Description
Crispy Mozzarella Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring gooey, melted mozzarella encased in a delightfully crunchy, golden-brown coating. Perfect for parties, game days, or any snacking occasion, they pair beautifully with your favorite marinara or dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Mozzarella
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (preferably in block form for easy cutting)
Breading Station
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano and basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups, depending on pan size)
To Serve
- Marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella block into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Place flour in one shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Mozzarella Bites: Working a few pieces at a time, dredge the mozzarella cubes in flour, coating all sides and shaking off excess. Dip them into the beaten egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres. For extra crispiness, dip each piece back into the egg and breadcrumbs for a second coating.
- Chill the Bites: Place breaded mozzarella bites on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting out during frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or saucepan to submerge the bites. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Bites: Fry mozzarella bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy mozzarella bites on a platter and serve hot with marinara or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Double-coating the mozzarella ensures an ultra-crispy exterior and minimizes cheese leakage.
- Freezing the bites before frying is essential for best results.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like cheddar, for variety.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer or oven for best texture.
- Handles best when served immediately, but can be assembled ahead and frozen until ready to fry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 5-6 bites (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
