These yummy prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks are the perfect snack! The creamy cheese wrapped in salty prosciutto makes a tasty and satisfying bite.
Honestly, I can’t resist them! They’re fun to make and disappear quickly at parties—who can say no to cheesy goodness? 🧀✨
I love serving these with a side of marinara for dipping. It’s an easy treat that feels fancy, all while you get to enjoy that melty cheese. Perfect for any gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Prosciutto: This thin Italian ham adds a wonderful salty flavor. If you need a substitute, try bacon or even turkey bacon for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change since bacon takes longer to crisp!
Mozzarella: I recommend using string cheese for easy wrapping and melting, but fresh mozzarella cut into sticks works well too. If you want a strong flavor, opt for smoked mozzarella instead!
Olive Oil: Using olive oil helps make the prosciutto crispy while it bakes. If you’re looking for a substitute, avocado oil is great, or you can simply skip it for a slightly healthier version.
Marinara Sauce: A classic dipping option, but if you’re not a fan, ranch dressing or pesto can be tasty choices too!
How Do You Ensure the Prosciutto Gets Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispiness with prosciutto can take a little practice, but here are some helpful tips:
- Use thin slices of prosciutto; it cooks faster and crisps up nicely.
- Wrap snugly but not too tight; there needs to be space for heat to circulate.
- Brushing with olive oil adds flavor and aids in crisping, so don’t skip this step!
- Check them at the 10-minute mark; every oven is different, and you don’t want them overcooked.
These tips will help you create the crispiest, most delicious prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks. Enjoy your cooking!
Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or fresh mozzarella formed into sticks)
- 6 thin slices of prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: Italian seasoning or dried herbs for garnish
- Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 10-12 minutes to bake. In just under half an hour, you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential for getting that nice crispy prosciutto.
2. Wrap Cheese:
Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it snugly with one thin slice of prosciutto. Make sure the prosciutto covers the cheese completely, but try to avoid too much overlap, as it needs space to crisp up.
3. Prepare Baking Sheet:
Get a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
4. Brush with Olive Oil:
Using a brush or a spoon, lightly coat each wrapped stick with olive oil. This will help the prosciutto get nice and crispy as it bakes.
5. Bake:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the prosciutto is crispy and the cheese is gooey and melted inside.
6. Cool Slightly:
Once out of the oven, let your prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks cool for a couple of minutes. The cheese will be very hot, so be careful!
7. Serve:
Garnish with some Italian seasoning or dried herbs if you like. Serve them warm with marinara sauce on the side for delicious dipping! Enjoy!
These prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a fantastic blend of flavors and textures—a savory treat that’s sure to please anyone!
Can I Use Different Cheeses for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different flavor experience. Just ensure they melt well!
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider using turkey or chicken prosciutto instead of regular prosciutto. You can also skip the olive oil or use a light spray instead.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can wrap the mozzarella sticks with prosciutto and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if they go into the oven cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to get them crispy again.
