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Some recipes are little masterpieces of Italian home cooking, and pork saltimbocca is a shining example. The name literally translates to "jumps in the mouth," which feels about right once you take your first bite. Tender pork cutlets are wrapped in salty prosciutto, tucked with a fragrant sage leaf, and pan-seared until golden and crisp. A quick white wine pan sauce ties it all together into a dish that's rich, elegant, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
While saltimbocca is traditionally made with veal, this pork version delivers all the same beautifully layered flavors with an ingredient that's easier to find and just as satisfying. It's the kind of recipe that feels perfectly at home on a weeknight dinner table, at a dinner party with friends, or served up as an appetizer alongside a chilled glass of wine. Pour yourself a glass and get ready to fall in love with one of Italy's most timeless classics.
Why You'll Love This Pork Saltimbocca Recipe
Some recipes take hours of planning and prep, but this one delivers restaurant-worthy results with barely any effort. Just three main ingredients (pork, prosciutto, and sage), a quick sear, and a splash of wine, and you've got a meal that looks and tastes like it came out of a Roman trattoria.
It's also endlessly versatile. Serve it up as an elegant weeknight dinner, plate it for a small dinner party, or slice each cutlet into pieces and pass them around as a truly next-level appetizer. Once you make it, don't be surprised when it becomes a permanent part of your dinner rotation.
Pork Saltimbocca with Pan Sauce Recipe
Recipe Type:
Appetizer
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Servings:
6
Ingredients
- 6 small (about 3 oz. each) boneless pork cutlets or thin-cut pork chops, trimmed
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 thin slices prosciutto
- 6 small fresh sage leaves
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1⁄2 C. dry white wine
Instructions
- Season the pork on both sides with salt and pepper. Put a prosciutto slice on a work surface. Place a pork cutlet or chop in the center. Wrap the ends of the prosciutto around the pork, overlapping in the center. Place a sage leaf over the ends and thread an 8” bamboo skewer through the pork to secure the prosciutto and sage. Repeat with the remaining pork cutlets or chops.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter with the oil over medium-high heat. Add the cutlets or chops, in batches if necessary, sage side down, in a single layer and cook until the prosciutto is crisp and the pork is lightly browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook the second side for 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Discard any oil from the skillet and add the wine. Increase the heat to high and cook until thickened, stirring to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan, about 3 minutes. Arrange the pork on a platter or divide among 6 small plates, spoon the pan sauce over each, and serve.
What to Serve with Pork Saltimbocca
Pork saltimbocca is rich, savory, and just a little indulgent, which means it pairs beautifully with sides that either complement its flavors or add a fresh contrast. Whether serving it as a weeknight main or the star of a dinner party, these recipes from the KJ blog would round out the meal perfectly:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with a savory chorizo kick and a splash of sherry vinegar for brightness. A perfect textural contrast to the tender pork.
- Green Beans with Blue Cheese and Almonds: Crisp-tender green beans tossed with a tangy lemon-white wine vinaigrette, creamy blue cheese, and toasted almonds. Light, bright, and full of flavor.
- Homemade Pasta with Merlot: For a true Italian dinner moment, serve the saltimbocca alongside fresh, silky homemade pasta tossed in a little butter and parmesan.
- Tomato Basil Bruschetta: Perfect for kicking off the meal with an easy Italian-style appetizer alongside a chilled glass of wine.
- Easy Tomato Jam: Serve a small dish of this sweet, tangy jam alongside a cheese board or crusty bread as a stunning little accompaniment before the main course.
Pour a chilled glass of white wine, plate the saltimbocca while it's still warm, and enjoy every last bite.
What Wine Pairs Best with Pork Saltimbocca
The white wine already simmering in the pan sauce is a strong hint at where to start. Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay is a natural first pour, with its bright acidity and gentle oak echoing the flavors of the sauce while lifting the richness of the prosciutto and pork.
For a slightly rounder pairing that leans into the buttery finish of the dish, Grand Reserve Chardonnay adds layers of baked apple and lemon curd that feel especially fitting for a dinner party plate. And if a red is more the mood, Vintner's Reserve Pinot Noir is a lovely alternative. Its silky texture and bright cherry notes bring a gentle contrast to the salty prosciutto without overpowering the delicate sage.
