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· 4.6 from 3 reviews

If you’re hunting for a snack that’s effortless yet fancy enough to impress, let me introduce you to my go-to appetizer: Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe. These little flavor bombs are a total game-changer—combining silky mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and bright basil, all drizzled with a luscious balsamic glaze. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them over and over. Stick around; I’ll walk you through how to nail them perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity at Its Best: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together in minutes, perfect for last-minute guests.
Classic Flavor Trio: The saltiness of prosciutto, creaminess of mozzarella, and freshness of basil create a harmonious bite every time.
Elegant Yet Approachable: These bites look fancy on a platter but are super easy for anyone to make—seriously trusty party fare.
Customizable Finishing Touch: The balsamic glaze drizzle adds just the right pop of sweet tang to balance richness.

Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites Basil, prosciutto appetizer with basil, easy prosciutto mozzarella snacks, Caprese-inspired appetizer, quick prosciutto bites - 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

Getting the right ingredients really makes or breaks these Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe. When I shop, I always prioritize fresh basil and quality prosciutto since they bring that authentic Italian vibe. Also, marinated mozzarella balls are a total shortcut and add a subtle seasoning that pairs so well.

Prosciutto: Choose thinly sliced prosciutto—thin enough to roll easily but substantial enough to hold your bite together.
Marinated mozzarella balls: These little gems come packed with flavor; opt for those in oil and herbs if possible for extra punch.
Fresh basil leaves: Freshness is key here; younger, tender leaves taste sweeter and fold better around the mozzarella.
Balsamic glaze: This adds a beautiful glossy drizzle and a hint of sweetness that ties the whole bite together—don’t skip it!

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about the Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your mood or occasion. Don’t hesitate to get creative or substitute based on what you have.

Variation: I like to add a tiny dab of pesto inside before rolling it up, bringing in a herbaceous twist that’s irresistible.
Diet-friendly: For a low-carb snack, this is perfect as-is—plus gluten-free and keto-friendly!
Seasonal swap: In the winter, I sometimes swap basil for arugula leaves for a peppery bite.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro

Start by slicing your prosciutto in half lengthwise so the strips are easier to roll, especially if your slices feel a little thick. Then drain your marinated mozzarella balls well—I’ve learned the hard way that soggy bites don’t hold up and end up messy. My trick: drain them in a colander and gently pat dry with a double layer of paper towels. Even slight moisture can make wrapping tricky.

Step 2: Assemble the Magic

Place one halved prosciutto strip onto your workspace, then add a fresh basil leaf at one end. If your basil leaf is large, fold it over once so it fits neatly. Next, pop a mozzarella ball on top of the basil. Now comes the fun part—roll it all up snugly, wrapping the prosciutto around the mozzarella and basil just like a mini burrito. Use a wooden cocktail pick through the center to secure everything in place; this keeps your bites neat and perfect for serving.

Step 3: Finish with a Balsamic Drizzle

Just before serving, I like to drizzle each bite with a little balsamic glaze. It adds this gorgeous shiny finish plus a sweet-tangy punch that lifts all the flavors. If you want to get fancy, drizzle in a zigzag pattern or dot each bite individually—either way, it tastes like a dream.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Dry Mozzarella Thoroughly: Keeping the mozzarella dry prevents sogginess and helps the prosciutto cling better.
Use Fresh Basil: Fresh leaves add a bright, peppery note; if your basil is too big, fold gently without bruising.
Secure with Picks: Wooden cocktail picks keep the bites intact, especially if prepping in advance or transporting.
Add Glaze Last Minute: Drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving to keep the prosciutto from getting soggy and preserve that beautiful sheen.

How to Serve Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe

Garnishes

I love to add a bit of flaky sea salt or cracked black pepper sprinkled right on top for a flavor boost. Occasionally, I’ll toss in some microgreens or edible flowers on the platter for a pop of color and freshness—makes everything look extra special when friends arrive.

Side Dishes

These bites pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or a sparkling Prosecco, and to round out the spread, I often serve them alongside mixed olives, crusty bread, and a light charcuterie board to keep the Italian vibe flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged these bites in concentric circles on a rustic wooden board, alternating with slices of ripe heirloom tomatoes and extra basil leaves—it turned out so gorgeous that guests kept asking for the recipe. You could also thread a few bites onto skewers for a fun party platter presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. I usually store the bites without balsamic glaze, which keeps the prosciutto from getting wet and losing its texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite for these Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe because the mozzarella can get mushy upon thawing. I’d suggest making them fresh whenever possible to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these bites are best served cold or room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating. If you want a warm twist, heat prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella separately in a hot skillet for a few seconds just before assembling.

FAQs

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of marinated mozzarella balls?

Absolutely! Just roll fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) dry before assembling. Keep in mind that marinated balls have a bit of oil and herbs that add subtle flavor, so you might want to brush your mozzarella lightly with olive oil or add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for that extra touch.
How far ahead can I assemble these bites?

You can assemble up to 4 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated (without balsamic glaze). Add the glaze just before serving to keep everything fresh and visually appealing.
Can I substitute another type of cured meat?

Yes, prosciutto is best for its delicate flavor and tenderness, but you can use thinly sliced serrano ham or even smoked turkey if you want a different twist. Just make sure it’s thin and pliable for easy rolling.
What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

No worries! You can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar with a little honey or sugar until it thickens, or simply serve the bites with a balsamic vinegar reduction. A quick drizzle of high-quality aged balsamic works beautifully too.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe has become a staple in my culinary lineup because it’s reliable, delicious, and impresses every single time. Whether I’m hosting a casual get-together or need a fancy appetizer for a holiday party, these bites never let me down. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) them just as much as I do. Give this recipe a go—you’ll thank me later when everyone’s asking for seconds!