Mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites (Print Format)
Crispy fried mozzarella bites with golden breadcrumb coating. Gooey cheese inside, crunchy outside, perfect with marinara.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch bite-size pieces
02 -
2-3 cups vegetable oil for frying
→ For the Coating
03 -
2 large eggs, beaten
04 -
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
05 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
06 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
08 -
1/2 teaspoon paprika
09 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
→ For Serving
10 -
Marinara sauce, warmed for dipping
11 -
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
# Steps:
01 -
Cut each mozzarella stick into 3-4 bite-size pieces about 1 inch each. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step is super important to keep the cheese from melting too fast when you fry them.
02 -
While the cheese freezes, get three shallow bowls ready. Put flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt in the third bowl.
03 -
Take the cheese out of the freezer and work with just a few pieces at a time, keeping the rest frozen. Dredge each piece in flour first, then dip in egg, and finally roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks. For extra crispiness, dip back in egg and breadcrumbs again.
04 -
Put the coated cheese bites back on the baking sheet, making sure they don't touch each other. Freeze for another 15-20 minutes to help the coating stay put and prevent cheese leakage during frying.
05 -
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pan and heat to 350°F. If you don't have a thermometer, drop in a breadcrumb - it should sizzle right away and turn golden in 20-30 seconds.
06 -
Working in small batches of 4-6 pieces, carefully add the frozen cheese bites to the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes total until golden brown all over. Watch them closely - they cook fast! Use a slotted spoon to remove them.
07 -
Let them drain on paper towels for about 30 seconds, then transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce while they're hot and the cheese is perfectly melty inside.
# Tips:
01 -
Don't skip the freezing steps - both before and after breading! This is what keeps your cheese from melting and leaking out during frying.
02 -
For extra flavor, try adding 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan to your breadcrumb mixture.
03 -
Want to bake instead? Place the breaded bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes until golden.
04 -
These are best enjoyed fresh and hot when the contrast between the crispy coating and gooey melted cheese is at its peak.