Description
Crispy golden mozzarella bites deliver irresistible Italian-inspired appetizer magic with their perfectly breaded exterior and molten cheese center. Guests will crave these delightful bite-sized treats that promise pure indulgence in each delectable morsel.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package Mozzarella string cheese (12 count)
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon parsley
Additional Ingredients:
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Slice mozzarella string cheese into compact, uniform one-inch segments, ensuring precise and even cuts.
- Assemble a three-stage coating system: position a milk bowl, a flour-filled bag, and a separate bag containing panko bread crumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and chopped parsley.
- Submerge cheese pieces completely in milk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Transfer milk-dampened cheese into flour bag, gently shaking to create an even, light flour coating.
- Reintroduce flour-dusted cheese segments back into milk, thoroughly re-wetting each piece.
- Carefully tumble milk-coated cheese into panko bag, vigorously shaking to achieve a crisp, uniform bread crumb exterior.
- Arrange coated mozzarella bites on a flat surface and transfer to freezer for minimum two hours, which stabilizes the coating and prevents cheese leakage during cooking.
- Select a deep skillet and heat oil to medium temperature, ensuring consistent warmth.
- Gently introduce frozen mozzarella bites into hot oil, monitoring closely to achieve a golden-brown crust without cheese escape.
- Remove bites once they reach a rich, crispy exterior and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Plate alongside warm marinara sauce for an elegant dipping experience.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Freeze mozzarella pieces for at least 2 hours to prevent cheese from leaking during frying, creating perfect crispy bites.
- Coating Technique: Use a double-dip method with milk, flour, and panko breadcrumbs to achieve an extra-crunchy, golden exterior that locks in melty cheese.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain medium heat while frying to ensure even browning without burning the delicate breadcrumb coating.
- Storage Hack: Keep uncooked breaded bites in the freezer for up to a month, ready for quick and delicious appetizers anytime.
- Seasoning Boost: Mix Italian herbs and parsley into breadcrumbs for an elevated flavor profile that complements the creamy mozzarella.
- Dipping Delight: Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce to maximize the gooey cheese and crispy texture experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg