The moment I unwrapped my first bite of Italian Sushi, I felt an exhilarating rush; who knew that fusion could be this delightful? Crafted with silky burrata, fragrant arugula, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in savory prosciutto, this dish is destined to become a new favorite. This Viral Italian Sushi not only makes for an elegant appetizer but also comes together in a flash—perfect for those gatherings or just an intimate evening at home. Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; swap out ingredients based on your mood or what’s in your pantry! Curious about how to create this crowd-pleasing delight? Let’s dive in!

Why is Italian Sushi a Must-Try?

Uniquely Delicious: This Italian Sushi elevates traditional sushi with a delightful twist, bringing together the best of both worlds.

Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can impress guests or treat yourself to a gourmet experience in no time.

Versatile Options: Feel free to swap ingredients like cheese or greens, making this dish adaptable to your personal taste or dietary needs.

Eye-Catching Presentation: Vibrant colors and textures create a dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Plus, serve it up with some chopsticks for an unexpected fun factor, just like with our perfect Spicy Shrimp Sushi!

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a fancy dinner party, this appetizer will surely become a cherished favorite among friends and family.

Italian Sushi Ingredients

• Get ready to gather these delicious elements for your Italian Sushi!

For the Base

Prosciutto – Adds a salty, savory layer that serves as the wrap for the sushi. Substitution: Prosciutto Cotto, Mortadella, or ham can be used for a different flavor.
Baby Arugula – Provides a peppery bite, essential for balancing the richness of the burrata. Note: Microgreens can be used as an alternative.

For the Filling

Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Offers a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich flavors. Substitution: Fresh diced tomatoes or figs can be utilized for a fresher taste.
Burrata – A creamy cheese that brings luxurious texture and flavor. Substitution: Any creamy cheese like mozzarella or Fior Di Latte can work if burrata isn’t available.

For the Drizzle

Balsamic Glaze – A drizzle enhances sweetness and acidity, elevating the overall taste. Note: May substitute with a simple balsamic vinegar if glaze is unavailable.

Now you’re all set to create this enticing Italian Sushi, blending flavors that will wow your guests!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Italian Sushi

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Begin by laying a piece of parchment paper on a clean, flat surface. This will help contain any mess and make rolling easier. Ensure you have all your ingredients close at hand: prosciutto, baby arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, burrata, and balsamic glaze. A sharp knife will be essential later for clean cuts, so have that nearby too.

Step 2: Lay Down the Prosciutto
Take several slices of prosciutto and arrange them on the parchment paper in slightly overlapping layers. The goal is to cover the entire strip of paper, creating a solid base. This will give your Italian Sushi a savory wrap that’s both flavorful and holds everything together. Aim for a smooth, even layer as you build the foundation.

Step 3: Add the Greens and Filling
Sprinkle a handful of baby arugula evenly over the prosciutto, imparting a beautiful peppery bite. Next, scatter a few sun-dried tomatoes across the greens for a sweet and tangy flavor explosion. Finally, take a ball of burrata, gently ripping it open to expose its creamy interior, and place it at the center of the collage. The combination of ingredients will bring your Italian Sushi to life.

Step 4: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your creation by drizzling a generous amount of balsamic glaze over the fillings. This sticky sweet sauce adds a delightful acidity that complements the richness of the burrata and the saltiness of the prosciutto. Be sure to drizzle it evenly across all components, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 5: Roll It Up Carefully
With all ingredients now in place, it’s time to roll your Italian Sushi. Starting from one end, carefully lift the parchment paper and begin to roll the prosciutto around the filling, keeping it tight but not overly constricting. Focus on maintaining a uniform shape, as this will present beautifully when cut. Aim for a snug roll to encapsulate the fillings.

Step 6: Secure the Roll
Once you have rolled it up snugly, wrap the roll back in the parchment paper, tucking the ends in to secure the sushi shape. This will maintain integrity while you prepare to slice it. Allowing it to sit for a moment in the parchment will help solidify the roll, making it easier to cut into perfect pieces later on.

Step 7: Slice and Serve
Using your sharp knife, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces, aiming for about two inches thick. Make sure to cut through the layers without pressing down too hard to avoid crushing the ingredients. Once cut, arrange your Italian Sushi on a vibrant serving platter. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients, inviting your guests to savor every delightful bite.

What to Serve with Viral Italian Sushi

Let the delightful journey of flavors begin as you complement this unique fusion with a mix of vibrant sides and drinks.

Crispy Bruschetta: The crunchy texture and fresh tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy burrata, enhancing each bite.
Garlic Knots: Warm, buttery knots infused with garlic add a hearty touch, perfect for rounding out your appetizer spread.
Caprese Salad: A classic combination of mozzarella, fresh basil, and tomatoes echoes Italian flavors while keeping your meal light and fresh.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Prosecco pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the sushi and refreshing your palate.
Zesty Lemon Risotto: Creamy risotto with a hint of citrus balances the flavors, providing a comforting and elegant contrast to the sushi.
Roasted Vegetable Medley: Seasonal roasted veggies add a nutty, caramelized flavor that complements the dish and brings warmth to the table.
Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruits like melon and berries cleanse the palate, adding a sweet, juicy note that complements the savory sushi beautifully.
Homemade Tiramisu: End on a sweet note! The creamy, coffee-infused layers of tiramisu provide a delightful finish and echo Italian culinary traditions.

Expert Tips for Italian Sushi

Secure Your Prosciutto: Ensure the prosciutto slices overlap sufficiently to hold the filling. Without this, the roll may fall apart when cut.
Freshness is Key: Serve your Italian Sushi immediately after preparation to capture the flavors and textures at their best. The creamy burrata and greens are best enjoyed fresh!
Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes all the difference when slicing the rolls. It ensures clean cuts that preserve the beauty and integrity of the Italian Sushi without mashing the ingredients.
Don’t Overstuff: Carefully portion ingredients to avoid overwhelming the prosciutto wrapping. A well-balanced filling creates a delightful bite each time.
Experiment Freely: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have at home. This versatile Italian Sushi adapts beautifully to your taste!

Make Ahead Options

These Viral Italian Sushi are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the fillings—baby arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and burrata—up to 24 hours in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The prosciutto should be laid out freshly to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to serve, simply roll the prosciutto around the prepped fillings and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before slicing. This method ensures each bite remains as delicious as if they were just made, saving you valuable time for busy evenings or unexpected gatherings. Enjoy the ease of having a stunning appetizer ready to impress your guests!

Italian Sushi Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and personalize this Italian Sushi, adding your own delicious spin!

Dairy-Free: Substitute burrata with avocado for a creamy, dairy-free alternative that still delivers rich flavor and texture.
Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh basil or oregano into the filling for an aromatic boost that enhances the Italian essence of this dish.
Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before rolling for a delightful heat that complements the creamy elements wonderfully.
Veggie-Packed: Swap out baby arugula for spinach or kale, or even add roasted bell peppers for a sweeter, earthy taste that adds more depth to your sushi.
Sweet Touch: Consider using fig spread instead of balsamic glaze for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with prosciutto’s saltiness—a perfect alternative!
Flavorful Crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts to add a satisfying crunch that complements the creaminess of the burrata.
Seasonal Special: Embrace seasonal produce by integrating roasted or grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to enrich the flavor profile and texture.
Wrap It Up: For a gluten-free option, try wrapping with thinly sliced cucumbers instead of prosciutto; it adds crispness while keeping it light and fresh.

The possibilities are endless with this Italian Sushi—just like with our crowd-favorite Spicy Shrimp Sushi that revs up the flavor, you can enjoy making it truly your own!

How to Store and Freeze Italian Sushi

Fridge: Enjoy your Italian Sushi fresh! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and consume within 1 day for the best flavor and texture.

Freezer: It’s best not to freeze Italian Sushi, as the ingredients may lose their texture and flavor once thawed. For optimal taste, make it fresh each time!

Reheating: If you must reheat leftovers, do so gently in a skillet over low heat—just enough to warm through without cooking the ingredients further.

Italian Sushi Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for Italian Sushi?
Absolutely! When choosing your baby arugula, look for vibrant green leaves that are crisp and free from browning. For sun-dried tomatoes, opt for ones that are plump and soft, indicating they are full of flavor. When selecting burrata, aim for a fresher variant with a slightly springy texture that still oozes a bit when sliced. Always trust your senses—visual cues like color and texture are key indicators!

What’s the best way to store leftover Italian Sushi?
Very! Store any remaining Italian Sushi in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be consumed within 1 day for optimal taste. Make sure to keep it separate from other foods to preserve its flavor. If you notice the prosciutto starting to dry out or the greens wilting, it’s best to enjoy your sushi as soon as possible.

Can I freeze Italian Sushi?
Not recommended. Freezing Italian Sushi is not ideal as the creamy burrata and fresh greens lose their delightful texture when thawed. If you’d like to enjoy this dish later, I suggest preparing it fresh each time using your favorite ingredients. If you wanted to prepare components ahead of time, consider chopping the vegetables or making extra sun-dried tomatoes for other dishes!

What should I do if my sushi doesn’t hold its shape?
No worries! Ensure you’re overlapping the prosciutto sufficiently before rolling; this is crucial for keeping everything together. If it’s still falling apart, try packing your filling a little tighter. If you find it difficult to roll, you can use a sushi mat if you have one—this can help maintain shape during the rolling process, making it easier to cut and serve.

Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Absolutely! If making for someone with allergies or dietary restrictions, you might want to be aware of potential issues. Prosciutto is pork-based, so for a non-pork alternative, opt for turkey or chicken-based deli meats. The burrata can be swapped for lactose-free cheese to accommodate dairy sensitivity. Always communicate with your guests about ingredients to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.