Easy Fried Mozzarella Balls Recipe To Pair With Any Meal

Enjoy the delectable crunch and creamy melt of Fried Mozzarella Balls, a snack that promises a burst of flavor and texture in every bite.

Fried Mozzarella Balls Recipe

Explore the world of crispy, golden delights with our Fried Mozzarella Balls recipe. These savory bites offer a perfect crunch followed by the creamy, melted mozzarella heart within. Paired perfectly with a tangy marinara dip, each mouthful promises a blend of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. Ideal for gatherings or a fun family snack, this recipe elevates the simple joy of cheese to an irresistible culinary experience.

Ingredients:

Mozzarella balls (bocconcini), found in the cheese section at the grocery store
All-purpose flour, seasoned
Eggs, beaten
Plain breadcrumbs (season them yourself or use store-bought seasoned breadcrumbs)
Italian herbs (blend of dried oregano, rosemary, basil, and thyme)
Garlic powder
Neutral oil with a high smoking point for frying (e.g., canola oil)
Marinara sauce for dipping
Parmesan cheese, grated
Parsley (Italian parsley recommended)

Preparation:

Drain the mozzarella balls:

Remove them from their liquid, place them on paper towels, pat them dry, and set aside.

Set up a breading station:

Use 3 medium-size bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Beat the eggs in the second bowl. In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Coating:

Dip 5-6 mozzarella balls at a time into the flour, then the eggs, followed by the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat by dipping again in the eggs and then a final coat in breadcrumbs. Ensure a firm press into the breadcrumbs for an even coating all around, employing a double-dip method for a perfect coating.

Freezing:

Place the coated mozzarella balls onto a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze for a minimum of 1-2 hours.

Frying:

Heat oil (about 2 cups, depending on the pan) in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the mozzarella balls in small batches for 60-90 seconds or until golden brown and crispy, working quickly to prevent cheese from oozing out.

Draining and Serving:

Use a slotted spoon to remove mozzarella balls, placing them on a paper towel-lined plate. Season with salt, top with grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Expert Tips:

For extra moisture removal, lay the mozzarella balls on top of a kitchen towel for 20-30 minutes.
A double dip in egg and breadcrumbs ensures a crispy coating and prevents the cheese from leaking while frying.
Keep the oil hot (use a candy thermometer to maintain 350°F) and fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
After frying, if you begin to hear crackling sounds, it indicates the cheese is starting to ooze out; remove them immediately.

Storing and Reheating:

Fried mozzarella balls are best enjoyed immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, preheat the oven or toaster oven to 375°F and bake until crisp and warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Enjoy making and devouring these delicious Fried Mozzarella Balls!