There I was, standing in the kitchen with skewers in hand, feeling like a total newbie. I mean, I’ve whipped up some pretty complex dishes in my time, but there’s something about the simplicity of skewers that had me second-guessing. I remembered the first time I tried to make these Easy Prosciutto Mozzarella Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Drizzle. Let’s just say, I underestimated the art of skewering. My mozzarella was sliding off, and my prosciutto was a tangled mess. But, as my mom always says, “The best dishes come from the heart, not the cookbook.” So, after a few trials and a lot of laughter, I got it down to a delicious science.
Now, I’m excited to share this go-to appetizer that’s a hit at every gathering. Honestly, the way the tangy balsamic drizzle mingles with the creamy mozzarella and salty prosciutto – it’s a bite-sized piece of heaven. And you know what? It’s easier than it looks (trust me on this).
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Now, about those ingredients… They’re simple, but choosing high-quality items makes all the difference. (Learned this the hard way when I skimped on the mozzarella once – never again!)
- 12 slices of prosciutto
- 24 mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! And remember, if I can turn my skewer fiasco into a skewer fiesta, so can you.
- Start by reducing the balsamic vinegar. Combine it with honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the honey dissolves, then simmer until reduced to a thick, syrupy drizzle. This should take about 10 minutes. Set it aside and let it cool while you assemble the skewers.
- Take a slice of prosciutto and tear it in half lengthwise. Wrap each half around a mini mozzarella ball snugly but gently – no cheese escapees!
- Now, skewer the wrapped mozzarella, followed by a basil leaf. Repeat with another wrapped mozzarella, so you have two per skewer. It’s a prosciutto-mozzarella-basil love story on a stick!
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the skewers. Sprinkle them with that flaky sea salt and crack some pepper over the top – it’s the little things that make the big flavor difference.
- Finally, artfully drizzle the balsamic reduction over the skewers. Be generous – this is where the magic happens.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips that I’ve picked up along the way (some of them game changers!):
- If you’re not a fan of prosciutto, try swapping it for smoked salmon or a thinly sliced, hard salami. The flavors will dance differently but delightfully on your palate.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the prosciutto and add a chunky piece of grilled zucchini or eggplant – it’s honestly just as satisfying.
- Storage tip: if you have leftovers (rare, but it happens), just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for a day or two, but are best enjoyed fresh.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble them a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then drizzle with the balsamic reduction before serving.
Q: What’s the best mozzarella to use?
A: Fresh ciliegine (cherry-sized) mozzarella balls are perfect for these skewers. They’re the right size and have a lovely creaminess.
Q: How can I make the balsamic reduction without honey?
A: You can use brown sugar or maple syrup as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Every time I make these skewers, I’m reminded of my early kitchen blunders and how far I’ve come. It’s the simple recipes, like this one, that carry the most warmth and memories. The blend of savory prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and sweet balsamic is more than just food; it’s a story on a plate, a tale of tradition, and a testament to the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.
Whether it’s a casual backyard get-together or an elegant cocktail party, these Easy Prosciutto Mozzarella Skewers with Basil and Balsamic Drizzle are sure to impress. They embody the spirit of togetherness, the pleasure of eating, and the simple beauty of fresh ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.
So go ahead, give them a try. Embrace the skewer, drizzle with gusto, and watch as your friends and family gather round for just one more bite. And when they do, you’ll know you’ve created something truly special. Buon appetito!
