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 (such as Nonna Pia’s or Trader Joe’s)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 36 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for an appetizer that’s effortlessly elegant and bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe. It marries salty prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil into little bites of joy that’ll wow your guests—trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become your go-to finger food for any gathering.

💛

Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: Minimal ingredients come together quickly for maximum flavor without stress.
Balance of Flavors: The saltiness of prosciutto perfectly complements the creamy mozzarella and the fresh, peppery basil.
Elegant Presentation: These bite-sized morsels look amazing on a platter, making you feel like a party superstar.
Versatility: Works well as an appetizer, snack, or even part of a light lunch spread.

Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil, prosciutto appetizer, easy finger food, elegant party snacks, fresh basil appetizer - 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

Understanding your ingredients is half the fun and the secret to nailing this Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe every time. Each component plays its own role in giving you a perfect bite that’s fresh and satisfying.

Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil, prosciutto appetizer, easy finger food, elegant party snacks, fresh basil appetizer - 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: Thinly sliced prosciutto offers that salty, savory punch with just a delicate chew—best when sliced thin enough to roll easily.
Mozzarella balls: Marinated mozzarella balls add creamy texture and subtle herbiness that complements the prosciutto beautifully.
Fresh basil leaves: Basil brings a pop of fresh, peppery flavor and vibrant green color that wakes up the whole bite.
Balsamic glaze: The drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a hint of sweetness and tang that ties all the flavors together in a shiny, irresistible finish.

📝

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

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Don’t be afraid to make it your own based on what you love or what’s on hand!

Variation: I like swapping out the balsamic glaze for a thin drizzle of honey or olive oil with a sprinkle of chili flakes when I want a little extra kick.
Dietary tweaks: For a lighter version, try using turkey prosciutto or skip the glaze if you’re cutting sugars.
Seasonal spins: In summer, fresh basil is amazing, but in cooler months, I sometimes replace it with arugula or baby spinach for a peppery bite.

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

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Start by slicing your prosciutto in half lengthwise. It’s easy to roll when it’s thinner, and that means your bites won’t be overly salty or thick. Next, drain your marinated mozzarella balls well. I usually pour them into a colander and press gently with paper towels—extra moisture is the enemy here, as soggy bites just don’t cut it!

Step 2: Assemble the Bites

Lay a half slice of prosciutto flat on your board, then add a fresh basil leaf at one end. If your basil is large, folding it over helps it nestle better. Place a mozzarella ball on top of the basil, then roll everything up snugly. I find using a wooden cocktail pick right through the middle keeps everything secure—you don’t want these beauties unraveling halfway through your party!

Step 3: The Finishing Touch

Right before serving, drizzle each bite with your favorite balsamic glaze. It adds that glossy, sweet finish that really elevates this simple appetizer from everyday to exceptional. If you drizzle too early, beware of sogginess, so save this step for last minute.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe

Dry your mozzarella: Moisture is a sneak attack—patting mozzarella dry ensures your prosciutto stays crisp and your bites don’t get soggy.
Choose fresh basil: Wilted basil dulls the flavor, so pick bright, vibrant leaves and use them relatively soon after buying.
Roll tightly but gently: You want the bites secure, but watch out for tearing the prosciutto—so smooth, steady rolls win the day.
Add balsamic glaze last: Pour just before serving to avoid sogginess and keep those bites beautiful for your guests.

How to Serve Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe

Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil, prosciutto appetizer, easy finger food, elegant party snacks, fresh basil appetizer - 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 often finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper on top—little touches that add texture and depth. Sometimes, a tiny squirt of lemon zest over the balsamic glaze lifts the whole bite with brightness. Plus, a few edible flowers on the platter make for a charming presentation that always gets compliments.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread, an olive tapenade, or a simple Italian antipasto board with cured meats and olives. For something fresh, I like adding a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these bites in a circular pattern on a wooden board, alternating with cherry tomatoes and tiny mozzarella balls on toothpicks for color contrast. Another trick is stacking them on tiered stands to add height and drama to your appetizer table—your guests will swoon over how effortless and fancy it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed within 24 hours because the basil wilts and the prosciutto can get a bit chewy over time.

Freezing

Personally, I don’t recommend freezing Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe — the texture of fresh basil and mozzarella doesn’t hold up well upon thawing. You’d lose that fresh zing that makes these bites so delightful.

Reheating

Since these bites are best served fresh and cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t really necessary. If you prefer them slightly warmer, let them sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off—simple and effective.

FAQs

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of marinated mozzarella balls?

Absolutely! You can use fresh mozzarella balls (like bocconcini) or even small cubes of regular mozzarella. Just be sure to pat them dry well to prevent sogginess and maintain the integrity of the prosciutto wrap.
Is there a substitute for fresh basil if I can’t find any?

If fresh basil isn’t available, arugula or baby spinach can work in a pinch, giving a mild pepperiness. However, fresh basil really elevates the bite with its unique flavor, so I recommend seeking it out if you can.
How far ahead can I prepare these bites before serving?

It’s best to assemble the bites and add the balsamic glaze no more than a few hours before your event. You can prep the prosciutto and mozzarella separately a day ahead, but for the freshest flavor and presentation, assemble close to serving time.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian-friendly?

For a vegetarian twist, use vegetarian-friendly slices like smoked mozzarella or roasted pepper strips instead of prosciutto. For vegan versions, try marinated vegan mozzarella alternatives and use thinly sliced grilled vegetables as a wrap.

Final Thoughts

This Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feels like a little celebration with every bite. I’ve served these at everything from casual weeknight get-togethers to fancy holiday parties, and they always steal the show. Give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how effortlessly impressive it looks and tastes. Plus, your guests will keep asking for the recipe (you can thank me later!).