Italian Sushi Rolls

These Italian Sushi Rolls are a stunning combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a party appetizer or a light meal. Thinly sliced prosciutto wraps around layers of salami, roasted red pepper, burrata, sun-dried tomatoes, Gruyère cheese, and fresh arugula, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Each bite is a burst of savory, creamy, and tangy goodness. Trust me, you’re going to love these elegant and flavorful rolls.

Behind the Recipe

The inspiration for these rolls came from a love of Italian flavors and the fun of bite-sized presentation. By layering cured meats, cheese, and fresh vegetables, each slice has a perfect balance of creaminess, saltiness, and freshness. Over time, this recipe became a favorite for entertaining and casual meals alike.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Italian sushi rolls are a creative twist on classic Italian antipasti. Using prosciutto as the outer wrap mimics sushi-style presentation while keeping all the bold Italian flavors in one bite. The combination of burrata, sun-dried tomatoes, and Gruyère gives a luxurious and creamy touch.

Why You’ll Love Italian Sushi Rolls

Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch.

Crowd-Pleasing: Elegant appearance and bold flavors impress guests.

Quick and Easy: Minimal assembly with big flavor payoff.

Customizable: Swap meats, cheeses, or vegetables according to your preferences.

Fresh and Flavorful: Burrata and arugula add creamy and peppery freshness.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until serving.

Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to slice and serve to a crowd.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use thinly sliced prosciutto to make rolling easier. Pat vegetables dry to prevent sogginess. Chill the rolls briefly before slicing to maintain shape.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For slicing vegetables and cheese.
Spatula: To assist in rolling if needed.
Small Bowl: To mix ingredients or hold sliced components.
Serving Plate: To display finished rolls.

Ingredients in Italian Sushi Rolls

1. Thinly Sliced Prosciutto: 8 slices, for the outer wrap.
2. Spicy Salami: 4 slices, adds bold flavor.
3. Regular Salami: 4 slices, balances spice.
4. Roasted Red Pepper: 1, sliced, for sweetness and color.
5. Pesto: 2 tablespoons, for herbaceous richness.
6. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 4, chopped, adds tangy depth.
7. Burrata Cheese: 1 ball, torn into small pieces, creamy texture.
8. Gruyère Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated, adds nutty flavor.
9. Fresh Arugula: 1 handful, peppery freshness.
10. Olive Oil: For drizzling.
11. Balsamic Glaze: For finishing.
12. Fresh Cracked Pepper: To taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Prosciutto: Serrano ham or thinly sliced smoked ham.
Burrata: Fresh mozzarella for a lighter texture.
Gruyère: Parmesan or Fontina.
Roasted Red Pepper: Roasted bell peppers or sweet cherry tomatoes.

Ingredient Spotlight

Burrata Cheese: Adds creamy richness that balances the savory cured meats.
Fresh Arugula: Provides a crisp, peppery contrast to the creamy cheeses and meats.

Instructions for Making Italian Sushi Rolls

1. Prepare Ingredients: Lay out prosciutto slices flat on a clean surface.
2. Assemble Layers: On each prosciutto slice, layer spicy salami, regular salami, roasted red pepper, burrata pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, Gruyère, and fresh arugula. Spread a thin layer of pesto if desired.
3. Roll the Slices: Carefully roll each slice tightly to enclose the fillings.
4. Chill (Optional): Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to firm rolls.
5. Slice and Serve: Slice rolls into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper.
6. Plate: Arrange on a serving platter with extra arugula as garnish.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Crisp cured meats, creamy burrata, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and nutty Gruyère create layers of flavor in every bite. The arugula adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch, while the balsamic glaze enhances the sweet-savory balance.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Chill rolls slightly before slicing to maintain clean edges.
• Use a sharp knife to prevent squishing the fillings.
• Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving for freshness.

What to Avoid

• Overfilling rolls, which makes them hard to slice.
• Using wet vegetables without draining, which may make the rolls soggy.
• Cutting too early, which can cause the rolls to lose shape.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4–6
Calories per serving: 280

Note: Approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Assemble the rolls and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving.

How to Serve Italian Sushi Rolls

Serve as an appetizer, alongside a fresh green salad, or as part of an antipasto platter. Perfect for entertaining or a light lunch.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Use leftover slices in sandwiches or wraps. Chop into small pieces to add to salads for added flavor.

Additional Tips

Use high-quality prosciutto and fresh burrata for the best taste. Pat vegetables dry to avoid excess moisture.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange rolls in a circular pattern on a platter, drizzle with balsamic glaze artistically, and garnish with fresh arugula for a visually stunning presentation.

Variations to Try

• Add roasted zucchini or eggplant for more vegetables.
• Swap Gruyère with smoked mozzarella for extra depth.
• Use a spicy pesto for a kick.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day in advance.

2. Can I use different meats?

Absolutely, serrano ham, coppa, or turkey slices work.

3. Are they suitable for parties?

Yes, perfect as finger food or hors d’oeuvres.

4. Can I use different cheese?

Mozzarella or Fontina are great alternatives.

5. Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meats and add extra roasted vegetables or mushrooms.

6. How do I keep them from falling apart?

Chill rolls slightly and slice with a sharp knife.

7. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, or make your own for extra freshness.

8. How long do they last?

Best served the same day, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.

9. Can I freeze them?

Not recommended, as burrata and fresh greens do not freeze well.

10. Can I add nuts?

Yes, finely chopped pine nuts or walnuts add crunch.

Conclusion

Italian Sushi Rolls are an elegant and flavorful appetizer or light meal. With layers of savory meats, creamy cheese, roasted vegetables, and fresh arugula, they are visually stunning and irresistibly tasty. Every bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them a true crowd-pleaser.

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