Mozzarella Fritta (Fried Mozzarella) Recipe – Love With Recipes
If you’re looking for a deliciously crispy and gooey snack or appetizer, look no further than Mozzarella Fritta! This traditional Italian dish brings a perfect balance of crispy breadcrumbs on the outside and melted mozzarella cheese on the inside. It’s quick to make and absolutely irresistible. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy them on their own, straight out of the pan. Let’s dive into this delicious fried mozzarella recipe!
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Name | Mozzarella Fritta (Fried Mozzarella) |
|---|---|
| Category | Antipasti (Appetizers) |
| Servings | 24 pieces |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
Ingredients for Fried Mozzarella (Mozzarella Fritta)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Mozzarella | 500g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Whole Milk | 20ml |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Breadcrumbs | As needed |
| All-purpose Flour (Farina 00) | As needed |
| Peanut Oil (for frying) | As needed |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-200 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
Instructions for Making Mozzarella Fritta
-
Prepare the Mozzarella
Begin by cutting the mozzarella into slices about 2 cm thick. It’s important to get even slices to ensure uniform cooking. If you prefer smaller bite-sized pieces, you can also cut the mozzarella into cubes, but make sure they’re thick enough to hold together during frying. -
Drain the Mozzarella
To prevent the mozzarella from releasing too much moisture while frying, place the pieces into a colander. Let them sit for a few minutes so they can drain and release any excess whey. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy, golden exterior. -
Coat with Flour
In a shallow bowl, add enough all-purpose flour to coat the mozzarella pieces. Dip each slice or cube of mozzarella into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. This will help the egg mixture adhere to the mozzarella more effectively during the next steps. -
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and add the salt, black pepper, and the whole milk. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This will act as the binding agent that holds the breadcrumbs to the mozzarella. -
Dip the Mozzarella into the Egg Mixture
After the mozzarella has been coated with flour, dip each piece into the egg mixture. Make sure each piece is fully submerged and coated, ensuring that the breading will stick. -
Coat in Breadcrumbs
Now it’s time to coat the mozzarella with breadcrumbs. In a separate shallow bowl, add breadcrumbs. Gently roll each mozzarella piece in the breadcrumbs, ensuring that each one is fully coated. For extra crunch, you can repeat this process by dipping the mozzarella back into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumbs for a double coating. -
Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or a large frying pan, pour enough peanut oil to submerge the mozzarella pieces. The oil should be heated to about 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. -
Fry the Mozzarella
Gently lower 3 or 4 pieces of mozzarella into the hot oil at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and affect the crispiness. Fry the mozzarella for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. -
Drain the Fried Mozzarella
Once the mozzarella is golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon or a spider strainer to remove the pieces from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This helps keep the mozzarella crispy and prevents it from becoming greasy. -
Serve Immediately
Serve your mozzarella fritta while it’s hot for the best taste and texture. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a tangy marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dip. These fried mozzarella bites are the perfect appetizer for any gathering!
Pro Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Fritta
- Mozzarella Quality: The key to great mozzarella fritta is using fresh, high-quality mozzarella. If possible, opt for mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella) for a richer, creamier taste.
- Double Coating: For extra crispiness and to ensure that the cheese doesn’t leak out during frying, consider double-coating the mozzarella in the egg and breadcrumbs. This creates a thicker crust that holds up better when frying.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the mozzarella in batches to ensure that the oil temperature doesn’t drop too much, which can result in soggy cheese. This also ensures even cooking and prevents the pieces from sticking together.
- Serving Suggestions: For a fun twist, serve your mozzarella fritta with a selection of dipping sauces, such as marinara, pesto, or garlic aioli. The crispy cheese pairs wonderfully with these rich, flavorful dips.
Enjoying Mozzarella Fritta
These crispy, golden mozzarella bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as an appetizer before dinner, or as a snack with a cold drink, they’ll always disappear quickly! Their crispy outer layer and gooey, melted cheese center make them a satisfying treat that everyone will love. Enjoy these Mozzarella Fritta with a side of marinara or any dipping sauce of your choice, and let the indulgence begin!
