If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s effortlessly elegant and downright delicious, you’re going to adore this Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe. These little bites are the perfect combo of salty, creamy, and fresh – wrapped up in prosciutto with fragrant basil and a touch of balsamic glaze that takes them to the next level. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again for gatherings, quick snacks, or whenever you want to impress without stress.

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance: The saltiness of prosciutto contrasts beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and fresh basil for a flavor-packed bite.
Simple Assembly: No fancy kitchen gadgets required, making this recipe approachable even if you’re short on time.
Elegant Presentation: These bites look fancy but are super easy to make, perfect for impressing guests effortlessly.
Customizable: From basil size to balsamic glaze choices, you can tweak this recipe based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil, prosciutto appetizer, mozzarella appetizer, basil appetizer, easy 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

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in the harmony of this Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe. I like to shop for fresh basil at my local farmers’ market because it tends to be more fragrant, while choosing marinated mozzarella balls adds a subtle zing that you won’t get from plain mozzarella.

Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil, prosciutto appetizer, mozzarella appetizer, basil appetizer, easy prosciutto bites - 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 cured ham gives you that salty, savory flavor and a delicate chew that wraps everything up elegantly.
Mozzarella balls: Marinated mini mozzarella balls have a creamy texture and some extra flavor that makes these bites pop.
Fresh basil leaves: Their aromatic freshness cuts through the richness and adds a beautiful green pop of color.
Balsamic glaze: A drizzle of this sweet and tangy syrup rounds out the bites with a lovely contrast and shine.

📝

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 joys of making these prosciutto mozzarella bites is how easy it is to customize. I often fold the basil if the leaves are large, but you could chop or tear it for a milder flavor. You can also experiment with the balsamic glaze—some days I like a lighter sprinkle, other times a heavier drizzle for that sweet bite.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the marinated mozzarella balls for fresh mozzarella from a ball I slice myself, which is great if you want a creamier texture but just be sure to pat it dry really well.
Dietary tweak: This recipe is naturally low carb, and if you want to keep things vegetarian, just swap out prosciutto for grilled eggplant or roasted red pepper slices.
Seasonal tweak: When fresh basil is out of season, I occasionally use arugula or baby spinach leaves for a peppery twist.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients With Love

First things first—cut your prosciutto slices in half lengthwise to create manageable strips that wrap perfectly around each morsel. Open your container of marinated mozzarella balls and drain them well in a colander, then gently pat them dry over a couple of paper towels to avoid excess moisture messing with the roll-up. Fresh basil leaves should be washed and dried thoroughly too, or else you’ll end up with soggy bites. I always find this little prep trick pays off in the final crispness and flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Bites Like a Pro

Lay one halved slice of prosciutto flat on your cutting board. Place a basil leaf on one end—if it’s large, simple fold it to fit snugly within the roll. Pop a mozzarella ball right on top of the basil leaf, then carefully roll the prosciutto up around both. Keep it tight enough so the ingredients stay nestled but not too tight to tear the prosciutto. Use a toothpick or cocktail pick right through the center to secure everything. This assembly creates the perfect bite-size piece that’s easy to handle and oh-so-tasty.

Step 3: The Finishing Touch — Balsamic Glaze Drizzle

Just before serving, nothing beats a light drizzle of balsamic glaze over each bite. I love using Nonna Pia’s or Trader Joe’s balsamic glaze because it’s thick and sweet with just the right tang. The glaze adds an irresistible shine and that little flavor twist that makes guests ask for the recipe. Don’t add it too early or the prosciutto might get soggy—fresh is best.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe

Dry Ingredients Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of neat rolls—be sure to thoroughly dry mozzarella and basil for a clean wrap.
Handle Prosciutto Gently: This cured meat tears easily, so fold carefully and roll without over-tightening to keep it intact.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate your assembled bites for 15 minutes before serving to help flavors meld and bites hold shape.
Use Quality Balsamic Glaze: A good balsamic glaze makes a big difference—invest in something rich and balanced for maximum flavor.

How to Serve Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe

Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil, prosciutto appetizer, mozzarella appetizer, basil appetizer, easy prosciutto bites - 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 here because the bites themselves are the star—but a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few tiny basil chiffonade strips on the plate adds a pop of color and enhances the fresh flavors without competing. Occasionally, I add a few toasted pine nuts scattered around for a bit of crunch and a nutty aroma that guests love.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these for a party or light lunch, I like to have a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple platter of olives and roasted nuts. A crusty baguette or some crostini on the side lets people create little bruschetta-style bites, turning the appetizer into a bit more of a spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I sometimes arrange these bites on a wooden serving board lined with fresh basil leaves to create a lush green backdrop. Another fun trick is threading three or four bites on a small skewer for a mini “kabob” that’s easy for guests to grab and look super cute on a buffet table. These little presentation touches make serving feel extra special without adding time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and they don’t usually last long!), you can store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I recommend placing them in a single layer on a plate or shallow container to avoid squishing the prosciutto. Just hold off on the balsamic glaze until serving, as it can soften the prosciutto when stored.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze these bites because the mozzarella texture changes, and basil loses its vibrant freshness. If you really want to prep ahead, I’d suggest freezing the prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella balls without basil and adding fresh basil and glaze only when ready to serve. But honestly, they come together so quickly, it’s nice to make fresh.

Reheating

These bites are best served cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm them slightly, I gently heat them in a low oven (about 250°F) for just a few minutes, but be careful not to melt the mozzarella completely. Personally, I prefer them fresh chilled, especially since the balsamic glaze tastes best when cool and sticky.

FAQs

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of marinated mozzarella balls?

Absolutely! Just slice fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and make sure to pat them very dry to avoid sogginess. While marinated mozzarella adds extra flavor, plain mozzarella works great either way.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh basil?

If fresh basil isn’t available, arugula or baby spinach leaves can add some greenery and a peppery or mild flavor, respectively. You can also try fresh mint leaves for an unexpected refreshing twist.
Can this recipe be made vegan or vegetarian?

For a vegetarian option, swap prosciutto with grilled or roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini slices. Vegan versions can use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives and similarly roasted veggies to replicate texture and flavor.
How far ahead can I prepare these bites before serving?

You can assemble these bites a few hours in advance and keep them chilled in the fridge, but hold off on adding the balsamic glaze until right before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Prosciutto Mozzarella Bites with Basil Recipe is one of my go-to crowd-pleasers because it’s seriously simple, visually appealing, and loaded with flavor. I love how easy it is to customize or dress up for any occasion. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe when you want a quick appetizer that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a staple in your repertoire just like it has in mine!