These Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are cheesy little treats that are bursting with flavor! The crispy outside and gooey, melty cheese inside make every bite a delight.
They’re perfect for gatherings or just a fun snack at home. I love serving them with marinara sauce for dipping—so yummy! Just warning you, they disappear fast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: I recommend bocconcini or ciliegine sizes since they’re perfect for frying and provide a great cheese pull. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, you can use regular mozzarella cheese, but make sure to cut it into smaller chunks.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a nice crispy texture. If you’re out of panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but they may not be as crunchy. Try adding a bit of grated Parmesan to regular breadcrumbs for an extra flavor kick!
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These seasonings really boost the flavor! You can substitute garlic powder with minced fresh garlic, or leave it out completely if you prefer a milder taste. For Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried oregano and basil if needed.
Vegetable Oil: This is used for frying. Canola oil or peanut oil also works well—just pick an oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying.
How Do I Ensure My Mozzarella Bites Stay Firm While Frying?
Frying mozzarella can be tricky since it melts quickly! Here are a few key steps:
- Dry the Mozzarella: Pat the mozzarella balls with paper towels to get rid of moisture before freezing. This helps them hold their shape.
- Freeze Twice: Freezing the cheese before frying makes a huge difference. The first freeze firms them up; the second one after coating helps the crust stick better.
- Fry at the Right Temp: Make sure the oil is at 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the bites will soak up too much oil and become soggy.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfect, gooey mozzarella bites with crispy exteriors! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Delicious Parmesan Mozzarella Bites Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes total for chilling and frying. You’ll spend some time freezing the mozzarella and coating them, but it’s totally worth the wait for that melted cheese goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheese:
Start by patting the mozzarella balls dry with paper towels. This step is really important because removing excess moisture helps them keep their shape when frying. Once dry, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. This will help prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when you fry it.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
Let’s get organized! Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, put the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined. In the last bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and add a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a flavorful coating for our mozzarella bites!
3. Coat the Mozzarella Balls:
Take the frozen mozzarella balls out of the freezer. Quickly dredge each ball in the flour first—shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated. For an extra crunchy bite, you can dip it in the egg and breadcrumbs again for a double coating. This step is key for keeping that melted cheese inside!
4. Chill Again:
Once all the mozzarella balls are coated, place them back on a tray and freeze them again for about 30 minutes. This second chill helps them hold their shape even better during frying.
5. Fry Time!
In a deep skillet or pot, heat up enough vegetable oil to submerge the bites (about 2 inches deep) to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a thermometer or drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready!
6. Fry the Bites:
Carefully add the mozzarella bites in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan—this helps them cook evenly. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once fried, sprinkle the mozzarella bites with fresh parsley for a touch of color. Serve them hot with marinara sauce for dipping—trust me, they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites while they’re hot and gooey inside! They’re sure to be a hit with friends and family!
Can I Use Store-Bought Mozzarella Sticks Instead?
While you can use store-bought mozzarella sticks, they’re usually coated and pre-fried, which may alter the texture and cheesiness. Fresh mozzarella balls are best for that gooey center and crispy outer layer!
What Oil Should I Use for Frying?
You can use vegetable oil, but oils with higher smoke points like canola or peanut oil work great too! These oils can handle the heat without burning, ensuring your bites fry evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mozzarella balls up to the freezing step in advance. Just freeze them and keep them in a zip-top bag for up to a month. When you’re ready, just fry them straight from the freezer; there’s no need to thaw!
How Do I Store Leftover Mozzarella Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the oven or a toaster oven to crisp them back up—microwaving may make them soggy.
