Mozz Cheese Fry Bites (Print Version)
Crunchy, amber-colored coated mozzarella chunks with gooey cheese inside, just right for dunking in warm tomato sauce.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2-3 cups of oil for frying, preferably vegetable
02 -
12 sticks of mozzarella string cheese, sliced into small 1-inch chunks
→ For the Coating
03 -
1 teaspoon of paprika
04 -
1 cup of breadcrumbs with Italian seasonings
05 -
2 large eggs, whisked well
06 -
1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powders
07 -
½ teaspoon of salt
08 -
½ cup of plain flour
→ For Serving
09 -
Warm marinara for dipping
10 -
Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
# Steps:
01 -
Slice the mozzarella sticks into 1-inch pieces, line them up on a tray covered with parchment, and freeze for at least half an hour.
02 -
Set out three shallow containers: one filled with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic and onion powders, paprika, and salt. Stir the breadcrumb blend until everything is even.
03 -
Take the frozen cheese bits and work in small batches. Start by coating them in flour (shake off the extra), dip them in egg, then roll them in the seasoned breadcrumb mix. Want a crunchier coating? Dip back in egg and breadcrumbs again.
04 -
Set the coated cheese pieces on a parchment-covered tray so they don’t touch, then pop them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
05 -
In a sturdy deep pan, pour in about 2 inches of oil and heat it up over medium heat to 175°C (350°F). Drop in a breadcrumb to test—if it sizzles and browns within 20-30 seconds, you’re ready to fry.
06 -
With small groups of 4-6 pieces, fry the frozen cheese bites in the hot oil until they turn golden, about 1-2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to fish them out.
07 -
Transfer the fried bites to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any oil. Serve them hot with marinara and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle over some fresh parsley or basil.
# Notes:
01 -
Freezing the cheese before and after breading helps the coating stick well and keeps the cheese from melting too soon when fried.
02 -
Mixing grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs gives the coating extra flavor.
03 -
You can bake these instead! Just spray the breaded bites lightly with cooking spray and bake at 220°C (425°F) for around 8-10 minutes.