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!
Ingredients
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12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons milk
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1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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Vegetable oil, for frying
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Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
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Prepare the Cheese: Cut each mozzarella stick into 3–4 equal pieces, yielding approximately 36–48 bites.
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Set Up Breading Station:
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Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
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In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
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In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.Food Network+2Facebook+2Simply Made Eats+2
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Bread the Cheese Bites:
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Dredge each piece of cheese in the flour, shaking off excess.
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Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
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Roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
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For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
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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.
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Fry the Bites:
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In a deep saucepan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry the cheese bites in batches for 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
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Serve: Enjoy the crispy mozzarella bites warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
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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.
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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.
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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
