If you’re looking for a fun, delicious, and easy appetizer, you can’t go wrong with Ham and Cheese Skewers With Crunchy Maille Cornichons. This delightful recipe is perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a snack. The combination of savory ham, creamy cheese, and the tangy crunch of Maille cornichons creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Ham: 12 slices of your favorite deli ham, cut into 1-inch strips.
- Cheese: 12 small cubes of Swiss cheese (or your preferred cheese).
- Maille Cornichons: 12 Maille cornichons, sliced in half lengthwise.
Additional Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes: 12 cherry tomatoes, optional for added color and flavor.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional.
- Skewers: 12 wooden or bamboo skewers.
Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
- Ham: Lay out the ham slices on a cutting board and cut them into 1-inch wide strips.
- Cheese: Cut the Swiss cheese into small cubes, about 1 inch in size.
- Maille Cornichons: Slice the Maille cornichons in half lengthwise for easier skewer assembly.
- Cherry Tomatoes (Optional): Rinse the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- Basil Leaves (Optional): Rinse and pat dry the fresh basil leaves.
Assembling the Skewers
- Skewer Base: Take a skewer and begin with a piece of ham. Fold the ham strip in half and skewer it through the folded end.
- Adding Cheese: Next, add a cube of Swiss cheese to the skewer.
- Adding Cornichon: Follow with a slice of Maille cornichon.
- Optional Cherry Tomato: Add a cherry tomato if using.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers until the skewer is full, usually repeating the ham, cheese, and cornichon combination twice.
- Final Touch: Add a fresh basil leaf at the top of the skewer for garnish, if desired.
Serving
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
- For a beautiful presentation, alternate the direction of the skewers so they fan out in a visually appealing manner.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Cheese Selection: While Swiss cheese is recommended for its mild flavor and good melting properties, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda.
- Ham Choices: You can use any deli ham, but consider using a smoked or honey-glazed ham for added flavor.
- Skewer Types: If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before assembling to prevent them from splitting.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ham with grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Fruit Addition: Add fruits like pineapple or grapes for a sweet and savory combination.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a dipping sauce such as honey mustard, ranch, or a balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Substitutions
- Cornichons: If Maille cornichons are not available, any other brand of pickles can be used, or you can substitute with pickled onions or olives.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute Swiss cheese with any other firm cheese that you prefer.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Sugar: 1g
Conclusion
These Ham and Cheese Skewers With Crunchy Maille Cornichons are a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick snack, these skewers are the perfect solution.