Olive breadsticks with prosciutto and Montasio

Sfilati alle olive con prosciutto crudo e Montasio is this incredible snack that, honestly, really showcases the flavors of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Seriously good stuff. These olive breadsticks with prosciutto combine rustic tastes with tender bites that the folks from this mountainous region are super proud of. Packed with briny olives, they have this salty kick. And wrapped in prosciutto crudo di Sauris—well, it's no ordinary prosciutto. It's famous around here for being extra sweet, a little smoky, and honestly, it melts in your mouth. Pretty much. The locals claim it's way way different from what you'd find in Parma or San Daniele.

And the sauce? A smooth, creamy spread made with Montasio cheese. Montasio's like a staple here, starting mild and moist when young, but give it a few months, and it turns sharp and nutty. For these Montasio cheese appetizers, folks usually go for the softer version. Why? It blends nicely, making every bite rich without being too heavy. You know, it's just perfect.

In Friuli gatherings, these prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks are a table must-have, often paired with a glass of local wine. There’s something magical about the way the crispy breadsticks and the creamy cheese pair with the smoky meat. And look, it makes you want to keep snacking. Unlike other Italian finger foods, this combo really highlights the flavors from the Sauris mountains. Locals, they love to debate which part is best—the olive-infused crunch, the silky cheese, or that classic prosciutto.

As far as easy Italian appetizers go, these are hard to beat. Really, they give you a bit of everything: golden bread, rich cheese, and that unmistakable taste of Sauris prosciutto. Whether you call them grissini with prosciutto or stick with the local name, this snack is all about showcasing the best ingredients from Friuli Venezia Giulia. Anyone who loves traditional Italian breadsticks will tell you—they just taste like home up north, full of warmth and flavor, making every bite a little celebration of regional goodness. And here's the thing, you can't go wrong.