The Golden Gate Appetizer (Printable View)

Crisp breadsticks and savory prosciutto ribbons create a fun sharing snack inspired by San Francisco.

# What You'll Need:

→ Breadsticks

01 - 12 long, thin breadsticks (grissini)

→ Charcuterie

02 - 8 thin slices prosciutto

→ Garnish

03 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# How To Make It:

01 - Arrange 6 breadsticks vertically on a large serving platter to create one tower; repeat on the opposite side for a second tower, leaving an open space between them.
02 - Drape prosciutto slices in long ribbons between the two towers, layering and twisting for a woven suspension bridge effect.
03 - Optional: Lightly brush breadsticks with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
04 - Present immediately and encourage guests to pull apart the bridge and towers for sharing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks restaurant-worthy and architectural, but comes together faster than you can pour wine.
  • No cooking required means zero stress when you're already hosting, plus the breadsticks stay perfectly crisp.
  • Guests love the interactive element—they get to dismantle something beautiful, which somehow makes it taste better.
02 -
  • The prosciutto needs to be genuinely thin and pliable—thick slices from the grocery store won't drape, they'll just snap or crease.
  • Assemble this no more than thirty minutes before serving; the breadsticks will eventually soften from the humidity in the prosciutto, but that window is forgiving enough for most gatherings.
03 -
  • Buy your prosciutto from a butcher counter where they can slice it paper-thin, not from the packaged aisle—the difference in drapeability is everything.
  • If your breadsticks are leaning awkwardly, use a small ramekin or shot glass to brace one side while you arrange the other, then remove it once everything is stable.
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