Fried Mozzarella Cheese Appetizer

Gooey fried fresh mozzarella cheese encased in a light, crispy and flavorful coating of bread crumbs, Parmesan and spices. Use this recipe to make fried mozzarella balls, rounds or sticks. Serving size is 4 oz of fried cheese per person.

5 from 8 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings:

Calories: 544kcal

Author: Milena Perrine

Ingredients

1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese a pre-sliced log recommended*
⅔ cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 eggs
2 tablespoon water or beer or milk
1 cup bread crumbs Panko recommended
1 teaspoon dry oregano or basil
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese + more for dusting
cooking oil as needed about 2 cups
fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Set up a breading station - in one bowl mix flour, salt and pepper, in a second bowl beat the eggs and water (or beer or milk), in a third bowl combine the bread crumbs, dry oregano and Parmesan.
Slice the cheese into about half inch thick pieces (or use pre-sliced rounds). Dredge each in flour, shake off excess, then dip in egg wash, let excess drip, and finally coat with bread crumbs mixture.
Place the coated mozzarella pieces on a parchment paper lined cutting board or a baking sheet and set aside. Pour cooking oil in a frying pan (about an inch deep) and heat to 350 F.
Fry the mozzarella pieces for approximately 90 seconds to two minutes per side, or until each side begins to turn golden brown.**
Maintain even cooking oil temperature ( 4-5 pieces of cheese at a time). Add a bit more cooking oil in between batches and let it come to temperature before frying more cheese.
Serve immediately with a side of warm marinara and garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Video

Notes

*Mozzarella balls (aka pearls) or sticks can work as well.

**Flip using a flexible utensil such as a fish spatula (the melted cheese fritters are very delicate).

When done frying gently set each fried mozzarella piece onto a cooling rack to avoid cheese that has oozed out of the casing sticking to any paper towels.

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