Description
Golden, gooey, and irresistibly crunchy mozzarella bites with a seasoned panko crust, perfect for dipping in warm marinara. Trust me, you’re going to love this.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, about 3 cups, for frying
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Combine Ingredients: Set up three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place cut mozzarella pieces on the lined sheet and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up.
- Assemble the Dish: Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat in seasoned panko. Repeat the egg and panko steps for a double coating.
- Cook to Perfection: Fry in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until deep golden and crisp. Maintain oil near 350°F.
- Finishing Touches: Transfer bites to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate immediately and serve with warmed marinara for dipping.
Notes
- Note: Freezing after breading helps prevent cheese leakage during frying.
- Do not overcrowd the pot, it lowers oil temperature and softens the crust.
- For extra flavor, mix 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley into the panko.
- Air fry option: 375°F, 6 to 8 minutes, until golden, shaking once.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 6 bites
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg