Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer that’s both elegant and insanely easy to make, you’re going to love this Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe. The contrast of sweet figs, salty prosciutto, and creamy goat cheese is just unbeatable—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to snack whenever you want something fancy without fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Combining just a handful of ingredients amps up your appetizer game with minimal effort.
- Balance of Sweet and Savory: The sweetness of fig preserves complements the salty richness of prosciutto brilliantly.
- Freshness from Arugula and Lemon: Peppery arugula and a splash of lemon juice keep things bright and not too heavy.
- Fantastic Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these roll-ups early and keep them fresh in the fridge until party time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. Choosing quality products makes a huge difference, especially with prosciutto and goat cheese, so I never skip on those.

- Prosciutto: I always opt for thicker sliced prosciutto here because it holds the roll better and has a richer, meaty bite.
- Lemon Chevre (or plain goat cheese): Softening it to room temperature ensures it spreads easily and melts into every bite.
- Fig preserves: Pick a fig jam that’s not overly sweet; it should add just a gentle fruitiness to balance the salty prosciutto.
- Arugula: Fresh and peppery, arugula adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle bite that lifts the entire roll-up.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzled on arugula, it adds silkiness and a hint of Mediterranean earthiness.
- Fresh lemon juice: I love how a splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
- Fresh cracked black pepper: Adds that final little kick you didn’t know you needed but will want every time.
Make It Your Way
I love making this Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe my own depending on what I have handy or the occasion. Don’t hesitate to tweak it a bit — that’s part of the fun!
- Add Creaminess: Sometimes I swap out lemon chevre for a herb-infused cream cheese, which makes the roll-ups extra lush.
- Seasonal Twist: I’ve tossed in fresh basil or mint instead of arugula for a spring or summer feel—both add a lovely brightness.
- Nutty Crunch: Crushed toasted walnuts inside the roll add a crunchy surprise that pairs wonderfully with the soft cheeses.
- Go Vegetarian: Skip the prosciutto and use thinly sliced roasted eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as tasty.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Prosciutto and Spread the Cheese
Start by slicing each slice of prosciutto in half lengthwise — thinner slices work better for rolling. Lay them flat on your cutting board. Using a small spoon or knife, spread about a teaspoon of softened goat cheese on the rounded (fattier) side of the prosciutto. I find it easier to spread in an upward arc rather than downwards — it helps the cheese stay put and creates a nice base for the other ingredients.
Step 2: Layer with Fig Preserves and Arugula
Next, dollop about half a teaspoon of fig preserves on top of the cheese. This little trick floods the roll-up with that beautiful sweet note we adore. Add a few fresh arugula leaves right on top. To make sure the arugula stays moist and flavorful, whisk together your extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl and drizzle a small amount over the arugula. Sprinkle fresh cracked black pepper to your taste before you roll.
Step 3: Roll It Up and Repeat
Now for the fun part — carefully roll each prosciutto slice tightly but gently so nothing spills out. They’re bite-sized and perfect to pop in your mouth in a few delicious bites. Repeat until all prosciutto, cheese, preserves, and greens are used up. If you want, place them neatly on a platter or airtight container for serving later.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Spread Cheese Warm: Make sure your goat cheese is really soft and at room temp — it spreads smoothly and keeps everything together.
- Don’t Overstuff: Use just a little bit of fig preserves; too much can make the roll-ups slippery and hard to seal.
- Roll Tightly but Gently: Rolling too loose means fillings fall out; too tight and the prosciutto might tear—find that sweet spot for perfect wraps.
- Store Covered: If you’re prepping ahead, keep the roll-ups covered tightly in the fridge to prevent the prosciutto from drying out.
How to Serve Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe

Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or a few crushed pistachios on top right before serving to add texture and a subtle crunch. A few edible flowers or microgreens also make the plate feel extra special when guests arrive.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups pair delightfully with a crisp white wine and a simple salad like mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette or even a platter of olives and marinated artichokes. For a heartier gathering, I like serving alongside crostini or a cheese board with nuts and dried fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve assembled these on skewers alternating with fresh grapes or chunks of melon for an eye-catching twist. Using a long rectangular plate and layering the roll-ups in a spiral also makes for a stunning centerpiece appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally on a plate or parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 24 hours, making them perfect for next-day snacking or last-minute entertaining.
Freezing
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this recipe because the quality of prosciutto and arugula doesn’t hold up well after thawing — the greens get soggy, and the texture suffers. For best flavor and freshness, enjoy these within a day or so.
Reheating
These roll-ups are best served cold or at room temperature. If you like your goat cheese a bit softer, let them sit out for about 15 minutes before serving rather than reheating, which could wilt the arugula.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese in the Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe?
Absolutely! While lemon chevre or plain goat cheese offers a creamy tang that pairs beautifully with figs and prosciutto, you can experiment with mascarpone for a milder taste, or even cream cheese blended with fresh herbs for an herby twist.
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How do I keep the roll-ups from falling apart?
The key is using slightly thicker prosciutto slices and not overfilling the rolls. Spread the cheese evenly and keep the fig preserves and arugula to moderate amounts. Rolling tightly yet gently helps the ingredients adhere and keeps everything intact.
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Can I prepare these roll-ups in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe a few hours or even the day before your event. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
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What if I can’t find fig preserves?
No worries — you can substitute with another mild fruit preserve like apricot or even a drizzle of honey for sweetness. Just keep it light to not overpower the salty prosciutto.
Final Thoughts
This Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe has become a personal favorite for its simplicity and wow factor. It’s the kind of snack I whip up when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll enjoy making these as much as I do — they’re perfect little bites that bring people together, whether it’s a casual get-together or an elegant soirée. Go ahead, give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Fig and Prosciutto Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 roll ups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
These Fig & Prosciutto Roll Ups are a delicious and elegant appetizer featuring thick-sliced prosciutto, creamy lemon chèvre, sweet fig preserves, and fresh arugula with a hint of lemon and olive oil. Perfect for entertaining or as a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
For the Roll Ups
- 6 oz prosciutto, thicker sliced, sliced in half pieces
- 4 oz lemon chèvre or plain goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup fig preserves
- 2 cups fresh arugula leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the prosciutto: Slice each piece of prosciutto in half lengthwise and lay them flat on a cutting board for easy assembly.
- Spread the cheese: Using about a teaspoon of softened lemon chèvre, spread it on the rounded top edge of each prosciutto slice. Spread the cheese upwards in an arc shape for better coverage.
- Add the fig preserves: Spread approximately 1/2 teaspoon of fig preserves on top of the goat cheese layer on each slice.
- Add arugula: Place a few fresh arugula leaves on top of the fig preserves on each prosciutto slice.
- Dress the arugula: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the arugula leaves on each prosciutto slice.
- Season and roll: Sprinkle fresh cracked black pepper over the arugula, then carefully roll up each prosciutto slice tightly to form the roll ups.
- Serve: Arrange the roll ups on a serving platter and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use thicker sliced prosciutto for easier rolling and a more substantial bite.
- For a milder cheese flavor, substitute plain chèvre if lemon chèvre is not available.
- Serve these roll ups immediately to enjoy the best texture, or store them covered in the refrigerator for up to a day.
- For a gluten-free appetizer, ensure your fig preserves are gluten free.
- These roll ups pair well with a light white wine or sparkling beverage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg

