Golden Gate Appetizer (Printable Copy)

Crisp breadsticks and savory prosciutto form a playful, shareable appetizer inspired by San Francisco.

# What You 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:

01 - Arrange 6 breadsticks vertically on a large serving platter to create one tower. Repeat on the opposite side to form a second tower, leaving a gap between them.
02 - Drape prosciutto slices as long ribbons between the two towers, layering and twisting them to craft a woven suspension bridge effect.
03 - Lightly brush the breadsticks with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil to enhance flavor.
04 - Present immediately and encourage guests to pull apart the bridge and towers to enjoy the appetizer.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours designing it, but you actually built it in minutes while chatting with friends.
  • People genuinely photograph it before eating, which means your appetizer becomes the centerpiece.
  • The mix of crispy, salty, and savory creates that addictive flavor that keeps guests reaching for more.
02 -
  • Prosciutto is delicate—handle it as if you're working with silk, and if a slice tears, just layer another piece over it seamlessly.
  • Room temperature is your friend here; cold prosciutto becomes stiff and brittle, while room temperature slices fold and drape like they're made for this purpose.
03 -
  • Buy your breadsticks and prosciutto from a market with high turnover—freshness makes an enormous difference in how they handle and taste.
  • If you're making this ahead for a party, assemble the towers but wait to drape the prosciutto until guests are arriving; this keeps everything at its best and adds a little theater to your hosting.
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