Prepare to discover your new go-to appetizer. This Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella is the perfect trifecta of salty, creamy, and savory, all bundled into one irresistible, bite-sized package. It’s an effortlessly elegant dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, but it comes together in just minutes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a simple holiday appetizer, or just treating yourself, these little bites are pure bliss. They are guaranteed to disappear from the plate in record time.
We’re going to walk you through how to create this stunning appetizer from start to finish. Get ready to impress your guests and delight your taste buds with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
It’s as simple as wrap, bake, and enjoy!
Why This Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Recipe is a Must-Try
In a world of complicated recipes, the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complex techniques to create something truly special. This recipe is built on the quality of its components, where each flavor gets to shine. It’s the kind of appetizer that feels both rustic and sophisticated, making it perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a formal celebration. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for guests with dietary restrictions.
The Magic of Three Core Ingredients
The success of this Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella hinges on three simple, high-quality ingredients. Let’s break down what makes each one special.
Choosing the Right Prosciutto
For the best flavor, opt for Prosciutto di Parma or Prosciutto San Daniele. These Italian dry-cured hams are delicate, salty, and slightly sweet. They become wonderfully crispy when cooked. When shopping, ask for it to be sliced paper-thin. This texture is key for wrapping the mozzarella balls snugly and achieving that perfect crispiness when baked or pan-fried.
The Best Mozzarella for Wrapping
You’ll want to use small, fresh mozzarella balls, often labeled as “ciliegine” (cherry size) or “bocconcini” (bite-size). It’s crucial to pat them very dry with a paper towel before wrapping. Removing excess moisture prevents the prosciutto from becoming soggy and helps it adhere to the cheese, ensuring a perfect melt-in-your-mouth result.
A Touch of Freshness: Basil (Optional, but Recommended!)
While technically a three-ingredient recipe, adding a small basil leaf between the cheese and the prosciutto introduces a fresh, peppery note that cuts through the richness. It’s a simple addition that elevates the entire flavor profile, reminiscent of a classic Caprese salad.
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella (Step-by-Step)
This simple process is what makes this recipe a true gem. First, preheat your oven and prepare a baking sheet. Then, carefully pat your mozzarella balls dry. Lay a slice of prosciutto flat, place a basil leaf (if using) and a mozzarella ball at one end, and wrap it up tightly. It’s that simple! For those who enjoy a more complex flavor profile, consider this creamy peppercorn sauce for dipping.
Look at that perfect crispy prosciutto and melty mozzarella!
Baking vs. Pan-Frying: Which Is Best?
You have two fantastic options for cooking your Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella, each offering a slightly different result. For a truly impressive main course, you could even serve these alongside Gouda and mushroom stuffed chicken.
For a Crispier Finish: The Baking Method
Baking is the easiest, most hands-off method. Arrange the wrapped mozzarella balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them. A quick bake in a hot oven melts the cheese to a perfect gooey consistency while crisping the prosciutto to perfection. This method is ideal when making a large batch for a crowd.
For a Softer Bite: The Pan-Frying Method
Pan-frying gives you a slightly different texture. The prosciutto becomes beautifully browned and savory, but remains a bit softer and chewier. The mozzarella becomes incredibly soft and luscious. Simply heat a touch of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the balls for a few minutes on each side until golden.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bites
Don’t Skip the Drying Step: Excess water is the enemy! Dry the mozzarella thoroughly to ensure the prosciutto gets crispy.
Wrap Tightly: A snug wrap ensures the prosciutto stays in place as the cheese melts.
Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven or pan, when the cheese is perfectly gooey.
Add a Drizzle: A balsamic glaze drizzle just before serving adds a tangy sweetness that complements the salty prosciutto beautifully. Looking for another easy appetizer? These cheeseburger rollups are always a crowd-pleaser.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is divine, feel free to get creative! Try stuffing a sun-dried tomato with the basil inside the wrap. You could also add a sliver of fig for a sweet and savory twist. For a touch of heat, a small slice of jalapeño can be a delicious surprise. This recipe is a fantastic canvas for experimentation.
What to Serve With Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella
These bites are a perfect standalone appetizer, but they also pair wonderfully with other dishes. Serve them alongside a fresh arugula salad, crusty bread like this tomato basil bread, or a platter of olives and other antipasti. They make a fantastic starter for a hearty Italian meal, such as this Mediterranean beef stew.
Yes! You can assemble them up to 4 hours in advance. Arrange them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh just before you plan to serve.
For best results, use small, fresh mozzarella balls labeled as ‘ciliegine’ (cherry size) or ‘bocconcini.’ The most important step is to pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure the prosciutto gets crispy.
It’s up to your preference! Baking is easier for larger batches and results in a crispier prosciutto. Pan-frying gives the prosciutto a beautiful golden color with a slightly softer, chewier texture.
They are fantastic on their own with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They also pair wonderfully with a simple arugula salad, crusty bread, olives, or as part of a larger antipasto platter.
Absolutely. While prosciutto provides a unique salty and savory flavor, you could also try this with other thin-sliced cured meats like speck, serrano ham, or even very thin bacon (note that bacon will release more grease and may require a longer cooking time).
The Perfect Bite-Sized Appetizer
This Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella recipe is the epitome of simple elegance. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of time or ingredients to create something truly memorable. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering, and watch it become an instant favorite. We’d love to see your creations and hear how much you loved them! Share your photos and tag us on Pinterest!
The ultimate party starter: Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella. Salty, creamy, and oh-so-easy!
Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Recipe
FL Recipes
Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella: The Ultimate 3-Ingredient Appetizer
Discover the ultimate easy appetizer! This Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella recipe features creamy mozzarella and salty prosciutto, baked to crispy perfection in minutes. It's the perfect elegant, low-carb, and gluten-free party food for any occasion.
8ouncesfresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini)patted very dry
4ouncesthinly sliced prosciuttoeach slice cut in half lengthwise
1/4cupfresh basil leavesoptional
1tablespoonolive oiloptional, for brushing
Balsamic glaze, for drizzlingoptional, for serving
Equipment
1 Baking Sheet
1 Parchment Paper
Method
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Gently pat the mozzarella balls completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for ensuring the prosciutto becomes crispy.
Lay a piece of prosciutto flat. If using, place one fresh basil leaf on top of the prosciutto at one end. Place a mozzarella ball over the basil leaf.
Tightly wrap the prosciutto around the mozzarella ball, ensuring the cheese is completely encased. Place the wrapped ball seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat with the remaining mozzarella and prosciutto. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil, if desired, for extra crispiness. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crisp and the cheese is soft and just beginning to melt.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for just a minute. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if using, and serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 155kcalProtein: 10gFat: 12g
Notes
Pan-Frying Method: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the wrapped mozzarella balls in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the prosciutto is golden and the cheese is melted. Make-Ahead: You can assemble these up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
