Crispy Mozzarella Bites

Short Description

Crispy Mozzarella Bites are golden, bite-sized delights featuring a crunchy exterior and a gooey, melty mozzarella center. Perfect for game days, parties, or satisfying cheesy cravings, these bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Texture: Combines a crispy coating with a soft, stretchy cheese interior.

• Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry items and mozzarella string cheese.

• Versatile Cooking Methods: Can be fried, baked, or air-fried to suit your preference.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and freeze for convenient snacking.

• Perfect for Gatherings: A hit at parties, game nights, and family events.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon milk

• 1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• Marinara sauce, for servingDancing Through the Rain

Directions

1. Prepare the Cheese: Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick into 1-inch pieces, yielding approximately 36–48 bites.

2. Set Up Breading Stations:

   • Place the flour in a shallow bowl.

   • In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

   • In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Bread the Cheese Bites:

   • Dredge each cheese piece in flour, ensuring it is fully coated.

   • Dip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.

   • Roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

   • For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.

4. Freeze: Place the breaded cheese bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1 hour to firm up and prevent cheese from oozing during frying.

5. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

6. Fry the Bites:

   • Fry the frozen mozzarella bites in batches, avoiding overcrowding.

   • Cook until golden brown, approximately 1–2 minutes.

   • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

7. Serve: Arrange the hot mozzarella bites on a platter. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.Simply Made EatsFacebookTara Teaspoon

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 6–8 servings

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Freezing Time: 1 hour

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minuteslacucinaitaliana.com+4Tara Teaspoon+4Iowa Girl Eats+4Simply Made Eats+4lacucinaitaliana.com+4Iowa Girl Eats+4

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for heat.

• Herbaceous Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped fresh basil or parsley into the breadcrumb mix.

• Cheese Options: Experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for different flavors.

• Baking Method: For a lighter version, bake the breaded bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Air-Frying: Place the breaded bites in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes until golden and crispy.Tara Teaspoon

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked mozzarella bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded mozzarella bites on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat cooked bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of string cheese?

Fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content, which may cause it to melt too quickly and ooze out during frying. It’s recommended to use low-moisture mozzarella string cheese for best results.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking during frying?

Freezing the breaded cheese bites for at least an hour before frying helps maintain their shape and prevents cheese leakage.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, for a healthier option, bake the breaded bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Crispy Mozzarella Bites

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 36–48 bites
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

These Crispy Mozzarella Bites are the ultimate snack—golden and crunchy on the outside, with gooey, stretchy cheese inside. Perfect for game days, parties, or satisfying any cheesy craving, they’re easy to make and sure to disappear fast!

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Ingredients

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• Marinara sauce, for serving

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Instructions

• Prepare the Cheese: Cut each mozzarella stick into 3–4 equal pieces, yielding approximately 36–48 bites.

• Set Up Breading Station:

  • Place the flour in a shallow bowl.

  • In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

  • In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.Food Network+2Facebook+2Simply Made Eats+2

• Bread the Cheese Bites:

  • Dredge each piece of cheese in the flour, shaking off excess.

  • Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.

  • Roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

  • For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.

• Freeze: Place the breaded cheese bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese leakage during frying.

• Fry the Bites:

  • In a deep saucepan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

  • Fry the cheese bites in batches for 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown.

  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

• Serve: Enjoy the crispy mozzarella bites warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

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Notes

• Make-Ahead: Breaded cheese bites can be frozen for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra 30 seconds to the frying time.

• Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake the frozen, breaded bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and heated through.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen bites in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until crispy and melted inside