A Bite of Italy in My Kitchen
Whenever I’m planning an appetizer spread, I love including something that looks fancy but takes just minutes to make. That’s how my Boursin Prosciutto Arugula Crostini came to life. The combination of creamy Boursin cheese, salty ribbons of prosciutto, and peppery arugula on crisp toasted baguette slices makes the perfect little bite.
This recipe was inspired by my love for Italian flavors, using simple ingredients layered together to create something truly special. The creamy garlic Boursin melts ever so slightly over the warm crostini, while the prosciutto adds that irresistible savory depth. If you’ve tried my crispy prosciutto recipe or my prosciutto wrapped Boursin cheese, you already know how wonderfully these flavors work together.
It’s one of my favorite Italian appetizers to serve when I’m hosting, whether for the holidays or a cozy evening with wine and friends.
What Makes These Crostini So Irresistible
You’ll love this crostini recipe because it’s quick, elegant, and full of flavor. It takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, and every bite is perfectly balanced. The saltiness of the prosciutto pairs beautifully with the creamy tang of Boursin and the peppery freshness of arugula.
The 7 Best Prosciutto Recipes to Savor All Year Round
There’s something magical about the salty, delicate flavor of prosciutto.
These crostini look like something from an upscale bistro, yet they’re effortless to assemble. You can serve them as part of a tapas night, a bridal shower, or a simple gathering with wine. If you love prosciutto as much as I do, you might also enjoy my prosciutto Parmesan jalapeño poppers or prosciutto Hawaiian pizza. Both are easy crowd favorites packed with that same savory flair.
Recipe Card
Boursin Prosciutto Arugula Crostini
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 crostini
Description
Crispy crostini topped with creamy Boursin cheese, salty prosciutto, and fresh arugula, an elegant Italian appetizer that’s easy to make and perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
2 tbsp olive oil
1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese
4 to 6 slices prosciutto, torn or crisped
1 cup arugula
Freshly ground black pepper
Optional honey or balsamic glaze, Parmesan, pear or fig slices, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice and toast baguette rounds brushed with olive oil for 6 to 8 minutes until golden.
- Optional: Crisp prosciutto in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes until slightly curled and crispy.
- Spread each crostini with Boursin cheese while warm.
- Top with arugula and a piece of prosciutto.
- Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze and finish with cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can prepare the baguette and prosciutto ahead of time. Assemble just before serving for best texture. Try adding pears, figs, or nuts for a gourmet twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked and Assembled
- Cuisine: Italian
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Main Ingredients
1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing
1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese
4 to 6 slices prosciutto, torn into smaller pieces
1 cup fresh arugula
Freshly cracked black pepper
Optional Add-Ins and Garnishes
Drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey for sweetness
Shaved Parmesan for extra richness
Crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Thinly sliced pear or fig for a hint of sweetness
Toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch
Every element plays its part: creamy, salty, fresh, and crisp, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that make these crostini appetizers unforgettable.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Them Perfect Every Time
Step 1: Toast the Crostini
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice your baguette into thin rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Brush each slice with olive oil on both sides. Toast for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until golden and lightly crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Prosciutto
While the bread toasts, crisp your prosciutto slightly for texture if you’d like. Just like in my crispy prosciutto recipe, lay the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 6 to 8 minutes until they start to curl and darken at the edges. Let them cool slightly before handling.
Step 3: Assemble the Crostini
Spread a generous layer of Boursin cheese onto each toasted baguette slice while they’re still warm so the cheese softens beautifully. Top with a few arugula leaves, then add a small piece of prosciutto on top. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 4: Add Final Touches
For a restaurant-quality finish, drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze or honey. Add shaved Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want more flavor depth.
These are best served right away, but you can toast the baguette and crisp the prosciutto ahead of time to make assembly quick when guests arrive.
Creative Twists and Serving Ideas
There are so many ways to make these Boursin cheese appetizers your own.
Sweet and Savory: Add a thin slice of pear or apple under the prosciutto for a touch of sweetness.
Fruity Twist: Replace arugula with baby spinach and top with halved grapes or fig slices for a pop of flavor.
Herb Upgrade: Mix fresh herbs like basil or thyme into the Boursin before spreading for extra aroma.
Protein Boost: If you’re planning a meal around these bites, pair them with a healthy pasta salad or one of my high protein meals like prosciutto pasta or pastina with prosciutto.
Tapas Night: Serve alongside other tapas ideas and canapés such as marinated olives, burrata appetizers, or simple salad recipes featuring arugula and cucumber for a refreshing balance.
Bringing It All Together
Every time I make these Boursin Prosciutto Arugula Crostini, I’m reminded that the best dishes often come from simple, high-quality ingredients treated with care. These crostini are elegant, satisfying, and endlessly versatile, perfect for any occasion where good food brings people together.
If you love this recipe, explore more of my Italian-inspired appetizers on the blog, like my prosciutto Hawaiian pizza or prosciutto wrapped Boursin cheese. Save this crostini recipe for your next gathering. It’s one of those effortless showstoppers that always disappears fast.
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