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Easy Italian fried cheese recipe with fresh mozzarella and marinara feature image. close up on plate with basil leaves on top
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5 from 1 vote

Crispy Fried Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

Crispy Fried Mozzarella Cheese Recipe is an Italian appetizer made with fresh mozzarella, Italian breadcrumbs, and marinara sauce for dipping. It’s great for party appetizers, Italian comfort food, and fried cheese lovers. The outside turns golden and crisp while the mozzarella stays soft and creamy inside.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Freezing Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4
Calories: 320kcal
Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

  • Large skillet or deep fryer
  • Shallow bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Paper towels
  • Wire rack

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • fresh basil leaves finely chopped
  • marinara sauce for serving
  • peanut oil for frying

Instructions

  • Slice the mozzarella into ¼-inch thick rounds and freeze on a baking sheet for 1 hour or until firm.
  • Mix breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning in one bowl. Beat eggs in another bowl.
  • Dip each frozen mozzarella slice in the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat for a double coating if desired.
  • Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry patties in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels or cool on a wire rack.
  • Serve hot with marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil.

Video

Notes

Cooking Notes
Freezing the mozzarella slices before breading helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly in the oil. Keeping the oil at the proper temperature gives the coating a crisp texture without becoming greasy.
Tips for Best Results:
  • Freeze the mozzarella until firm before breading.
  • Use a double coating for a thicker, crispy crust.
  • Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
  • Drain briefly on a wire rack so the coating stays crisp.
How to Know It’s Ready:
The coating should look golden brown and crisp while the cheese inside feels soft and melted.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 788mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 581IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 373mg | Iron: 3mg
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