Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a quick, easy, 3-ingredient appetizer that everyone loves!

One evening when Robert and I were at our mountain home, we had an impromptu cocktail gathering with a few friends. I quickly went to my kitchen in search of something to serve, and pulled out some prosciutto and cheese to put together a simple charcuterie platter.

Prosciutto and Mozzarella – A Simple 3-Ingredient Appetizer

Then I remembered those prosciutto or salami-wrapped cheese sticks they sell in our grocery store and realized I had all the right ingredients to make my own version! What’s more, one of my cheeses was smoked Mozzarella, which is a great match with prosciutto.

Even though everything was coming together well for such short notice, I thought they needed a little something more and glanced around my kitchen for another fun ingredient to add. That’s when the fresh basil caught my eye! Earlier that day, I had made my Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette dressing so I had fresh basil sitting on the kitchen counter. I stuck a basil leaf into the prosciutto rolls and voilà! The resulting flavor combination was exactly what I was looking for. A bit smoky from the cheese, a bit sweet from the basil and a bit salty from the prosciutto.

How to make Prosciutto Wrapped Cheese

This easy and colorful appetizer takes just minutes to prepare; here are the easy steps:

  1. Prepare Mozzarella sticks.
    Cut Mozzarella cheese into 3 to 4-inch long matchstick pieces, around 1/2-inch thick. Set aside.
  2. Prepare prosciutto.
    Lay one piece of prosciutto on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into a rectangle, and trim fat off the edges.
  3. Add basil, then cheese.
    Place a large basil leaf (or 2 if small) parallel to one short side of the prosciutto, leaving around 1/2-inch border. Place a cheese stick on top of the basil.
  4. Roll.
    Tightly roll prosciutto around cheese and basil.
    Action shot showing how to roll the prosciutto around the basil and mozzarella cheese
  5. Repeat and serve.
    Repeat with remaining prosciutto, cheese and basil. Place sticks on a platter and serve!

How to plate and serve Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella

I like to arrange these Mozzarella sticks in a row on a rectangular plate. Then you can put them out on your table or pass them with cocktail napkins – after all, they’re finger food!

Narrow rectangular white platter filled with Prosciutto-Wrapped Smoked Mozzarella Sticks

Prosciutto and Cheese FAQs

How long does prosciutto wrapped mozzarella last?

These cheese sticks can be covered or wrapped and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Should prosciutto and mozzarella sticks be served cold or hot?

I tend to serve these sticks at room temperature, but you could also put them on a cookie sheet in a 300 degree oven for around 10 minutes and serve them warm. Don’t heat them for too long – the prosciutto can get greasy and the cheese melty and drippy, which will make them harder to eat.

Can a different type of cheese be substituted for the mozzarella?

Definitely. You can use smoked mozzarella or another semi-soft cheese, including fontina, gouda, havarti, Monterey jack or muenster.

Retangular white platter filled with Prosciutto-Wrapped Smoked Mozzarella Sticks

What goes best with Prosciutto Appetizers

Serve these little bites of deliciousness on a cheese board with a mixture of:

  • other cured meats,
  • soft cheese (brie, camembert),
  • hard cheese (Cheddar, Manchego),
  • crackers,
  • baguette slices,
  • toasted nuts (any kind), and
  • fresh fruit (grapes, berries, sliced apples).
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Narrow rectangular white platter filled with Prosciutto-Wrapped Smoked Mozzarella Sticks

Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Appetizers

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Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a quick and easy, 3-ingredient appetizer that can be prepared ahead of time.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sticks 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces smoked Mozzarella cheese (brick style)

6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto

1 small packet (around 3/4 ounce) fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Cut Mozzarella cheese into 3 to 4-inch long matchstick pieces, around 1/2-inch thick. Set aside.
  2. Lay one piece of prosciutto on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into a rectangle, and trim fat off the edges.
  3. Place a large basil leaf (or 2 if small) parallel to one short side of the prosciutto, leaving around 1/2-inch border. Place a cheese stick on top of the basil.
  4. Tightly roll prosciutto around cheese and basil. Action shot showing how to roll the prosciutto around the basil and mozzarella cheese
  5. Repeat with remaining prosciutto, cheese and basil.
  6. Place sticks on a platter and serve!

Notes

Make ahead: Can be made up to 2 days ahead, covered and refrigerated.

  • Author: Lee Clayton Roper
  • Category: quick and easy appetizers, gluten free, easy entertaining, make ahead
  • Method: No bake
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
Narrow rectangular white platter filled with Prosciutto-Wrapped Smoked Mozzarella Sticks

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About the author

Hi, I'm Lee.

I am inspired by my mother, Sally’s, love of cooking and entertaining to gather friends and family together over great meals and conversation. In fact, I held my first dinner party at the age of 16. Throughout the years, I’ve provided recipes, menu advice and cooking tips to friends seeking uncomplicated and delicious ideas for home entertaining.


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Comments

  1. Having made too many
    These were great, but I made too many of them for a party. I would like to freeze the remaing, but not sure if the mozzarella would taste good after freezing. Any thoughts?

    1. I’ve never frozen mozzarella cheese before. Online research indicates the flavor will be okay, but the texture may change and become crumbly. Also, the basil will turn black. Maybe chop the leftovers and put in a pasta sauce!