Italian Sushi

These Prosciutto Wrapped Burrata Sushi Bites are an Italian spin on the classic sushi roll  and they’re absolutely addictive. With no cooking required, these are perfect for hosting, snacking, or elevating any charcuterie board.

The salty, delicate prosciutto wraps around creamy burrata and zesty arugula, finished with sweet sun-dried tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. These sushi bites offer a unique blend of textures and bold Mediterranean flavor in every bite all in under 10 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 slices prosciutto

• 8 ounces burrata cheese

• 1/2 cup arugula

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: olive oil drizzle, red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Lay out each slice of prosciutto on a clean surface or cutting board.

2. In the center of each slice, place a spoonful of burrata cheese.

3. Top with a small handful of arugula, a few pieces of chopped sun-dried tomato, and fresh basil.

4. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

5. Carefully roll the prosciutto slice into a sushi-like roll, keeping the ingredients tucked inside.

6. Place each roll seam-side down on a serving plate.

7. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and optional olive oil, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

8. Serve immediately, or chill for 10–15 minutes to firm before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: ~120 kcal per piece | Servings: 8 rolls

Italian Sushi: The Elegant No-Cook Appetizer You Didn’t Know You Needed

In the world of modern appetizers, where aesthetics meet simplicity, Italian Sushi stands out as an unexpected and delightful fusion of Mediterranean flair and minimalist elegance. While its name playfully nods to Japanese cuisine, this dish is firmly rooted in Italian tradition, showcasing the country’s love for fresh ingredients, rich dairy, and cured meats.

The Concept: What Is “Italian Sushi”?

Italian Sushi isn’t sushi in the traditional sense there’s no raw fish or rice involved. Instead, it’s a clever play on presentation, using thin slices of prosciutto as the wrap and burrata (a creamy, indulgent Italian cheese) as the centerpiece. These rolls are packed with complementary elements like arugula, sun dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, making each bite bold, creamy, salty, and herbaceous all without turning on a stove.

The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a no-cook, prep-and-serve style dish that’s ready in minutes but delivers a visually stunning and flavor-packed experience.

A Nod to Italian Tradition

At its core, this dish is an ode to classic Italian antipasto the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal. Antipasti are designed to awaken the appetite and feature a variety of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and breads. Italian Sushi takes the essence of antipasto and transforms it into a bite-sized, rollable form that’s perfect for modern-day entertaining.

• Prosciutto, one of the most revered cured meats in Italy, is prized for its buttery texture and salty-sweet flavor.

• Burrata, a cousin of mozzarella, adds rich, creamy decadence to the center of the roll.

• The addition of fresh greens and herbs, like arugula and basil, brightens up the dish with peppery and aromatic notes.

This dish elegantly marries traditional Italian flavors with a format that’s sleek and contemporary.

Why It Works: Flavor & Texture Harmony

One of the hallmarks of great cuisine is the balance of flavor and texture, and Italian Sushi nails both:

• The soft creaminess of burrata contrasts beautifully with the delicate, chewy prosciutto.

• Arugula adds a crisp, peppery bite that balances the richness of the cheese.

• Sun-dried tomatoes bring a chewy texture and sweet umami hit.

• A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties everything together with a tangy, syrupy finish.

This combination of textures and flavors makes every roll feel gourmet, even if it only takes minutes to assemble.

Serving Ideas & Presentation Tips

Italian Sushi is an entertainer’s dream. Its elegant presentation and finger-food format make it ideal for a variety of occasions. Here’s how you can serve and style this appetizer to impress your guests:

• Party Platter: Arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a wooden board or ceramic plate. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, cracked black pepper, and an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze.

• Appetizer Cups: Serve each roll in an individual appetizer spoon or mini cup for a more refined, plated look at formal events or weddings.

• Charcuterie Upgrade: Elevate your traditional meat-and-cheese board by adding a few rolls alongside olives, nuts, and crackers.

• Holiday Elegance: The red (sun-dried tomato), green (arugula), and white (burrata) color palette also makes this dish perfect for Christmas gatherings or Valentine’s Day date nights.

Whether you’re hosting a summer garden party, throwing a bridal shower, or preparing an intimate wine night, Italian Sushi fits right in.

Great for Special Diets and Food Restrictions

This recipe is inherently gluten-free and low-carb, which makes it a safe and satisfying choice for guests with dietary restrictions. It’s also a naturally grain-free appetizer that doesn’t compromise on taste or richness.

• For vegetarian adaptations, you can substitute the prosciutto with grilled zucchini or thin slices of eggplant.

• For vegan variations, swap the burrata for a creamy cashew cheese or store-bought vegan mozzarella, and use marinated vegetable slices instead of prosciutto.

These modifications allow the core concept a rollable, flavorful bite to be preserved while making the dish more inclusive.

Occasions to Enjoy Italian Sushi

While Italian Sushi may look like a party-specific appetizer, it’s actually versatile enough for any day of the week. Some occasions where this dish particularly shines include:

• Holiday parties and potlucks

• Cocktail hours or wine tastings

• Brunch buffets

• Romantic dinners at home

• Picnics and outdoor gatherings

• Game-day spreads or casual get-togethers

You can even pack a few rolls for a classy work lunch, especially if you’re trying to impress at a networking meeting or client event.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

One of the great benefits of Italian Sushi is that it holds up well if stored properly. If you’re prepping for a party or want to make these in advance, here are a few best practices:

• Refrigeration: Store the assembled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If possible, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

• Serving Fresh: Allow the rolls to come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to maximize flavor and texture.

• Avoiding Sogginess: If you’re adding greens like arugula, make sure they’re dry to avoid excess moisture. Likewise, avoid drizzling the balsamic glaze until just before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

If you’re building a menu around Italian Sushi, consider pairing it with complementary dishes and drinks. Some delicious combinations include:

• Drinks: Dry prosecco, Pinot Grigio, or a crisp rosé

• Side dishes: Caprese skewers, roasted red pepper hummus, or marinated olives

• Desserts: Light Italian sweets like panna cotta, lemon sorbet, or almond biscotti

The rolls’ richness and umami notes work well with both acidic and sparkling drinks, so wine pairings are endless.

Fun Variations to Try

This dish is super adaptable and lends itself to creativity in the kitchen. Once you’ve mastered the base version, try switching it up:

• Add a thin slice of roasted red pepper for a smoky note.

• Swap the arugula for baby spinach or fresh mint.

• Use flavored balsamic reductions like fig or pomegranate.

• Add a few pine nuts or crushed pistachios for crunch.

• Turn it into a full meal by adding rolls to a grain bowl or bed of greens.

You can even experiment with Asian inspired twists, like a wasabi cream cheese spread or sesame oil drizzle, for a cross-cultural version of this appetizer.

Conclusion: 

Italian Sushi may sound like a quirky culinary mash-up, but it’s really a celebration of all the things we love about modern food: simplicity, visual appeal, bold flavors, and versatility. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or just treating yourself to something special, these Prosciutto-Wrapped Burrata Bites deliver a rich and satisfying experience without requiring any cooking.

They’re proof that a few well-paired ingredients, when assembled thoughtfully, can be just as impressive as a dish that takes hours to make. And with so many variations and presentation possibilities, Italian Sushi is a recipe you’ll come back to time and again for parties, holidays, and everyday moments.