5 Ways to Savor Prosciutto di Modena DOP

Paper-thin slices of prosciutto crudo are at their best when the ham is Prosciutto di Modena DOP. It can be made only in the hills and valleys around the basin of the Panaro River, where warm, humid summers and colder winters create the ideal climate for curing. Its slightly sweet, delicately salty flavor is excellent on its own. Here are five other ways to enjoy it.

As prosciutto e melone (and other fruits)

A simple, unbeatable snack and a summer staple in Italy. Prosciutto e melone dates back over a century and still delivers: salty Prosciutto di Modena DOP against juicy cantaloupe. Outside of summer, wrap the prosciutto around slices of figs, peaches or pears and find a new favorite combination.

In a panino or piadina

Packing a picnic? Add Prosciutto di Modena DOP to a panino or piadina.

• Panino: more widely known, this "small bread" sandwich is served on a bread roll. In the US it is usually grilled, but in Italy a panino is not necessarily toasted.
• Piadina: a sandwich made on a round flatbread originally from the Romagna side of Emilia-Romagna. It is cooked on a hot griddle, then folded and filled with salumi, cheese and more.

A classic filling for either is prosciutto, mozzarella e rucola. Creamy mozzarella balances the decadent prosciutto, and arugula adds crunch and a peppery kick.

As aperitivo skewers

Prosciutto di Modena DOP is a go-to for any aperitivo. Instead of serving salumi e formaggi on a board, assemble them into little bites: layer ciliegine mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and pieces of Prosciutto di Modena onto a skewer, then drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

In pasta, pizza and risotto

Prosciutto di Modena DOP works beyond aperitivo. It adds a salty bite and extra depth of flavor to almost any dish. Stir bite-sized pieces into pasta or risotto for richness, or layer it onto homemade pizza right out of the oven for a decadent touch.

As crispy garnish

Texture matters at Eataly, and one way to add it is to finish a dish with something crunchy. Bake or pan-fry Prosciutto di Modena DOP until it is shatteringly crisp, then crumble it over salads, pasta or even popcorn for a salty, crunchy bite. For a more elevated idea, wrap par-cooked vegetables in the prosciutto and bake them for a luxurious veggie side.

Stop by the Eataly salumi counter or order local delivery to try Prosciutto di Modena DOP.