These prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a fun twist on a classic snack! The creamy cheese and salty prosciutto create the perfect pair.
I love how easy they are to make. Just wrap, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for parties or movie nights—everyone loves cheesy goodness! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Sticks: The classic option is string cheese, which is easily found in most supermarkets. If you prefer something thicker, try using fresh mozzarella sliced into sticks.
Prosciutto: This adds a lovely saltiness to your dish. If you can’t find prosciutto, pancetta or even thinly sliced turkey or ham works as a tasty alternative!
Breadcrumbs: I always use Italian-style for great flavor. If you have plain breadcrumbs or panko, you can spice them up with Italian herbs like oregano and basil for extra flavor.
Cooking Oil: Vegetable or canola oil are great for frying. If you’re feeling adventurous, olive oil is another option but be mindful of its lower smoke point.
How Can I Get My Mozzarella Sticks Extra Crispy?
The secret to achieving that crunch is in the breading and frying process. Here’s how to make them really crispy:
- First, ensure that your mozzarella sticks are dried off to prevent sogginess.
- Use the double breading technique: flour, egg, breadcrumbs, then repeat egg and breadcrumbs for extra coverage.
- Freezing the breaded sticks is crucial! This helps the cheese stay intact while frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; it drops the oil temperature and makes them soggy. Fry in small batches.
Always keep an eye on the time while frying. Just 1 to 2 minutes is usually all it takes, so watch them closely to avoid burning!
How to Make Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
- 12 thin slices of prosciutto
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus an hour in the freezer. After that, frying them will only take about 5 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 20 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella:
Start by unwrapping the mozzarella sticks. To make sure they’re nice and crispy, use a paper towel to gently pat them dry. This removes any extra moisture so they fry better later on!
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Now it’s time to create your breading station. Grab three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for Italian-style breadcrumbs. This will help you bread the mozzarella sticks easily.
3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take each mozzarella stick and roll it in the flour. Shake off any extra flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s fully covered. For an extra crispy stick, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumbs step. Once done, place the breaded sticks on a tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Freeze the Breaded Sticks:
Put the tray with the breaded mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This is an important step that helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.
5. Wrap with Prosciutto:
After the mozzarella sticks have frozen, take them out and carefully wrap each one in a slice of prosciutto, making sure to cover most of the stick. The prosciutto adds great flavor and helps keep the cheese sealed in!
6. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a cooking thermometer or drop a small piece of bread in—the oil should bubble around it when it’s hot enough.
7. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Fry the prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn them occasionally to make sure they’re evenly browned and the prosciutto gets crispy. Be careful not to overcook, or the cheese might leak out!
8. Drain the Sticks:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried sticks from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This helps rid them of any excess oil, keeping them crispy!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy prosciutto and melted cheese!
Indulge in this delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Can I Use Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese for This Recipe?
While you can use low-fat mozzarella, keep in mind that it may not melt as well as regular mozzarella. This could affect the gooey texture we’re aiming for in the finished dish. If you decide to use it, the taste will still be good, just a little less melty!
Can I Prepare These Mozzarella Sticks in Advance?
Absolutely! You can bread the mozzarella sticks and wrap them with prosciutto, then freeze them for up to a month. When you’re ready to fry them, there’s no need to thaw—just fry directly from the freezer for a quick and delicious snack!
What Should I Do If My Cheese Starts Leaking While Frying?
If you notice cheese leaking during frying, it could be due to a few factors like cooking too long or not freezing them long enough. To prevent this, ensure they are adequately frozen before frying and maintain the right oil temperature. If it does happen, just keep frying the remaining sticks, and enjoy the extra cheesy bits that ooze out!
How Do I 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 the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to ensure they get crispy again, or use an air fryer for a quicker option!