These prosciutto wrapped mozzarella sticks are a tasty treat! The crispy prosciutto pairs perfectly with gooey, melty mozzarella—what’s not to love?
They make a great snack or appetizer for any gathering. I can’t resist them when they’re fresh out of the oven, bubbling with cheesy goodness. Perfect for sharing—or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: String cheese is perfect for this recipe, providing that wonderful melting quality. If you’re looking for a lower fat option, you can use part-skim mozzarella sticks. Alternatively, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) also work, but they may need a bit of extra wrapping!
Prosciutto: The star of the show! You want to go for thinly sliced prosciutto for a crispy finish. If you’re looking for a less salty or more affordable option, try using turkey bacon or another type of ham. Just remember, it won’t have the same flavor.
Olive Oil: This helps the prosciutto crisp up nicely. You can replace it with another cooking oil like avocado oil if preferred. A light spray is enough to keep it light and healthy!
Dried Herbs: While this is optional, I love adding a touch of Italian herbs for extra flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, you can skip them or use fresh herbs instead, which will add a lovely aroma when baked!
How Do I Ensure the Prosciutto Gets Crispy?
Getting that delightful crunch in prosciutto is all about temperature and time. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Preheat your oven properly before placing the mozzarella sticks inside. It helps start the cooking process evenly.
- Make sure to wrap the prosciutto tightly around each cheese stick; this ensures even cooking and crisping.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. If you notice they’re getting golden brown early, you can take them out—every oven varies!
- Let them cool just a minute after cooking. This brief rest will help firm up the prosciutto further!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy, cheesy goodness ready to enjoy! Serve with dipping sauce for a delicious bite! 😊
Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients:
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 8 slices of prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious prosciutto wrapped mozzarella sticks in around 30 minutes!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This makes clean-up super easy and prevents sticking!
2. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks carefully. Take each slice of prosciutto and wrap it tightly around a mozzarella stick, making sure to cover the cheese completely. It doesn’t have to be perfectly neat, but try to keep it snug!
3. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks on the baking sheet, seam side down. This helps keep the prosciutto in place while they cook.
4. Add Olive Oil:
Lightly brush each prosciutto-wrapped stick with olive oil. This step is essential as it helps the prosciutto get that nice crispy texture while baking.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re ready when the prosciutto is crispy, and the mozzarella is soft and ooey-gooey!
6. Finish and Garnish:
Once baked, carefully remove the sticks from the oven (remember, they will be hot!). Sprinkle with black pepper and dried herbs for added flavor, if you like.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your tasty prosciutto wrapped mozzarella sticks immediately as an appetizer or snack. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce—marinara or balsamic glaze work great!
Enjoy the delightful crunch of prosciutto and the melty goodness of mozzarella in every bite!
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that classic gooey texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even goat cheese. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well!
What If I Don’t Have Prosciutto?
No worries! If prosciutto isn’t available, you can use alternatives like thinly sliced pancetta, turkey bacon, or even ham. Just remember, the flavor profile will change a bit, but it will still be tasty!
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mozzarella sticks and wrap them in prosciutto ahead of time! Just cover them and place them in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready to serve. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but can be made a few hours in advance.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain that delicious crispiness before enjoying again!