Name: Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 ounce package sliced prosciutto, sliced in half lengthwise; 20 marinated mozzarella balls, 12 ounce container; 20 leaves fresh basil; Balsamic glaze, as needed

Jump to Recipe·5 from 14 reviews

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, effortlessly elegant snack, you’re going to love this Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe. These little bundles of flavor are just the perfect balance of salty, creamy, and fresh—and trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them for every party, gathering, or even just a fancy weeknight treat. Plus, they come together in about 15 minutes, so it’s all win, no fuss.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple yet sophisticated: Using just a few high-quality ingredients makes these bites taste upscale without any complicated prep.
Perfect bite-sized balance: The saltiness of prosciutto pairs perfectly with creamy mozzarella and the fresh kick from basil leaves.
Quick assembly: You can pull these together in 15 minutes — ideal for last-minute guests or spontaneous cravings.
Customizable finishing touch: The balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that ties everything together beautifully.

Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil, prosciutto appetizer, easy party snacks, caprese bites, savory finger foods - The image shows a wooden cutting board with several thin slices of pink prosciutto piled on the left side. On the right side of the board, there are two small appetizer pieces, each with a square white base layer topped with a green layer and wrapped with a thin slice of prosciutto, held together by a small toothpick with a looped top. The cutting board is placed on a white marbled surface. Part of a white bowl with small white round items is visible in the top left corner, and a white bowl with green leaves is in the top right corner. A woman's hand is reaching towards the board from the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients here is key, because this recipe really lets them shine. You want fresh basil, velvety mozzarella, and quality prosciutto—each brings its own magic to the party. I always find that shopping for the freshest basil and artisan mozzarella makes all the difference.

Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil, prosciutto appetizer, easy party snacks, caprese bites, savory finger foods - Flat lay of fresh thinly sliced prosciutto halves arranged flat, small smooth white mozzarella balls glistening, vibrant green basil leaves with natural texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy dark balsamic glaze, all ingredients evenly spaced and perfectly symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Prosciutto: Look for thinly sliced, high-quality prosciutto for the best texture and flavor — it’s the salty star wrapping it all up.
Marinated mozzarella balls: These add creaminess and mild richness, plus the marinade usually gives them a little extra flavor.
Fresh basil leaves: They bring a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through all the richness wonderfully.
Balsamic glaze: This thick, syrupy drizzle adds a lovely sweet-tart finish—don’t skip it, but you also don’t need much.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe is so easy to personalize. Sometimes I like to add a little crushed red pepper inside for a spicy kick, or swap out the balsamic glaze for a drizzle of honey if I’m feeling a sweeter bite.

Variation: Adding a touch of cracked black pepper over the mozzarella before wrapping gives it a subtle heat that wakes up the palate—totally my favorite.
Dietary tweaks: If you want a vegetarian-friendly version, try swapping prosciutto for roasted red pepper or grilled zucchini ribbons.
Seasonal twists: In summer, I sometimes toss in a thin slice of sun-dried tomato with the basil for a little extra zing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe

Step 1: Prep Everything Before You Start Rolling

First things first, cut your prosciutto slices lengthwise into halves. This makes them just the right size to wrap around a single mozzarella ball. Then, drain your marinated mozzarella balls in a colander and pat them dry with a couple of paper towels. This step really helps avoid soggy bites later.

Step 2: Layer and Roll

Lay one half-slice of prosciutto flat on your work surface. Place a basil leaf on one end—if it’s big, just fold it over so it fits nicely. Top it with a mozzarella ball. Then, gently roll the prosciutto around the basil and mozzarella, making sure everything’s snug but not too tight to squish the cheese.

Step 3: Secure and Serve

Pop a wooden cocktail pick straight through the center to keep your roll-ups intact. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over each bite. I love how the glaze’s sweet acidity complements the saltiness perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe

Dry the mozzarella well: It might seem obvious, but patting the mozzarella dry prevents soggy bites and helps the prosciutto stick better.
Don’t overstuff: Use just one basil leaf and one mozzarella ball per bite—you want a perfect balance, so nothing overpowers the prosciutto.
Choose your balsamic glaze carefully: Some are super sweet, others more tangy—taste before you drizzle for the best pairing.
Serve at room temperature: I learned this the hard way—cold mozzarella doesn’t reveal its creamy charm fully, so let these bites sit out 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe

Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil, prosciutto appetizer, easy party snacks, caprese bites, savory finger foods - The image shows many small rolls arranged closely on a beige plate with a rustic look, all placed on a white marbled surface. Each roll has three visible layers: a dark green fresh basil leaf inside, a white creamy cheese layer wrapped around the leaf, and a thin, translucent pink cured meat layer folded around the outside. Each roll is pierced with a light brown wooden skewer with a small knot at the top, and a glossy dark brown balsamic glaze is lightly drizzled on top, adding a shiny, sticky texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—an extra basil leaf or two arranged on the serving platter adds freshness and color. Sometimes I get fancy and sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving. It’s all about that contrast in texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

These bites are fantastic alongside a crisp green salad or a platter of fresh cut veggies. I also love pairing them with some crusty bread and a light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing snack or appetizer.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I sometimes thread a few bites on skewers interspersed with cherry tomatoes or olives—a colorful and fun way to serve. Another fun idea is to create a grazing board with these alongside nuts, fruits, and other antipasti. It’s always a hit at get-togethers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep any leftover Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites wrapped tightly in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten the same day or the next, since the basil tends to wilt and the prosciutto can get a little chewy after longer storage.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing these bites because the fresh basil and mozzarella texture won’t hold up well—trust me, they lose their charm when thawed. Better to make fresh for each occasion.

Reheating

If you want to serve them warm, I suggest removing the wooden picks and gently warming the bites in a low oven for just a few minutes to slightly soften the mozzarella—but honestly, they’re perfect at room temp or chilled too.

FAQs

Can I make the Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble these a few hours ahead, but I recommend waiting to drizzle the balsamic glaze just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess.
What can I substitute for fresh basil if I don’t have it?

If fresh basil isn’t on hand, try fresh arugula or a milder herb like oregano or mint for a different but still fresh flavor twist.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the prosciutto?

Absolutely! Roasted red pepper strips or grilled zucchini ribbons can replace the prosciutto and still provide a tasty, colorful wrap.
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of marinated mozzarella balls?

Yes, but if you use regular mozzarella, consider adding a quick marinade or seasoning to the cheese to boost flavor. Also, cut the cheese into small bite-sized pieces to mimic the mozzarella balls.

Final Thoughts

This Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those no-fail bites that impress without stress. Whether you’re hosting or just craving something delicious for yourself, these little bundles always hit the spot. Give them a try—I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again!