Irresistibly Crunchy Homemade Mozzarella Balls Recipe

Golden, crispy, and irresistibly cheesy mozzarella balls dance with delectable flavor in this mouthwatering recipe.

Melted cheese encased in a perfectly crunchy exterior creates a snack that’ll make taste buds sing.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast between the crackling coating and the smooth, gooey center.

These bite-sized treasures come together with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Italian-inspired and crowd-pleasing, they work wonderfully as an appetizer or game day treat.

The secret lies in achieving that perfect golden-brown crunch while keeping the cheese molten and luscious.

Serve these delectable morsels hot and watch them disappear in moments of pure culinary joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls

• Bocconcini: Creamy mini mozzarella balls that create a soft, melty center perfect for crispy coating.

• All-purpose Flour: Helps create the first dry layer for breading, ensuring a smooth and even coating.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help breadcrumbs stick perfectly to the cheese.
• Plain Breadcrumbs: Provides a golden, crunchy exterior with delightful texture.

• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic punch that complements the cheese's mild flavor.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herbs for a robust, authentic taste.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the overall seasoning profile.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkles extra savory depth and nutty notes as a final garnish.
• Finely Chopped Parsley: Brings fresh, bright color and subtle herbaceous undertones.

• Oil for Frying: Ensures a crisp, even golden-brown exterior.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a tangy, classic dipping companion for the cheese balls.

Kitchen Tools for Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls

• Large mixing bowls: Three different bowls for flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixtures.
• Deep frying pan or pot: For heating oil and frying mozzarella balls evenly.
• Slotted spoon: To carefully remove crispy balls from hot oil.
• Baking sheet: For freezing breaded mozzarella balls before frying.
• Paper towels: To drain excess oil from fried mozzarella balls.
• Thermometer: To monitor oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying.
• Tongs: For handling and turning mozzarella balls during frying.

Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls Cooking Instructions

• Cheese Preparation

Carefully select fresh mozzarella and pat completely dry to ensure perfect crispiness. Remove excess moisture that could prevent ideal coating adherence.

• Breading Setup

Create three separate stations using shallow dishes – one for flour mixture, another for whisked eggs, and last for seasoned breadcrumbs. Arrange stations in sequential order for smooth coating process.

• Coating Strategy

Gently roll mozzarella pieces through flour first, then egg wash, and finally breadcrumb mixture. Ensure complete and even coverage for maximum crunch and flavor protection.

• Freezing Phase

Place coated cheese balls on clean tray and freeze for approximately 1-2 hours. Freezing helps maintain structural integrity during hot oil frying and prevents cheese from melting too quickly.

• Frying Technique

Heat oil to precise temperature around 350°F. Carefully lower frozen cheese balls into hot oil, cooking until exterior turns golden brown and crispy. Monitor closely to prevent burning.

• Serving Presentation

Remove fried mozzarella balls using slotted spoon, letting excess oil drain. Sprinkle with light sea salt and serve immediately alongside zesty marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy while hot and crunchy.

Flavor Upgrades for Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls

• Cheese Lover's Tricks: Mozzarella Ball Magic
• Cheese Selection: Use fresh, low-moisture mozzarella for the crispiest exterior and gooey center. Block or ball cheese works perfectly, sliced into uniform bite-sized pieces.
• Freezing Hack: Chilling breaded balls before frying prevents cheese from leaking during cooking. Freeze for at least one hour to create a solid protective coating that locks in melty goodness.
• Breadcrumb Boost: Mix panko with Italian seasoning, grated parmesan, or garlic powder for extra flavor depth. Experiment with different breadcrumb textures to achieve your ideal crunch.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature using a deep-fry thermometer. Cooler oil creates greasy balls, while overheated oil burns breading before cheese melts.
• Dipping Alternatives: Swap marinara for ranch, spicy aioli, or herb-infused olive oil. Explore different sauce combinations to elevate your mozzarella ball experience.

Serving Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls with Flair

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these golden mozzarella balls on a large wooden board with fresh basil leaves, creating a gorgeous appetizer spread that'll wow your guests.
• Dipping Delight: Serve alongside multiple sauces like classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, herbed ranch, or garlic aioli to give people exciting flavor choices.
• Game Day Companion: Present these crispy bites on a casual platter with toothpicks during sports watch parties, making them easy to grab and enjoy during exciting moments.
• Salad Sidekick: Chop the mozzarella balls and scatter them over a fresh mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic drizzle for a warm, crunchy protein addition.

Storing Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store uncooked breaded mozzarella balls in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze raw breaded balls on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags, keeping them fresh for 4-6 weeks without quality loss.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm leftover fried mozzarella balls in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Freshness Tip: Always consume fried cheese balls within 2 hours of cooking for optimal taste and texture, avoiding bacterial growth and maintaining perfect crunch.

Irresistible Fried Mozzarella Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mozzarella balls deliver crispy golden perfection with rich Italian cheese center. Cheese lovers can savor these irresistible appetizers that complement any gathering with delightful crunch and melted interior.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (454 g) bocconcini, drained and patted dry
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups plain breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• oil for frying
• marinara sauce for dipping
• grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• finely chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat mozzarella dry with paper towels to eliminate moisture, ensuring a crisp coating.
2. Breading Station: Create three shallow dishes with seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs for a comprehensive coating process.
3. First Coating: Roll each cheese sphere through seasoned flour, then dip completely in beaten eggs, ensuring even coverage.
4. Final Breading: Generously coat egg-dipped cheese in seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a uniform, textured exterior. Repeat breading process for an extra thick, crunchy shell.
5. Chilling: Transfer breaded mozzarella to a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1-2 hours to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
6. Frying Preparation: Heat neutral oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, carefully monitoring temperature with a cooking thermometer.
7. Cooking: Gently lower chilled mozzarella balls into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 60-90 seconds, rotating occasionally, until exterior turns golden-brown and crispy.
8. Finishing: Remove fried mozzarella with a slotted spoon, drain on wire rack or paper towels. Sprinkle with fine sea salt and fresh herbs.
9. Serving: Present immediately with zesty marinara sauce for an optimal dipping experience.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat mozzarella balls completely dry to prevent soggy breading and ensure crisp, golden exterior.
• Breading Station Strategy: Set up three separate dishes with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for seamless, mess-free coating process.
• Double-Coating Technique: Repeat breading process twice to create extra-thick, crunchy shell that locks in melted cheese.
• Freezing Hack: Chill breaded mozzarella for 1-2 hours before frying to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg