Inspired by Giada De Laurentiis, Jillian Harris, and the simple elegance of European-inspired entertaining.
Some of the most sophisticated appetizers require very little cooking. These pear, prosciutto, and arugula skewers are a perfect example. Sweet ripe pear, salty prosciutto, peppery arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze come together in a bite that feels festive, refined, and effortless.
They’re ideal for holiday cocktail parties, Christmas open houses, and those gatherings where guests mingle with a glass in hand and conversation flows as freely as the wine.
Why You’ll Love It
- No cooking required
- Elegant presentation
- Perfect balance of sweet and savoury
- Easy to assemble ahead of time
- A lighter option among richer holiday appetizers
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Serves
8
Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm pears, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 8 thin slices prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shaved into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Garnish
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Equipment
- 16 small appetizer skewers or cocktail picks
Instructions
Step 1
Wash and prepare the pears, cutting them into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2
Fold each strip of prosciutto into loose ribbons.
Step 3
On each skewer, thread one piece of pear, a small fold of prosciutto, a few arugula leaves, and a shaving of Parmesan.
Step 4
Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
Step 5
Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze.
Step 6
Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a few rosemary sprigs scattered around the platter.
Serve immediately.
Beauty Benefits
One of the wonderful things about simple ingredients is that they often provide naturally occurring nutrients while remaining beautifully uncomplicated.
Pears
Pears contain fibre and vitamin C, making them a lovely seasonal addition to holiday entertaining.
Arugula
Arugula contains vitamins A and C, along with beneficial phytonutrients that contribute to overall wellness.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan provides protein and calcium, important nutrients for maintaining overall health.
Balsamic Vinegar
Traditional balsamic vinegar contains naturally occurring polyphenols derived from grapes.
Substitutions
- Pears → crisp apples
- Prosciutto → smoked turkey
- Arugula → baby spinach
- Parmesan → aged Asiago
- Balsamic glaze → honey-Dijon drizzle
Storage
These skewers are best enjoyed the day they are prepared.
Make Ahead
Assemble up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate until serving.
Leftovers
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
The arugula may soften slightly over time.
Freezing
Not recommended.
Face by Stace Entertaining Tip
Arrange the skewers in neat rows on a long white serving platter and tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between them. For a truly festive touch, scatter a few pomegranate arils around the platter. The deep red accents instantly elevate the presentation while complementing the colours of the season.
A Beautiful Holiday Detail
There is something timeless about the pairing of pears and cheese. For centuries, European hosts have served fruit alongside cured meats and aged cheeses as a simple expression of hospitality and abundance.
Pears, in particular, have long been associated with winter entertaining. Their delicate sweetness and elegant shape make them feel right at home on a holiday table, whether featured in desserts, savoury dishes, or appetizers such as these.
Perhaps that is why this combination never feels trendy or dated. It simply feels classic.
And during the holidays, there is a certain comfort in serving something that reminds us that true elegance rarely needs to be complicated. It often begins with beautiful ingredients, thoughtfully presented, and shared among people we care about.
