Fried Mozzarella Bites Recipe

Difficulty: Easy

Makes: 32 mozzarella bites

Nutrition Information Per Serving
Serving Amount: 1 of 32 servings
Calories: 255
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbs: 11g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 34mg
Sodium: 266mg

Total time: 30 min
Preparation: 15 min
Cooking: 15 min

Transform your next gathering with these irresistible Fried Mozzarella Bitescrispy, gooey perfection that disappears fast! Pair with zesty arrabiata sauce for an appetizer that wows.

Olive oil, for frying
1 lb fresh mozzarella, purchase a ball wrapped in plastic, not in liquid
1 lb smoked mozzarella, found in the specialty cheese section
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
About 1/3 cup milk
2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
8 large sprigs each of fresh parsley, sage, and thyme
Fine salt

Quick Arrabiata Dipping Sauce:

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

4 garlic cloves, chopped

1/2 to 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)

One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

Coarse salt, to taste

Bamboo skewers or party picks, for serving

Pour olive oil into a deep skillet to about 2 inches high and heat over medium-high. Cut the mozzarella and smoked mozzarella into 16 cubes each. Set up a breading station: one dish for flour; a second for eggs whisked with milk; a third with Italian breadcrumbs blended with some grated cheese. Save chopped parsley for later. Coat plain mozzarella cubes in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs. For smoked mozzarella, stir parsley into the breadcrumb mix firstit adds flavor and helps tell them apart after frying. Fry herb sprigs for 30-45 seconds until crisp (watch for splatter), then drain on paper towels and salt generously.

Fry bites in batches until golden brown all over, about 3-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels and rest briefly so the cheese stays melty, not runny.

For sauce: Saut olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add tomatoes and salt; simmer while bites finish.

Arrange bites with fried herbs nestled in. Serve sauce nearby with skewers for fun dipping.

Elevate your platter with mixed olives, crisp celery sticks, and crunchy breadstickspure party magic!