Ham Serrano with Quince Paste on Toasted Bread

Ham Serrano and Quince Paste Crostini Delicacies

# Spanish-Inspired Crostini Appetizers: Killer Serrano Ham and Membrillo Bites

Crank up the heat with these simple, scrumptious Spanish-inspired crostini starters! Ready for a cocktail party or gather with friends, these treats are a mouthwatering delight. Just slather toasted baguette slices with quince paste, followed by crispy, baked serrano ham, melty shavings of Manchego, and a minty drizzle. Here's how to whip up these gourmet bites.

Required Ingredients

Fresh mint leaves
Extra-virgin olive oil
Thinly sliced serrano ham, prosciutto, or other salt-cured, unsmoked ham
Quince paste/Membrillo
Artisan sourdough baguette
Aged Manchego cheese

Buy Essentials from the Following Recommended Stores

Gourmet groceries or Latin markets for Membrillo paste
Substitute serrano ham with prosciutto if unavailable
Manchego cheese available at gourmet groceries
Online options: La Tienda, Ibérico Taste, Your Spanish Corner, Spanish Pig, or ARC Ibérico Imports

Prepare-Ahead Plan

Mint oil and toasted baguette slices can be prepared up to a day in advance. Store the baguette slices in an airtight container to prevent staling.

Recipe Feature

This dish graced our Killer Apps lineup, ready to dazzle your guests at your next get-together!

Servings: Approx. 30
Difficulty: A breeze!
Preparation Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blanch and dry fresh mint leaves, then combine with olive oil in a blender; puree until smooth. Let the oil steep for at least 2 hours before straining and setting aside.
Arrange serrano ham on a lined baking sheet and bake until crispy and golden, around 15-20 minutes. Allow it to cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Smooth the membrillo and spread it on each toasted baguette slice, then top with ham and Manchego cheese shavings. Drizzle a bit of mint oil and serve.

Beverage Pairing:

Bodegas Martín Códax Albariño, Spain - A lemony Spanish white wine works beautifully to balance the flavors of this dish.

Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress! Vamos a comer!

Slather the toasted baguette slices with the purchased Membrillo paste, then top them with the baked, crumbled serrano ham, shavings of aged Manchego cheese, and a drizzle of the mint oil made from blanched and pureed mint leaves. For the best results, visit our recommended stores like La Tienda or Your Spanish Corner for essential ingredients such as Membrillo paste, serrano ham, and Manchego cheese. This Spanish-inspired crostini recipe is easy to prepare, ideal for parties, and has been featured in our Killer Apps lineup.