What Happens When You Cook Prosciutto Like Bacon (2024)

Prosciutto and bacon are both savory, pork-based products that can be used to layer into sandwiches, serve in gorgeous salads, or simply snack on by the slice. Regardless, the two aren't always interchangeable. Based on a difference in raw materials and methods of processing, strips of bacon and slices of prosciutto each boast different ways of being prepared prior to consumption. Essentially, bacon needs to be cooked and prosciutto doesn't. The question is, what would happen if you treated prosciutto like bacon, and cooked it?

Bacon, despite any brief curing or smoking, must be cooked as it's a raw product. Prosciutto, on the other hand, undergoes an extensive curing process, which means it can be enjoyed without cooking because it's not technically raw. Even though soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto is a pleasure to eat in its intended state, that doesn't mean that cooking the cured meat is totally out of the question.

Although it might lack the same smoky quality as bacon, prosciutto still offers an intensely savory quality, just with a saltier edge, due to a loss of moisture during cooking. It's worth bearing in mind that there's a textural difference between the two. Unlike the crunchy bite of a fried and fatty bacon strip, a leaner slice of prosciutto produces a more delicate crispness when cooked. Prosciutto can evenrisk rubberinessor a leather-like outcome, if it isn't prepared correctly.

Read more: 13 Underrated Cuts Of Meat You Should Be Grilling

How To Cook Prosciutto Like A Pro

What Happens When You Cook Prosciutto Like Bacon (1)

Cooking prosciutto is definitely not the most traditional way of enjoying the cured meat, but it does make for a delicious culinary experiment. The good news is that both bacon and prosciutto can be cooked in virtually the same way without making many (if any) modifications. For instance, much like bacon, prosciutto cooks relatively quickly. It also doesn't need any seasoning as the slices are already salty umami bombs, which further simplifies the cooking process.

Keeping things classic, thinly sliced prosciutto can be pan-fried in a skillet over medium-heat. Within a few minutes, edges will start to curl inwards, signaling that the prosciutto can be transferred to a paper towel or cooling rack. As the slices sit, they'll crisp up. Alternatively, for a more hands-free method, cook prosciutto in the oven. Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet, cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes — you can also crisp up the cured meat in the air fryer, so long as you keep an eye on the time.

As for how to serve the bacon-adjacent prosciutto slices, layer them into a revamped BLT or juicy burger. The slightly shrunken slices can even be used as chips on a charcuterie board. Otherwise, crumble them over a cheesy risotto, sweet potato salad, or roasted root vegetables. Of course, serving crispy prosciutto slices atop fried deviled eggs isn't a bad idea, either. Ultimately, there's no telling what tasty combinations await you!

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

What Happens When You Cook Prosciutto Like Bacon (2024)

FAQs

What Happens When You Cook Prosciutto Like Bacon? ›

Although it might lack the same smoky quality as bacon, prosciutto still offers an intensely savory quality, just with a saltier edge, due to a loss of moisture during cooking.

Can prosciutto be cooked like bacon? ›

For instance, much like bacon, prosciutto cooks relatively quickly. It also doesn't need any seasoning as the slices are already salty umami bombs, which further simplifies the cooking process. Keeping things classic, thinly sliced prosciutto can be pan-fried in a skillet over medium-heat.

What happens if you cook prosciutto? ›

The trick is to be attentive and not cook prosciutto for more than a few minutes, as overcooking can ruin prosciutto's texture and render it completely flavorless. Around 5-10 minutes are enough.

Is cooked prosciutto the same as cured? ›

The word prosciutto, which translates to “ham” in Italian, is made only from the hind legs of pigs and is aged during a dry-curing process. There are typically two types of prosciutto: prosciutto cotto, which is cooked, and prosciutto crudo, which is uncooked, yet cured.

Is prosciutto healthier than bacon? ›

When compared to bacon though, which is notorious for being unhealthy, prosciutto has a few notable nutritional improvements that make it a healthier swap. Compared side-by-side, prosciutto is a definite healthier option. Lower in calories and fat than bacon, in moderation it makes for a flavorful ingredient option.

Is prosciutto just thin ham? ›

Prosciutto crudo, in English often shortened to prosciutto (/prəˈʃuːtoʊ, proʊˈ-/ prə-SHOO-toh, proh-, Italian: [proʃˈʃutto]), is uncooked, unsmoked, and dry-cured ham. Prosciutto crudo is usually served thinly sliced.

Can you eat cured prosciutto? ›

Yes. Although Prosciutto is not exactly “raw” in the typical sense due to the curing process. The salt mixture and aging time are designed to keep bacteria out of the meat, allowing it to be safely eaten without cooking.

Is cooked prosciutto healthy? ›

This delicious and so appreciated product is obtained from high quality raw materials, salt, and time for the aging process. Moreover, Italian prosciutto is easy to digest thanks to the presence of proteins, vitamins, and mineral salts. This makes the product an excellent food for children as well as athletes.

Can I pan fry prosciutto? ›

Pan Fried

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cut thinly sliced prosciutto into 1/2-inch wide strips. Brown the prosciutto in the skillet for three to four minutes, until it becomes crispy.

Should you cook prosciutto on pizza? ›

Does prosciutto go on pizza before or after cooking? For this recipe, I recommend putting the prosciutto down before cooking the pizza. The melty cheese helps the prosciutto stick to the crust so it doesn't slide off when you cut or bite it. I also like the way the prosciutto edges get a bit crispy in the oven.

What does cooked prosciutto taste like? ›

You can distinguish multiple flavors in each bite of prosciutto. It's salty and sweet simultaneously, and some varieties include unique spices that color its flavoring. Each delicate slice of prosciutto includes a streak of fat along its pink surface. The fat isn't chewy or tough and can usually melt on your tongue.

What meat is closest to prosciutto? ›

Coppacola. Also known as coppa, coppocollo, or gabbagool, this cured meat is similar to prosciutto but cranked up to eleven. Coppa comes from the neck or shoulder of the pig and is salt-cured similar to other salumi, but with a twist: most types come in sweet or hot varieties.

What is the unhealthiest meat? ›

You have probably heard it many times already: don't eat too much red meat or processed foods. But research shows processed red meats, like bacon, hot dogs, and salami are the biggest problem.

Does prosciutto cook like bacon? ›

For instance, much like bacon, prosciutto cooks relatively quickly. It also doesn't need any seasoning as the slices are already salty umami bombs, which further simplifies the cooking process. Keeping things classic, thinly sliced prosciutto can be pan-fried in a skillet over medium-heat.

Is it OK to eat prosciutto everyday? ›

It's important to eat prosciutto in moderation: The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommends eating little (if any) processed meat for cancer prevention. In other words, it isn't a treat to enjoy every day.

Can you pan fry prosciutto? ›

Pan Fried

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cut thinly sliced prosciutto into 1/2-inch wide strips. Brown the prosciutto in the skillet for three to four minutes, until it becomes crispy.

Can you heat up prosciutto? ›

You can eat them hot or cold, but I prefer them hot. Reheat. Reheat in the oven at 350˚F for a few minutes until the prosciutto is warmed through and crispy (about 5 minutes). You can also reheat or re-crisp the slices in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Can you cook prosciutto on pizza? ›

Drape prosciutto pieces on top of cheese. Sprinkle a few leaves of fresh oregano. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until crust is very golden and crispy on the outside & cheese is very melted.

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