grilled Bread With Prosciutto Recipe
Fire up the grill and get ready to dive into a mediterranean-inspired appetizer that blends Ina Garten’s grilled bread with prosciutto into a mouthwatering delight.
Crisp, smoky bread pairs perfectly with delicate, salty prosciutto slices that melt on your tongue.
The simplicity of this recipe belies its sophisticated flavor profile, making it an ideal starter for summer gatherings.
Each slice promises a burst of rustic charm and elegant taste that will impress even the most discerned palates.
Ingredients come together effortlessly, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality dish in minutes.
Grilling transforms ordinary bread into a golden, crunchy canvas that serves as the perfect backdrop for the luxurious prosciutto.
This recipe will elevate your appetizer game and have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories: 250 kcal
Servings: 6
What You Need for Ina Garten Grilled Bread With Prosciutto
For Bread Base:
Ciabatta, Sourdough: Crusty, rustic breads perfect for grilling that provide a sturdy foundation with delightful charred edges and crispy texture.
Olive Oil: Silky liquid that enhances flavor, creates gorgeous grill marks, and helps bread crisp beautifully without sticking.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Garlic Clove: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses bread with robust, zesty notes when rubbed directly on warm surface.
Fresh Parsley: Bright, verdant herb that adds fresh, peppery finish and gorgeous green color to the dish.
Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance the overall taste profile.
For Protein and Cheese:
Prosciutto: Delicate, paper-thin Italian cured ham that brings salty, luxurious richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Mozzarella: Creamy, mild cheese that provides luscious melting quality and smooth counterpoint to crispy bread.
Tools for Ina Garten Grilled Bread With Prosciutto
Charcoal or Gas Grill: Essential for creating those perfect golden grill marks and smoky flavor.
Tongs: Crucial for safely handling bread and prosciutto on the hot grill.
Grater: Needed for shredding fresh mozzarella cheese.
Platter: Used for serving and transferring grilled bread.
Sharp Knife: Handy for slicing bread and chopping fresh parsley.
Measuring Tablespoon: Helps drizzle the right amount of olive oil.
Making Ina Garten Grilled Bread With Prosciutto
Grill Preparation Fire up the grill to medium-hot temperature, creating a perfect cooking zone for transforming simple bread into a mouthwatering appetizer.
Bread Transformation Carefully place bread slices on the grill, allowing each side to develop a stunning golden-brown color and delightful crispy texture.
Flavor Infusion Gently rub fresh garlic across the grilled bread surface, releasing aromatic oils that will tantalize taste buds and create an irresistible base.
Cheese and Prosciutto Magic Lovingly drape torn prosciutto over the bread and sprinkle creamy mozzarella, creating a luxurious canvas of flavors.
Final Sizzle Return the bread to the grill, letting the cheese melt into a luscious blanket and warming the ingredients to perfection. Finish with a delicate drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the entire dish. Serve immediately while the bread is warm and crispy.
Enhancing Tips for Ina Garten Grilled Bread With Prosciutto
Get perfect grill marks by cleaning and oiling your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful caramelization.
Use freshly grated mozzarella for smoother melting and better flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Choose high-quality, thinly sliced prosciutto from a specialty deli for the most authentic and delicate flavor that complements the grilled bread.
Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme instead of parsley to create unique flavor profiles and match your personal taste preferences.
Watch your grill carefully during the final cheese-melting stage to prevent burning, aiming for a quick, gentle melt that keeps the bread crisp and the cheese gooey.
Serving Style for Ina Garten Grilled Bread With Prosciutto
Craft the Perfect Appetizer Platter: Arrange the grilled prosciutto bread on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around, creating an inviting Mediterranean-style spread that'll wow your guests.
Pair with Refreshing Drinks: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or a light summer cocktail to complement the salty prosciutto and rich melted cheese.
Create a Quick Lunch Option: Transform these grilled bread slices into a satisfying light meal by adding a small side salad of mixed greens and cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and balance.
Elevate Entertaining Moments: Use this recipe as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at casual gatherings, game nights, or summer barbecues where people can grab and enjoy without formal dining.
Save & Store Ina Garten Grilled Bread With Prosciutto
Prepare Ahead: Slice bread and slice prosciutto up to 4 hours before grilling, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Batch Cooking: Create multiple batches of grilled bread during summer gatherings, keeping extras warm in a low-temperature oven until serving time.
Quick Refrigeration: Store any leftover grilled bread in an sealed container for up to 2 days, reheating briefly on a skillet to restore crispness and revive flavors.
Smart Ingredient Storage: Keep prosciutto wrapped tightly in butcher paper or plastic wrap in the coldest part of the refrigerator, consuming within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
Ina Garten’s grilled bread with prosciutto combines crisp Italian bread and delicate cured meat for an elegant appetizer. Guests will savor rustic flavors and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients with minimal preparation time.
Ingredients
Scale
6 slices Tuscan round bread
2 oz (56 g) thinly sliced prosciutto
2 oz (56 g) fresh smoked mozzarella
3 tbsps (45 mL) minced fresh parsley
1 large garlic clove
olive oil
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Grill Preparation: Ignite the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring even temperature distribution across charcoal or gas grates.
First Toast: Grill bread slices for 2 minutes until achieving a golden-brown crust, then transfer to serving platter with toasted side facing upward.
Flavor Infusion: Rub fresh garlic clove across bread surface to release aromatic oils, then drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, covering entire slice evenly.
Topping Assembly: Artfully layer torn prosciutto pieces over bread, sprinkle freshly grated mozzarella cheese to create a luxurious melting surface.
Final Grilling: Return prepared bread to grill, covering to create a warm environment that allows cheese to melt smoothly and maintain bread’s crisp texture, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
Finishing Touches: Remove from heat, enhance with light olive oil drizzle, scatter finely chopped fresh parsley, and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate presentation.
Serving: Present immediately while bread remains warm and crisp, offering a delectable appetizer or light meal that showcases grilled sophistication.
Notes
Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat for perfect golden-brown bread without burning, ensuring even toasting and crisp texture.
Garlic Infusion Technique: Rubbing fresh garlic directly on warm bread releases intense, aromatic oils that penetrate and enhance overall flavor profile.
Olive Oil Layering: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil generously, drizzling before and after grilling to add richness and depth to the dish.
Cheese Melting Strategy: Cover grill briefly when adding cheese to create a warm environment that melts mozzarella smoothly without overcooking the bread.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.