I love these Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls. They’re small, cheesy, and so tasty. You just need mozzarella cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Dip them in marinara sauce, and they’re perfect!
If you’re like me and have a soft spot for delightful bites, you might also enjoy these Stuffed Gnocchi Bombs or the flavorful Greek Chicken Meatballs.
Ingredients List:
- Mozzarella String Cheese: 12 count
- Panko Bread Crumbs: 2 cups
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Parsley: 1 teaspoon
- Milk: 1 cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Marinara Sauce: As needed (you can buy or make it)
- Oil: For frying (choose from vegetable oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, etc.)
For frying Mozzarella Bites, I recommend using Vegetable Oil. It has a neutral flavor, which means it won’t overpower the taste of the bites. Additionally, vegetable oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying without breaking down and producing harmful compounds.
Here’s a link to an article that explains the benefits and uses of different cooking oils, including vegetable oil: Healthline – Cooking Oils
How to Make Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls:
1. Cheese Preparation:
- Cut the Cheese: Start by cutting the mozzarella string cheese into 1-inch pieces.
2. Setting Up the Coating Station:
- Milk Bowl: Pour milk into a separate bowl.
- Flour Bag: Take a plastic bag and put 1 cup of all-purpose flour inside.
- Panko Mixture Bag: In another plastic bag, combine 2 cups of panko bread crumbs with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon of parsley. Mix well.
3. Coating the Cheese Bites:
- First Dip: Dip each cheese piece into the milk, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Flour Coating: Transfer the milk-dipped cheese pieces into the flour bag. Seal the bag and shake it well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with flour.
- Second Dip: Dip the flour-coated cheese pieces back into the milk.
- Panko Coating: Now, transfer them to the panko mixture bag. Seal the bag and shake it until each cheese piece is well-coated with the panko mixture.
4. Freezing Before Frying:
- Arrange and Freeze: Place the coated mozzarella balls on a plate or inside a bag, ensuring they don’t stick together. Freeze them for at least 2 hours.
5. Frying to Perfection:
- Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature.
- Fry the Bites: Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully place the frozen mozzarella bites into the hot oil. Fry them until they turn golden brown, which should take a few minutes. Monitor them closely to prevent overcooking.
6. Serving Your Mozzarella Balls:
- Serve Warm: Transfer the crispy fried mozzarella balls to a serving plate. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Alternative Cooking Methods:
The right temperature is crucial as it ensures that the bites become golden brown without the cheese oozing out too quickly. If you’re using an oven or air fryer as alternative cooking methods:
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 4-6 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and fry for 6-8 minutes.
Other Delicious Recipes You May Also Enjoy!!
- Sweet Delight Caramel Chocolate Cake
- Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
- Caramelized Banana Pudding
- BANG BANG Chicken: Easy Recipe for Crispy Spicy Bites!
Have you liked our crispy fried mozzarella balls recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below, share your tweaks, and SHARE the recipe with your friends.
