Welcome to the ultimate guide to creating the most elegant and deceptively simple appetizer: Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella. This recipe is a showstopper, delivering a perfect bite of salty, savory prosciutto giving way to a warm, melted mozzarella center. It’s the kind of dish that disappears from the platter in minutes. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated get-together, need a quick holiday appetizer, or simply want a delicious snack, this is your new go-to recipe. Best of all, I’ll show you three foolproof methods to cook them: baked, pan-fried, and in the air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Recipe
This appetizer is a triple threat of flavor, ease, and elegance. The salty, savory prosciutto crisps up beautifully, creating a perfect contrast to the soft, gooey mozzarella inside. It’s a classic Italian-inspired combination for a reason! With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can create a truly impressive dish. It’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for guests with dietary needs. For another easy and impressive dish, check out this creamy Boursin chicken recipe.
The Magic of Three Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long shopping list to create something spectacular. Quality is key here, so choose the best you can find.
The Prosciutto
Look for thinly sliced Prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele. The delicate, paper-thin slices are easy to wrap and become wonderfully crispy when cooked. One slice is the perfect size for each mozzarella ball.
The Mozzarella
For the best results, use small, fresh mozzarella balls, often called “ciliegine” (cherry size) or “bocconcini.” It’s crucial to pat them very dry with a paper towel before wrapping. Removing excess moisture is the secret to preventing the cheese from becoming watery and ensuring the prosciutto sticks perfectly.
The Finishing Touches
While optional, a few final flourishes take these bites to the next level. A fresh basil leaf tucked inside the prosciutto adds a hint of peppery sweetness. After cooking, a drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze provides a tangy counterpoint to the rich flavors.
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella (Step-by-Step)
This process is as simple as it sounds. Follow these two key steps before moving on to your chosen cooking method.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First, drain your mozzarella balls and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is the most important step for a crispy finish! If you wish to use basil, place one small leaf on each mozzarella ball.
Step 2: The Wrapping Technique
Lay a slice of prosciutto flat. Place a mozzarella ball at one end and roll it up tightly, ensuring the cheese is completely encased. The prosciutto should adhere to itself. If needed, you can secure the seam with a toothpick, but a tight wrap is usually sufficient.
Three Ways to Cook Your Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella
One of the best things about this appetizer is its versatility. Choose the cooking method that works best for you.
Baked Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella (Oven Method)
This method is great for making a large batch at once. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wrapped mozzarella balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-side down. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crisp and the cheese is just beginning to melt. For another fantastic oven-baked dish, try these juicy oven-baked meatballs.
Pan-Fried Perfection (Stovetop Method)
For an extra crispy finish, pan-frying is the way to go. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the mozzarella balls seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning gently, until the prosciutto is browned and crisp all over.
Crispy & Quick (Air Fryer Method)
The air fryer delivers oven-crisp results in half the time. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped mozzarella in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, until the prosciutto is crispy and the cheese is soft and gooey.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Skip the Drying: Seriously, pat that mozzarella dry! It makes all the difference in achieving a crispy, not soggy, result.
- Wrap Tightly: A snug wrap ensures the cheese stays inside as it melts.
- Don’t Overcook: Remove the bites from the heat as soon as the prosciutto is crisp. If you cook them too long, the mozzarella will melt completely and ooze out.
- Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed warm and fresh, right after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella bites are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with other elements. Serve them on a platter with a small bowl of balsamic glaze for dipping. They are also a wonderful addition to a charcuterie board or an antipasto platter. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a simple green salad or even as a topper for a creamy soup. They would be a great appetizer before a main course like our Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta (coming soon).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble the prosciutto and mozzarella bites up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and cook just before serving for the best results.
No, you do not need to cook the prosciutto beforehand. It is a cured meat that is safe to eat as is, and it will become perfectly crispy as it cooks around the mozzarella.
There are two keys to preventing leaks: wrap the mozzarella tightly in the prosciutto, ensuring it’s fully encased, and do not overcook. Remove the bites from the heat as soon as the prosciutto is crisp and the cheese is just melted.
They are delicious on their own with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They also pair wonderfully with melon, figs, olives, and crusty bread on an antipasto platter. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect match.
Small, fresh mozzarella balls, often labeled as ‘ciliegine’ (cherry size) or ‘bocconcini,’ are ideal. Their size is perfect for a single bite, and they melt beautifully. Just be sure to pat them very dry before wrapping.
The Perfect Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Recipe
Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella (Baked, Fried, or Air-Fried!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Drain the mozzarella balls and use paper towels to pat them as dry as possible. This is crucial for a crispy result. Lay out the slices of prosciutto.
- Place one mozzarella ball at the end of a prosciutto slice. If using, add a fresh basil leaf. Roll the mozzarella up tightly in the prosciutto until it is completely encased.
- Oven-Baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place wrapped mozzarella on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until prosciutto is crisp. Pan-Fried: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until prosciutto is browned and crisp. Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 5-7 minutes until prosciutto is crisp.
- Serve immediately while warm. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving, if desired.
Notes
Tip 2: Do not overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly.
Tip 3: These are best served fresh, but you can wrap them a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Share Your Creations!
I am confident this will become one of your favorite appetizer recipes. It’s simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you make this Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella, please leave a comment below and let me know which cooking method you tried! Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on Pinterest!
