These prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a fun and tasty treat! Crispy on the outside and gooey cheese on the inside, they’re perfect for snacking or sharing.
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness wrapped in savory prosciutto? I love serving them warm with a side of marinara sauce—so simple and oh-so-delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Sticks: String cheese is a great option for this recipe. I find that the mozzarella melts well and has the right stretch. If you’re looking for something different, you can use fresh mozzarella balls, but they might be trickier to wrap!
Prosciutto: This gives flavor and a deliciously salty crunch. If you can’t find prosciutto, pancetta or bacon work well too. They won’t have the same texture, but they’ll still be tasty!
Olive Oil: The oil helps to crisp up the prosciutto in the oven. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip it entirely. Just make sure to keep an eye on the sticks so they don’t dry out.
Marinara Sauce: This is optional but adds a nice touch. You can replace it with ranch or garlic aioli if you want something different!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Crisp Prosciutto?
Getting that prosciutto just right is key! Here are my tips to achieve crispy, delicious results:
- Wrap tightly but not too tight—allow some space for melting mozzarella.
- Preheat your oven fully. A hot oven helps achieve that crispiness quickly.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking. They can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- If you want extra crispiness, broil them for a minute or two at the end, but watch closely!
Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (individually wrapped)
- 12 thin slices of prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking)
- Marinara sauce (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 10-12 minutes to bake. In just half an hour, you could be enjoying warm, cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will help prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
2. Prepare the Cheese:
Unwrap your mozzarella string cheese sticks and set them aside. It’s time to get cheesy!
3. Wrap with Prosciutto:
Take one slice of prosciutto and wrap it around each mozzarella stick. Make sure to overlap the prosciutto slightly to cover the cheese completely. This will ensure all that cheesy goodness stays tucked in while baking!
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them a little apart to allow even cooking.
5. Optional Olive Oil:
If you’d like extra crispiness, give the wrapped sticks a light brush or drizzle of olive oil. This step is optional, but it does help enhance the flavor and texture!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the prosciutto to be crispy and the mozzarella melted, but not spilling out everywhere!
7. Cool Before Serving:
When done, carefully remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a couple of minutes because they’ll be very hot!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm prosciutto wrapped mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce for dipping, if you like. They make for a perfect snack or appetizer!
Enjoy your delicious, savory prosciutto wrapped mozzarella sticks!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella string cheese gives that great oozy texture, you can try using other cheeses such as provolone or cheddar. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if the cheese melts faster.
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time! Wrap the mozzarella sticks with prosciutto, then cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just bake them straight from the fridge; you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results to maintain crispiness!
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, baking is the perfect method for these sticks! It keeps them healthier and still makes the prosciutto crispy while the cheese melts beautifully. Just follow the baking instructions for great results!