Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey (Sweet & Savory)

One of the most underrated fall combinations is Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey.

This sweet and savory dish balances contrasting textures and flavors, offering a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

Whether you’re preparing an appetizer for a dinner party, adding something unique to your charcuterie board, or looking for a fall-inspired side, this recipe delivers.

We’ll show you how to make this easy yet elegant dish, discover the best ingredients to use, explore serving ideas, and get tips for storage and creative variations.

Why Grilled Apples Work So Well with Prosciutto and Honey

• Sweet-tart apples caramelize when grilled, intensifying their flavor and offering a satisfying contrast to savory toppings.
• Prosciutto brings saltiness and richness, balancing the sweetness of the fruit and honey.
• Honey adds complexity and warmth, especially if you choose floral, raw, or spicy varieties.
• Contrasting textures enhance the experience, with soft, tender apples, silky prosciutto, and sticky, golden honey.

This dish thrives on balance—sweet and salty, soft and crisp, rustic yet elegant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make grilled apples with prosciutto and honey, you’ll need just a few high-quality ingredients.

• Apples: Choose firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady. These hold up well on the grill without turning mushy.
• Prosciutto: Opt for thinly sliced, high-quality prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele. The saltiness is key to balancing the dish.
• Honey: Raw honey works beautifully here, offering floral or herbal notes depending on the variety. For extra flavor, try hot honey or orange blossom honey.
• Olive oil or butter: For brushing the apple slices to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
• Optional additions: Goat cheese or brie for creaminess, fresh rosemary for earthiness, or balsamic glaze for a tangy finish.

Step-by-Step Grilling Instructions

Follow these steps to ensure beautifully grilled apples every time.

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Slice the apples into wedges or rounds, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Remove the core, but keep the peel for texture and structure.
3. Lightly brush the apple slices with olive oil or melted butter on both sides.
4. Grill the apples for about 2–3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the fruit is tender but not mushy.
5. Wrap or top the grilled apples with prosciutto. If you prefer the prosciutto crisp, you can lightly grill it separately for 1–2 minutes.
6. Drizzle with honey right before serving. Add garnishes like herbs, cheese, or nuts if desired.

This dish comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Grilled apples with prosciutto and honey are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve them:

• As an appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks or on top of crostini with a smear of goat cheese.
• As a side dish: Pair with grilled pork, roasted chicken, or alongside a fall salad with arugula and shaved parmesan.
• On a cheese board: Add to your charcuterie spread with soft cheeses, crackers, and nuts.
• With wine: Pair with a dry Riesling, Prosecco, or Pinot Grigio. The salt and sweetness complement the acidity and fruit in the wine.

For holidays, this dish works beautifully on a Thanksgiving table or Christmas menu as a sophisticated, seasonal offering.

Variations and Add-Ons

This dish is easily customizable based on taste or dietary preferences.

• Add brie or goat cheese: Layer a slice on top of the grilled apple before adding prosciutto for extra creaminess.
• Include toasted nuts: Sprinkle with chopped candied pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Use maple syrup: Swap the honey for a drizzle of warm maple syrup for deeper sweetness.
• Try hot honey: If you enjoy a kick, use hot honey or add a pinch of chili flakes.
• Go vegan: Use plant-based prosciutto alternatives or skip it altogether and add smoked paprika or coconut bacon for depth.

The simplicity of the base recipe makes it easy to get creative.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While best served fresh, you can prepare parts of this dish in advance.

• Grill the apples up to 1 day ahead, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on a grill pan or in a warm oven to restore texture.
• Keep prosciutto separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but note that the texture may soften.
• Reassemble before serving if storing components separately. Always drizzle honey last to preserve its flavor.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes! You can use a grill pan or even roast the apple slices in the oven at 425°F for about 10–12 minutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Grill the apples in advance and reheat them gently. Assemble with prosciutto and drizzle with honey right before serving for best texture.

Can I serve this cold?

You can, but the flavors shine best when the apples are warm. If serving cold, add extra honey or cheese for richness.