Description
Crispy Mozzarella Balls are the perfect crunchy, cheesy snack featuring golden fried bites with a gooey mozzarella center and an irresistible crisp shell. Ideal as a quick appetizer, game day snack, or indulgent comfort food, these balls are quick and easy to make with simple ingredients and offer a versatile, kid-approved treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Cheese
- Fresh low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes or sticks
Dry Coating
- All-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper (quantity as needed for coating)
- Panko bread crumbs (or gluten-free panko for gluten-free option), mixed with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper
Wet Coating
- Beaten eggs (2-3 eggs, depending on quantity)
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Italian herbs (such as dried basil, oregano, parsley)
Frying
- Neutral oil with high smoke point (canola or vegetable oil) for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Cut the mozzarella into bite-sized cubes or smaller pieces from sticks. Chill well to prevent excessive melting during frying.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper or your chosen seasonings.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Roll each mozzarella piece first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step to double coat each piece.
- Chill Before Frying: Place the coated mozzarella balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm the coating and minimize cheese leaks during frying. Optionally, freeze for 15-20 minutes for better shape retention.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella balls in small batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Serve hot immediately to enjoy the perfect melty, cheesy center contrasted with the crisp exterior.
Notes
- Freeze coated balls for 15-20 minutes before frying to prevent cheese leakage and maintain shape.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to reduce water content and improve breading adherence.
- Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to avoid burning or undercooking.
- Double coat with egg and breadcrumbs for extra crunch and secure breading.
- Serve immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 mozzarella balls
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crispy mozzarella balls, cheesy snack, appetizer, fried cheese, game day food, mozzarella bites, crunchy snack
