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I've been making these packed prosciutto and mozzarella snacks as my favorite party starter for quite a while now. They need just four items and barely any setup time, yet these fancy little bites mix smooth, salty and herby tastes that always wow my friends.
I first threw these together during a last-minute get-together when my fridge was nearly empty. What began as a quick fix has turned into the app everyone asks for when they come over. The mix of soft mozzarella with salty prosciutto and garden-fresh basil makes such a tasty bite that they're usually gone in minutes.
What You'll Need
- Prosciutto: Cut in half along the length. These paper-thin pieces wrap just right around the cheese. Try to get prosciutto di Parma for real Italian taste with that perfect mix of saltiness and sweet notes.
- Marinated mozzarella balls: These tiny cheese rounds come soaked in herbs and oil for extra kick. Pick ones sitting in good olive oil for the tastiest results.
- Fresh basil leaves: This fragrant herb adds brightness and green color pop. Go for bright green leaves without any dark spots for the freshest taste.
- Balsamic glaze: Gives a sweet tangy finish. Brands like Nonna Pias or ones from Trader Joes work great so you don't have to make your own.
How To Put Together Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites
- Get Everything Ready:
- First, slice each prosciutto piece lengthwise to make two long strips. This gives you the right size for wrapping the cheese. Drain your mozzarella balls completely in a strainer then put them on paper towels and softly pat them dry. You don't want extra moisture making your prosciutto all mushy, so don't skip this part.
- Put Them Together:
- Lay out a half strip of prosciutto flat on your counter. Put a basil leaf at one end, folding bigger leaves if they're too large. Place a dried mozzarella ball on the basil. The leaf works as a shield between the meat and cheese, making the flavors stack perfectly.
- Wrap It Up:
- Gently roll the prosciutto around the basil and cheese to make a neat little package. The prosciutto usually sticks to itself, but push a wooden toothpick through the middle to make sure it stays together. The pick also makes it easy for guests to grab one.
- Last Touch:
- Right before you serve them, drip a tiny bit of balsamic glaze on each bite. The sweet tanginess balances out the salty prosciutto and adds that fancy finishing touch that makes the whole app look and taste amazing.
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The soaked mozzarella really stands out in this dish. I found that plain mozzarella just doesn't give you that same rich taste. All those herbs and oil soaking into the cheese create an amazing flavor that goes so well with the prosciutto. Last summer, I brought these to a backyard party and watched everyone keep coming back for more until they were all gone before we'd even started on the main dish.
Keeping Them Fresh
You can make these bites up to 4 hours ahead and keep them in the fridge. Store them flat in a single row on a plate wrapped in plastic to stop the prosciutto from getting dry. For the best look and taste, add the balsamic drizzle just when you're ready to serve. If you need to get ready way ahead of time, just keep all the parts separate and put them together shortly before your guests show up.
Mix It Up
While the original combo works so well, you can easily change these bites to match what you like or what's in your kitchen. Try swapping in small chunks of aged provolone for a stronger cheese taste. Fresh mint can work instead of basil for a cool twist. Want some heat? Add a thin slice of jalapeño before rolling. What's great about these snacks is you can play around with different flavors while keeping them looking fancy and simple.
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How To Present Them
Set these colorful bites on a wooden board for a country feel or use a white plate to make the colors stand out. They go great with bubbly prosecco or a light pinot grigio. Think about serving them alongside other Italian starters like olive mix, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts for a full starter spread. If you want something more filling, add some crusty bread and a mix of cured meats.
Italian Roots
This starter draws from classic Italian appetizer traditions where simple, top-quality ingredients get to shine. In Italy, folks love pairing prosciutto and mozzarella because it shows off their commitment to simple but tasty food. Adding fresh basil completes the red, white, and green colors of the Italian flag, so it's not just yummy but also a nod to Italian food heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which kind of prosciutto is ideal?
Thin, high-quality prosciutto is perfect for wrapping around the mozzarella and basil. It adds a rich, salty touch and a smooth texture.
- → How far in advance can I prepare these?
Put the bites together a few hours before serving, but keep them in the fridge and add the balsamic drizzle right before you’re ready to eat.
- → What size mozzarella balls should I pick?
Go with small, marinated mozzarella balls like ciliegine or bocconcini—they’re bite-sized and work great for assembly.
- → Can I replace the balsamic drizzle with something else?
If you’re out of balsamic glaze, you can simmer balsamic vinegar with sugar until it thickens, or drizzle honey as a quick substitute.
- → Do I have to include basil?
Nope! You can skip it or use fresh arugula or spinach instead for a similar fresh flavor.