These tasty Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside! Made with fresh cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan, they’re perfect for snacking.
Who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love serving them warm right out of the oven, and they disappear fast! Perfect with a side of marinara for dipping—yum! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella cheese: Use a solid block of mozzarella instead of shredded. This ensures a nice gooey center. If you can’t find mozzarella, try using provolone for a similar taste or even string cheese cut into cubes for a fun twist!
Italian-style breadcrumbs: While these add great flavor and texture, you can substitute with plain breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning if needed. Panko breadcrumbs can also be used for an extra crunch!
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, the pre-grated version also works well. Alternatively, Pecorino Romano can give a sharper taste that enhances the dish.
Vegetable oil: For frying, use any neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or sunflower oil. I prefer light olive oil for a flavor boost when frying.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Crispy Bites?
Frying these bites to perfection requires a few key steps. First, make sure the mozzarella is well-frozen before breading; it helps maintain the shape and gooey center during frying.
- Set up three bowls for breading: flour, egg mixture, and a breadcrumb- Parmesan mix.
- Coat the mozzarella first in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Chill the bites again after breading for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures the coating sticks while frying.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. Perfectly hot oil guarantees a crispy exterior!
With these tips, you’re on your way to impressing everyone with perfectly crispy, cheesy bites! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Parmesan Mozzarella Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese block (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep work (including cutting and freezing the mozzarella), followed by 30 minutes for breading, chilling, and frying. Enjoy delicious, crispy bites in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella:
Start by cutting the mozzarella block into bite-sized cubes (around 1.5 inches). Place these cubes on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them for at least 1 hour. Freezing helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly while frying!
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
Prepare your breading stations. In a shallow bowl, add the flour. In another bowl, beat the two eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Coat the Mozzarella:
Take the frozen mozzarella cubes out of the freezer. Roll each cube in the flour, ensuring to shake off any excess flour. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off before coating it in the breadcrumb mixture. For a crispier bite, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for double coating!
4. Chill the Coated Bites:
Once all mozzarella cubes are coated, place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps the coating to set and stick better during frying.
5. Fry the Bites:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the mozzarella bites in small batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
6. Serve:
Arrange your delicious Parmesan Mozzarella Bites on a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve them immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites that ooze melty mozzarella inside and have a crunchy Parmesan-encrusted crust outside!
Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese Instead of a Block?
Yes, but I recommend using a block of mozzarella for the best results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. If using shredded cheese, try to minimize the coating and chill time to prevent it from melting too quickly when cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Italian-Style Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can use plain breadcrumbs mixed with a little Italian seasoning, or try panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Just make sure to season them appropriately with herbs and salt to maintain that classic flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Parmesan Mozzarella Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through to maintain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Bites in Advance?
Absolutely! You can bread the mozzarella bites ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day before frying. Alternatively, you can freeze the breaded bites and fry them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
