01 -
First things first, drain those little mozzarella balls. I usually lay them out on a few layers of paper towels, then pat them gently. You want them as dry as possible, because nobody wants watery Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Bites. This is where I sometimes get impatient and don't dry them enough, leading to a slightly less crisp prosciutto, but hey, still delicious!
02 -
Take your beautiful, thinly sliced prosciutto and cut each piece in half lengthwise. You're aiming for strips that are long enough to wrap around your mozzarella without too much overlap. I've definitely torn a few pieces trying to be too delicate, but honestly, it's fine. Just grab another piece, it's all part of the kitchen adventure!
03 -
Now for the fun part! Take one mozzarella ball and carefully wrap a strip of prosciutto around its middle. You might need to stretch it just a tiny bit. I like to tuck the ends underneath so they stay put. It's like swaddling a tiny, delicious baby! Don't worry if it's not perfect; rustic is charming, right?
04 -
Gently tuck a small fresh basil leaf under the prosciutto wrap on each Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Bite. This isn't just for looks; the basil's fresh, aromatic notes infuse into the cheese as it warms. I've tried putting the basil on top after baking, but it just doesn't get that lovely, slightly wilted tenderness.
05 -
Place your wrapped mozzarella bites on a baking sheet. Give them a very light brush with olive oil – just enough to encourage that prosciutto to crisp up. Pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the prosciutto is slightly crispy and the mozzarella is just beginning to soften and ooze. Keep an eye on them, they can go from golden to burnt quickly!
06 -
Once they're out of the oven, let them cool for just a minute or two. Then, the grand finale: a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze over your warm Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Bites. The sweet tanginess is just *chef's kiss* with the savory prosciutto and creamy cheese. Serve them immediately, while they’re still warm and wonderfully melty.