Name: Savory Mille-Feuille with Lemon Ricotta & Prosciutto Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry, thawed; 1 egg (for egg wash); Flaky sea salt (for topping); 250 g ricotta cheese; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt & pepper to taste; 100 g prosciutto, very thinly sliced; Fresh thyme leaves or microgreens (optional, for garnish)

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Introduction

This Savory Mille-Feuille with Lemon Ricotta & Prosciutto is an elegant yet surprisingly simple appetizer. Crisp puff pastry layers are filled with a bright, creamy lemon ricotta and complemented by delicate prosciutto, making it perfect for entertaining or a special treat.

A three-layer pastry stack sits on a white plate with a soft golden-brown flaky texture for each puff pastry layer. Between these layers, there are thick, piped swirls of white creamy filling and thin folds of pinkish ham. The top layer is decorated with small green microgreens and a few white onion slivers, adding freshness and color contrast. Some small crumbs and green leaves are scattered around the plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 sheet all-butter puff pastry, thawed
1 egg (for egg wash)
Flaky sea salt (for topping)
250 g ricotta cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
100 g prosciutto, very thinly sliced
Fresh thyme leaves or microgreens (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Cut the puff pastry into 6 rectangles, approximately 10×5 cm. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick each piece with a fork, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Cover with a second parchment sheet and place another tray on top to keep them flat. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and crisp. Allow to cool completely.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk ricotta with lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and airy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag for easier assembly if desired.
Step 3: Place one puff pastry rectangle on a serving plate. Pipe or spoon a layer of the lemon ricotta mixture on top. Add a few folds of prosciutto. Repeat by layering another pastry piece, ricotta, and prosciutto. Finish by topping with the last pastry rectangle.
Step 4: Garnish the top with fresh thyme leaves or microgreens for a touch of color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute the prosciutto with thinly sliced roasted vegetables or marinated mushrooms.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor in the ricotta whip.
Make sure the puff pastry is fully cooled before assembling to keep the layers crisp.
Microgreens add a nice fresh note and a pop of color if you want to elevate the presentation.

Storage

It’s best to assemble this dish just before serving to maintain crisp layers. If you have leftovers, store the assembled portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The pastry may soften upon storage, so consider keeping components separate and assembling again before serving. Reheat pastry layers briefly in a hot oven to restore crispness.

How to Serve

A three-layer puff pastry stack sits on a white plate, each layer golden brown and crisp. Between the bottom and middle pastry layers are thick swirls of white cream and thin slices of pink ham. The middle and top layers repeat the same with dollops of cream, topped with tiny green and purple microgreens. Small flecks of black pepper are sprinkled on the cream and around the plate. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, and soft natural light highlights the textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ready-made lemon curd instead of making the lemon ricotta whip?

Using lemon curd will add sweetness, which contrasts with the savory prosciutto, so it’s not recommended if you want to keep the dish savory and fresh. The ricotta whip provides a creamy, slightly tangy base that balances the flavors better.

What can I substitute if I don’t have prosciutto?

You can use thin slices of smoked ham, serrano ham, or even thinly sliced turkey breast. For a vegetarian choice, roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini make excellent alternatives.