These prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a fun and tasty snack! Creamy mozzarella is stacked with salty prosciutto, making each bite full of flavor.
Perfect for parties or a cozy movie night, they’re super easy to make. Just wrap, bake, and enjoy the cheesy goodness. Who can resist gooey cheese and crispy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Sticks: String cheese works great here for that stretchy cheese effect. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use part-skim mozzarella sticks. You could also swap them out for cheddar or a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
Prosciutto: This adds a beautiful salty layer. If prosciutto isn’t available, you can use thinly sliced pancetta or even turkey bacon for a lighter version. Both will still add a great flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best for coating, but if you’re gluten-free, try using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These make the sticks extra crispy! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they won’t be as crunchy. You can also skip them entirely for a lower-calorie option.
How Can I Get the Cheese to Meltdown Perfectly Without Oozing Out?
To achieve the perfect melt without too much cheese escaping, there are a couple of tips you can follow:
- Make sure the mozzarella sticks are cold before you start wrapping them. This helps keep the cheese from melting too fast during baking.
- When wrapping with prosciutto, make sure to cover the ends well. This helps seal them and keeps the cheese inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give them space. This allows for even heat circulation, which helps cook them evenly.
- Keep a close watch while baking. If you notice them starting to ooze, you might want to remove them just a tad early to maintain that gooey interior.
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 8 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
- 8 slices prosciutto (thinly sliced)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for extra crispiness)
For Baking and Serving:
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for baking
- Marinara sauce or balsamic glaze, for dipping
- Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 10-12 minutes of baking time. So, in total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to have these delicious prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with some parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Setup the Breading Stations:
Next, you need to prepare your breading stations. In one shallow dish, pour in the flour. In a second dish, whisk the two eggs until they’re well combined. If you’re using panko breadcrumbs, place them in a third shallow dish.
3. Dry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take your mozzarella sticks and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any extra moisture, which will make them crispier when baking.
4. Wrap with Prosciutto:
Now, take a slice of prosciutto and wrap it around each mozzarella stick. Make sure to cover the cheese completely with the prosciutto. Gently press the prosciutto to help it stick.
5. Coat the Sticks:
It’s time to dredge your wrapped sticks! First, roll each stick in the flour so it’s coated evenly. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. If you’re using panko breadcrumbs, roll the stick in those next for an extra crispy texture.
6. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place each coated mozzarella stick on the baking sheet you prepared earlier. Be sure to leave enough space between each stick so that they can crisp up nicely while baking.
7. Spray for Extra Crispiness:
To help them crisp up even more, lightly spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil over them.
8. Bake:
Bake the mozzarella sticks in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want the prosciutto to be crispy and the cheese to be melty but not oozing out too much.
9. Cool Before Serving:
Once they’re baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about a minute. This will help the cheese set up a little more.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce or balsamic glaze for dipping. If you like, you can garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig for a lovely touch.
Enjoy your crispy, savory, and gooey Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat mozzarella cheese sticks as a healthier option! Just keep in mind that the texture and melting qualities may vary slightly compared to full-fat cheese.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mozzarella sticks up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. Bake them just before serving for the crispiest result!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Fry These Instead of Baking?
Yes, you can fry them! Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry each wrapped mozzarella stick for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Just be sure to drain them on paper towels after frying!
