Crispy Fried Mozzarella Bites

Golden, gooey, and perfectly seasoned—these crispy fried mozzarella bites are the ultimate party appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a comforting snack, these cheese-filled delights will always hit the spot. With a crispy, golden exterior and a warm, melted mozzarella center, they’re sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Paired with a rich marinara sauce for dipping, they’re a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

 Ingredients (US Cups & Measures)

Before you get started, make sure to have all the ingredients ready for these crispy mozzarella bites. This recipe is designed to serve around 24 mozzarella bites (depending on the size of the cubes), and the ingredients are listed below.

• 1 lb (16 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

• Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to submerge the bites)

• Marinara sauce, for dipping (store-bought or homemade)

 Directions: Step-by-Step

Stage 1: Prepare the Breading Station

The first thing you need to do is set up a breading station. This is where your mozzarella cubes will go from plain cheese to deliciously breaded bites.

1. Set up three shallow bowls:

   • First Bowl: Fill this bowl with all-purpose flour. This will be the first coating that sticks to the mozzarella cubes.

   • Second Bowl: Crack the eggs into the second bowl and beat them until well combined. The eggs will act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese.

   • Third Bowl: In this bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and dried Italian herbs. This mixture will create the crispy, flavorful coating that gives these bites their signature crunch.

Stage 2: Coat the Mozzarella Cubes

Now that your breading station is set up, it’s time to coat your mozzarella cubes. This is the most crucial part, as the coating needs to be uniform to ensure the bites turn out crispy and delicious.

2. Coat the mozzarella cubes:

   • Begin by taking each mozzarella cube and dipping it into the flour. Coat the cube thoroughly, ensuring it’s completely covered with a thin layer of flour.

3. Dip the floured mozzarella cube in the eggs:

   • After the flour, dip the mozzarella cube into the beaten eggs. Allow any excess egg to drip off before moving to the next step. The egg helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the mozzarella.

4. Coat the cube in the breadcrumb mixture:

   • Finally, roll the egg-coated mozzarella cube in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the breadcrumb mixture covers the entire cube, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well to the cheese.

Stage 3: Freeze the Coated Mozzarella

After the mozzarella cubes are coated, the next step is freezing them. This ensures that the coating sets properly and prevents the cheese from oozing out while frying.

5. Freeze the mozzarella cubes:

   • Place the breaded mozzarella cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out so that they’re not touching each other.

   • Freeze for at least 30 minutes. Freezing helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly when frying, keeping the mozzarella from escaping the crust.

Stage 4: Fry the Mozzarella Bites

Once your mozzarella cubes are frozen and ready, it’s time to fry them. Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature, as this will determine how crispy and golden the bites become.

6. Heat the oil:

   • Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot to fully submerge the mozzarella cubes. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil, as it’s essential to have it at the correct heat for frying.

7. Fry the mozzarella cubes:

   • Once the oil is heated, carefully lower the frozen mozzarella cubes into the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even frying and crisping. The cubes should fry for 1–2 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

8. Drain excess oil:

   • Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried mozzarella bites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Stage 5: Serve

Now that your mozzarella bites are perfectly fried, it’s time to serve them up. These bites are best served fresh and hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

9. Arrange the mozzarella bites on a platter:

   • Once all the mozzarella bites are fried and drained, arrange them neatly on a serving platter.

   • Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping. The marinara sauce adds a tangy contrast to the rich, melty mozzarella inside the crispy coating.

 Preparation Time

• Prep Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, including the time to freeze the mozzarella cubes.

• Cooking Time: The frying process will take around 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the batches and the temperature of the oil.

• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including prep and freezing time).

 Calories

Each fried mozzarella bite contains approximately 100 kcal, based on a serving size of 24 mozzarella bites. This calorie count may vary depending on the size of the bites, the type of oil used, and the specific ingredients.

 Tips for the Perfect Mozzarella Bites

1. Ensure the oil is hot enough:

   • Make sure the oil is preheated to the correct temperature of 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too cool, the mozzarella bites will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, the outside may burn before the cheese inside has fully melted.

2. Freeze before frying:

   • Freezing the breaded mozzarella cubes for at least 30 minutes is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting and leaking out during the frying process. Don’t skip this step if you want perfectly formed bites.

3. Don’t overcrowd the frying pot:

   • Fry the mozzarella cubes in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown. Overcrowding the pot can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy bites.

4. Spice it up:

   • If you like a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.

5. For a lighter version:

   • If you’re looking for a lighter version of these mozzarella bites, you can bake them instead of frying. Simply bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for an evenly crisped exterior.

6. Make ahead:

   • You can prepare these mozzarella bites in advance by breading and freezing the cubes, then frying them on the day of your event. This saves time and ensures they’re fresh when served.

Final Thoughts

These crispy fried mozzarella bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a snack for yourself, or serving them at a family dinner, they’re sure to be a hit. The combination of gooey mozzarella, crispy coating, and flavorful herbs makes for an irresistible treat that everyone will love. And the best part? They’re easy to make and totally customizable!

With simple ingredients, clear steps, and a little bit of patience, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress. Serve these fried mozzarella bites alongside marinara sauce, and you’ll have a delicious, golden snack ready to enjoy!