Randy Chandler
Prosciutto and mozzarella rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make Italian appetizer. Prosciutto, an Italian dry-cured ham, is typically sliced thinly and paired with fresh mozzarella cheese, creating a salty and savoury flavour profile. To make prosciutto and mozzarella rolls, start by laying out the prosciutto slices and adding mozzarella sticks or balls, along with optional ingredients like basil, olives, or nuts. Roll up the prosciutto around the cheese and secure it with a toothpick if needed. These rolls can be served cold, at room temperature, or warmed up in the oven for a melty, gooey texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ingredients | 3-6 |
| Preparation time | 20 minutes |
| Chilling time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking time | 5-15 minutes |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-5 days |
| Serving temperature | Cold, room temperature, or warm |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the ingredients
Firstly, gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need mozzarella cheese, prosciutto ham, and optionally, some additional ingredients such as basil leaves, tomato, balsamic vinegar, and crushed walnuts. The type of mozzarella cheese you use is important. Look for fresh mozzarella balls, often sold in brine or vacuum-sealed packages. Avoid the hard mozzarella sticks or pre-grated mozzarella, as you want a soft, pliable cheese that can be easily rolled.
Prosciutto is Italian dry-cured ham, typically sliced very thinly. When purchasing prosciutto, look for paper-thin slices with a narrow ring of fat around the edges. It is best to keep the prosciutto cold as it will be easier to work with when wrapping the cheese. If you are unable to find pre-sliced prosciutto, you may need to slice it yourself, being careful as the meat can be delicate.
Before assembling the rolls, prepare the mozzarella cheese by patting it dry with absorbent paper. Removing any excess liquid will help the prosciutto stick to the cheese better. If your mozzarella is too soft to slice, place it in the freezer for 30-60 minutes to firm it up, then use a large, sharp knife to cut it into the desired size.
Now, prepare your optional ingredients. If using basil, wash and dry the leaves. If using tomatoes, quarter or slice them into manageable sizes, similar in width to your mozzarella sticks. If using walnuts, toast them in a skillet over medium-high heat until crushed, then set them aside to cool.
With your ingredients prepared, you are now ready to assemble and cook your mozzarella cheese rolls with prosciutto ham.
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Assembling the rolls
To assemble prosciutto ham and mozzarella cheese rolls, start by placing a slice of prosciutto ham in front of you. If you're using sliced prosciutto, make sure it's cold, as this will make it easier to work with. Next, add a basil leaf, followed by a tomato quarter, and finally, a mini mozzarella ball or half a mozzarella stick. If you're using mozzarella balls, pat them dry with absorbent paper to remove any excess liquid.
Roll up the prosciutto, ensuring that the edges stick together neatly. Secure the roll with a toothpick or wooden skewer to hold everything together. Repeat this process with the remaining prosciutto, cheese, and basil. If you'd like to add a crunchy texture, sprinkle some toasted nuts on top of the rolls before serving.
Place the rolls on a platter and serve. You can serve them at room temperature, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes if desired. Just be careful not to heat them for too long, as the prosciutto can become greasy, and the cheese can become too melty and drippy.
You can also slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces and secure them with toothpicks. This makes them easier to pick up and eat, especially if you're serving them as appetizers.
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Cooking methods
Prosciutto is Italian for "ham" and refers to aged, dry-cured meat from the hind leg of the pig. It is typically sliced very thinly and should be cut paper-thin, with a narrow ring of fat. Mozzarella is a soft Italian cheese made from water buffalo or cow's milk. Fresh mozzarella is either vacuum-sealed or sold in brine.
To make prosciutto and mozzarella roll-ups, start by laying a piece of prosciutto down flat. Add half a mozzarella stick and a small amount of mixed chopped olives to the far end of the prosciutto, then roll it up. Repeat this process until all your ingredients are rolled up. You can also add a layer of fresh basil leaves or roll the prosciutto around a grape tomato for extra flavour.
Once you've rolled up all your ingredients, place the rolls on a parchment- or waxed paper-lined container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Then, gently slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces, secure them with toothpicks, and plate them.
If you want to serve the rolls warm, preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for around 10 minutes. Be careful not to heat them for too long, as the prosciutto can become greasy, and the cheese can become too melty and drippy. Alternatively, you can pan-sear the roll-ups by lightly spraying a nonstick skillet with avocado oil and searing them until the prosciutto is crispy.
These prosciutto and mozzarella roll-ups can be served as an appetizer or a snack and can be enjoyed on their own or with a dip such as salsa, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo. They can also be paired with a simple salad, such as a tomato, arugula, or spinach salad.
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Serving suggestions
Mozzarella cheese rolls with prosciutto ham are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They can be a delicious appetizer, a snack, or even a light lunch or dinner option. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your mozzarella and prosciutto ham rolls:
Appetizer or Snack:
- Room Temperature: You can serve the rolls at room temperature, allowing the flavors of the prosciutto and mozzarella to shine without any additional heating.
- Warm: For a cozier option, you can warm the rolls in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to heat them for too long, as the prosciutto can become greasy, and the cheese can get too melty and drippy.
- Crispy: For a crispy texture, pan-sear the rolls in a nonstick pan lightly coated with avocado oil spray. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Dips: Serve the rolls with various dips such as salsa, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo for an added flavor boost.
Light Lunch or Dinner:
Salad Companion: These rolls pair well with simple salads, such as tomato, arugula, or spinach salads. The salty, savory flavors of the prosciutto and mozzarella can complement the freshness of a light salad.
Presentation Ideas:
- Platter: Arrange the rolls on a platter with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of honey for a beautiful presentation.
- Toothpicks: Secure the rolls with toothpicks to make them easier to pick up and eat, especially if you're serving them as finger food.
- Crackers: For added texture and convenience, place the rolls on crackers. This option is excellent for appetizers, providing a sturdy base for your delicious creations.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different serving temperatures, dips, and accompaniments to find your favorite way to enjoy these tasty mozzarella cheese rolls with prosciutto ham!
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Storage
When storing the ingredients and the final dish of mozzarella cheese rolls with prosciutto ham, follow these guidelines to ensure food safety and maintain optimal quality:
Mozzarella Cheese Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store unopened mozzarella cheese in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the bottom shelf, where the temperature is more consistent. Keep it in its original packaging or a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and the absorption of other food odours. Once opened, consume the cheese within 5–7 days.
- Freezing: If you wish to extend the shelf life of mozzarella, consider freezing it. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen mozzarella can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Freshness: Always check the expiration date on the mozzarella package before purchase. Look for cheese that is creamy white in colour and avoid any with dry spots or discolouration.
Prosciutto Ham Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store prosciutto in the refrigerator at all times. Keep the ham in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or butcher paper to prevent drying out. Place it on a shelf where it won't be crushed by other items. Consume within 2–3 weeks of opening the package.
- Freezing: Prosciutto can also be frozen to extend its shelf life. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then aluminium foil before placing them in an airtight container. Frozen prosciutto can last up to 6 months.
- Freshness: When buying prosciutto, check the use-by date. Choose a piece with a deep pink colour and a pleasant aroma. Avoid any with signs of drying, discolouration, or an off-putting smell.
- Refrigeration: You can store the prepared mozzarella cheese rolls with prosciutto ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2–3 days. Consume them within this period for the best flavour and texture.
- Freezing: If you have made a large batch, you can freeze the cooked mozzarella cheese rolls. Place them on a baking tray and freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen rolls to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen rolls can be stored for up to 2 months.
Remember to practice good food safety habits and always defrost and reheat frozen products thoroughly before consumption.
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