Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Bites: A Simple, Elegant Appetizer Everyone Will Love

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Bites are the ideal blend of simplicity and sophistication—perfect for parties, holidays, or effortless entertaining. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you get a savory, creamy, and slightly salty bite that tastes far more impressive than the effort required. The prosciutto crisps beautifully, wrapping the mozzarella in a delicate, flavorful shell, while the cheese becomes wonderfully soft and melty. I once brushed the mozzarella with a touch of pesto before wrapping, and the herbiness elevated the entire bite without complicating the recipe. These bites pair effortlessly with wine, cocktails, or a spread of other appetizers, and they’re quick enough to make last-minute. Whether warm from the oven or served at room temperature, Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Bites are a crowd-pleasing favorite that always disappear fast.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Prosciutto
Thin slices of prosciutto add salty, savory depth. Their delicate texture crisps in the oven and wraps tightly around the mozzarella for clean, flavorful bites.

Mozzarella cheese
Fresh mozzarella balls or block mozzarella cut into cubes works beautifully. Its mild flavor and soft texture melt gently, complementing the salty prosciutto.

Olive oil
A light drizzle of olive oil promotes browning and adds subtle richness to each bite.

Black pepper
Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the mozzarella’s mildness and pairs well with the prosciutto’s saltiness.

Fresh basil (optional)
A leaf of basil tucked inside adds brightness and a pop of herbal flavor.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using block mozzarella, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Tear prosciutto slices into smaller strips—enough to wrap each piece of cheese completely.

Place a basil leaf on the mozzarella if using, then wrap tightly with a strip of prosciutto. Lay the wrapped bites seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with black pepper.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the prosciutto is crisp and the mozzarella begins to soften. Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before serving so the cheese can set slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people as an appetizer. Preparation requires about 10 minutes, baking takes 10–12 minutes, and cooling takes an additional 3 minutes. Total estimated time: approximately 23–25 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–6 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the cheese to melt too quickly and leak. These bites are not ideal for freezing due to their delicate texture.

Variations and Customizations

Pesto Mozzarella Bites
Add a small smear of pesto to the mozzarella before wrapping for herbaceous depth.

Balsamic Drizzle
Finish with a touch of balsamic reduction for sweetness and acidity.

Stuffed Olive Version
Wrap prosciutto around mozzarella stuffed with pitted olives for briny complexity.

Spicy Prosciutto Bites
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or wrap a sliver of jalapeño inside.

Garlic Herb Mozzarella
Season the mozzarella with garlic powder and Italian herbs before wrapping.

Sun-Dried Tomato Twist
Tuck a tiny piece of sun-dried tomato under the prosciutto for a sweet, tangy note.

Goat Cheese Alternative
Swap mozzarella for goat cheese medallions for a tangier, creamier bite.

Honey-Glazed Finish
Drizzle warm bites with a thin thread of honey for a sweet-salty balance.

Caprese-Inspired Bites
Add a tomato slice under the prosciutto for a caprese-style variation.

Smoked Mozzarella Option
Use smoked mozzarella for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use block mozzarella instead of mozzarella balls?

Yes, cut it into cubes for easily portioned bites.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to a day ahead; bake just before serving.

Does the prosciutto get crispy?

Yes, it crisps lightly in the oven and adds great texture.

Can I use bacon instead?

You can, but cook time will increase and the result will be richer and heavier.

Should I salt the bites?

No—prosciutto is naturally salty, so additional salt isn’t needed.

Can I serve these cold?

They are best warm or room temperature but still enjoyable cold.

Can I air-fry them?

Yes, air-fry at 375°F for about 6–8 minutes.

Will the mozzarella melt out?

A tight wrap helps prevent leakage; cooling slightly before serving also helps.

Can I add herbs?

Yes, basil, oregano, or thyme are lovely additions.

What dipping sauce works well?

Warm marinara, pesto, or balsamic glaze complement them beautifully.

Conclusion

Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Bites are a simple yet elegant appetizer that combines creamy cheese with crisp, salty prosciutto for an irresistible result. Versatile and easy to customize, these bites fit seamlessly into any gathering—from holiday parties to casual weeknight snacks. Their minimal prep and elevated flavor make them a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Serve them warm with your favorite sides or sauces and enjoy a delicious, sophisticated bite with every serving.

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