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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat mozzarella dry with paper towels to eliminate moisture, ensuring a crisp coating.
- Breading Station: Create three shallow dishes with seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs for a comprehensive coating process.
- First Coating: Roll each cheese sphere through seasoned flour, then dip completely in beaten eggs, ensuring even coverage.
- 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.
- Chilling: Transfer breaded mozzarella to a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1-2 hours to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Frying Preparation: Heat neutral oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, carefully monitoring temperature with a cooking thermometer.
- 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.
- Finishing: Remove fried mozzarella with a slotted spoon, drain on wire rack or paper towels. Sprinkle with fine sea salt and fresh herbs.
- 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