These crispy fried mozzarella bites are perfect for snacking! Each bite has ooey-gooey cheese wrapped in a crunchy coating that makes them hard to resist.
Honestly, I can’t stop popping these in my mouth while watching a movie! Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping and you’ll be the star of the snack table. 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella for that gooey texture. If unavailable, try using part-skim mozzarella, but it may not melt as smoothly.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko provides that extra crispy crunch. If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will work, but consider toasting them slightly for better texture.
Herbs and Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs add flavor to the coating. You can adjust these based on your preference. Fresh herbs also work great if you have them on hand.
Vegetable Oil: Choose oil with a high smoke point for frying, like canola or peanut oil. Olive oil can be used but monitor the temperature closely to avoid burning.
How Do I Get My Mozzarella Bites Extra Crispy?
Achieving that delightful crunch requires careful breading and frying. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Before breading, dry the mozzarella slices well. This prevents sogginess.
- Set up a breading station with flour, egg wash, and seasoned panko. The flour helps the egg stick, while the panko ensures a crispy finish.
- For a double coat, repeat the egg wash and panko steps. This adds an extra layer of crunch.
- Freezing the breaded bites for 30 minutes is crucial. It helps maintain their shape when frying.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
Crispy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill, plus an additional 10 minutes for frying. In total, you’ll be looking at about 55 minutes to enjoy these delicious bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella:
Start by patting dry the mozzarella slices using paper towels. This ensures they fry crispy rather than soggy!
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Grab three shallow bowls and fill them as follows: one with flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper, one with the eggs beaten together with water, and the last one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Cheese:
Dredge each slice of mozzarella in the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, letting any extra drip off before coating it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs gently to help them stick well!
4. Double Coating for Extra Crunch:
If you love a really crispy bite, you can repeat the egg wash and panko coating step one more time for added crunch!
5. Chill the Bites:
Place the breaded mozzarella slices on a baking sheet or plate and pop them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps to ensure that they hold their shape while frying.
6. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one to get it just right!
7. Fry to Perfection:
Fry the mozzarella bites in batches. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain and Garnish:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a nice touch!
9. Serve with Marinara:
Serve your delicious mozzarella bites immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the gooey, crispy goodness!
Enjoy your crispy, gooey Blackstone fried mozzarella bites!
FAQ for Crispy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Bites
Can I Use Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese?
While low-fat mozzarella can be used, it may not melt or achieve the same creamy texture as fresh mozzarella. For the best results, stick to full-fat mozzarella for that ooey-gooey goodness!
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Bites?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread the mozzarella bites and freeze them instead of frying right away. Just be sure to freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be fried directly from frozen; just add a couple extra minutes to the frying time.
What’s the Best Dipping Sauce for These Bites?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice and complements the flavors perfectly! Feel free to try other sauces like ranch or garlic aioli if you’re craving variety!
