Get ready to transform your appetizer game with a stunning Italian-inspired dish that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant! These Red Pepper and Prosciutto Napoleons are not just a feast for your taste buds, but a visual masterpiece that will have your guests swooning. Imagine layers of smoky roasted red peppers, delicate prosciutto, and creamy mozzarella stacked into a beautiful tower of flavor that takes just 15 minutes to create.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers, roasted and sliced
- 8 slices of prosciutto
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the red bell peppers. If you haven't already roasted them, you can do so by placing them under a broiler or on a grill until the skin is charred and blistered. Once roasted, place the peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes to steam. This will make it easier to peel off the skin. After steaming, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and slice the peppers into strips.
- While the peppers are cooling, prepare the prosciutto and mozzarella cheese. Slice the mozzarella into thin rounds, ensuring they are of similar size to the pepper strips for easy layering.
- Once the peppers are ready, take a serving plate and begin layering the ingredients. Start with a slice of roasted red pepper, followed by a slice of prosciutto, then a slice of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process until you have created a stack of three layers, finishing with a slice of prosciutto on top.
- After stacking the ingredients, garnish the top layer with fresh basil leaves. The basil will add a burst of flavor and freshness to your dish.
- To finish, drizzle balsamic glaze over the top of the Napoleons. This will add a sweet and tangy element that complements the savory flavors of the prosciutto and the creaminess of the mozzarella.
- Serve immediately while the layers are fresh, or refrigerate briefly if you prefer to serve them cold. Enjoy your Red Pepper and Prosciutto Napoleons as an elegant appetizer or a light meal!
Tips
- Roasting Peppers Like a Pro: For the most intense flavor, char your bell peppers until the skin is completely blackened. The steaming technique helps remove the skin easily and enhances the pepper's natural sweetness.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and slice it thinly for the most elegant presentation. Room temperature cheese will layer more smoothly.
- Balsamic Glaze Hack: If you don't have store-bought balsamic glaze, reduce balsamic vinegar in a pan until it becomes thick and syrupy.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can roast the peppers and prepare ingredients a day in advance, making assembly quick and easy when guests arrive.
- Serving Suggestions: For the most impressive presentation, serve these Napoleons immediately after assembly to maintain the perfect texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
