Melon Cube
- Easy
- 40 min
- Kcal 484
And melon and pancetta cups are really something. They bring a fun twist to Italian appetizers, mixing classic flavors with a bit of creativity. Instead of the usual prosciutto and melon, you get bold slices of pancetta wrapped around chunks of sweet winter melon. And look, this combo really stands out. The fragrant melon gives you a juicy hit of freshness, while the smoky pancetta adds a salty kick that folks just can’t resist. Adding crunchy peanuts on top? Seriously good. It shakes things up and makes this one of those melon appetizer recipes that surprises people the second they take a bite. It's not tied to any one region in Italy, so you'll find these served at summer parties on the coast or city gatherings in Milan.
There's a real sense of balance in each cup, with tender melon, crispy peanuts, and rich pancetta working together to keep things interesting. In different parts of Italy, you might see variations—sometimes cantaloupe instead of winter melon, or even a drizzle of local honey for extra sweetness. But you know what? The idea is the same: keep things simple and let the main flavors shine. These melon and pancetta cups are perfect for gatherings where people want something fresh and easy, but also a little out of the ordinary. Compared to other melon and prosciutto cups, these bring a moist bite with more depth from the pancetta, while the peanuts add a nutty finish that’s pretty unique.
People are always on the lookout for easy melon appetizers that are different, and this dish nails it with its mix of textures and flavors. Whether you are making a plate for friends or putting together a whole spread of melon and pancetta appetizers, these cups are the kind of snack that keeps everyone coming back. That tangy mix of salty and sweet just works—really, it does—and the whole thing feels both new and familiar. Whether at a sunny outdoor picnic or a cozy indoor gathering, these appetizers fit right in—making your get-togethers even more memorable. Can't go wrong.
To prepare the melon and bacon cups, first heat a non-stick pan, add the bacon 1 and let it brown until golden 2. Transfer the bacon to a tray lined with paper towels 3 to absorb the excess fat.
Meanwhile, take care of the melon: cut it in half, remove the seeds, then cut it into slices 4. Remove the rind and then cut the slices first horizontally and then vertically 5 to obtain cubes about 1/2 inch 6.
Roughly chop the peanuts with a knife 7. In a large bowl, pour in the melon, peanuts 8, and bacon 9.
Mix everything to flavor 10, then fill small appetizer cups 11 and serve 12.