Irresistibly Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls Recipe

Crispy fried mozzarella balls revolutionize ordinary cheese into a golden, irresistible appetizer that sparks instant culinary excitement.

Imagine biting through a delicate, crackling exterior to reveal molten, stretchy cheese inside.

These delightful spheres blend crunchy breading with smooth, rich cheese in a perfect harmony of textures.

Professional kitchens and home cooks alike adore this crowd-pleasing snack that elevates simple ingredients into something magical.

Every batch promises a symphony of flavor and crunch that makes mouths water instantly.

Small, bite-sized morsels guarantee maximum enjoyment with minimal effort, ensuring guests cannot resist these tempting treats.

The secret lies in creating a perfectly seasoned coating that locks in creamy goodness.

Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls with Marinara Dip

• Quick Cheesy Crowd-Pleaser: These mozzarella balls deliver irresistible crispy exterior with gooey melted cheese inside, making them an instant hit at parties and gatherings.
• Foolproof Frying Method: The double-coating and freezing technique ensures a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in the cheese, preventing messy leaks during cooking.
• Super Speedy Appetizer: With just 30 minutes total time and simple ingredients, these mozzarella balls are a fast, impressive starter that requires minimal cooking skills and maximum flavor impact.
• Versatile Party Snack: Perfect for game days, movie nights, or casual get-togethers, these crispy bites satisfy both kids and adults with their crunchy texture and cheesy center.

Ingredients for Crispy Mozzarella Balls

• Bocconcini: Soft, bite-sized mozzarella balls that provide a creamy and stretchy interior for the fried appetizer.

• All-purpose Flour: Creates a dry base layer that helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese.
• Eggs, Beaten: Acts as a binding agent to help the breadcrumb coating stick to the cheese.
• Plain Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden exterior with a crunchy texture.

• Garlic Powder, Dried Italian Seasoning, Salt: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the mozzarella balls.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty note and extra richness when sprinkled on top.
• Parsley: Offers a fresh, green garnish that adds color and a mild herbaceous flavor.

• Oil for Frying: Allows the mozzarella balls to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a classic, tangy dipping sauce that complements the rich, cheesy appetizer.

Frying Instructions for Mozzarella Balls

Step 1: Prepare Mozzarella Cheese

Remove mozzarella from packaging

Pat cheese completely dry with paper towels

Cut cheese into uniform bite-sized balls

Place prepared cheese balls on clean plate

Step 2: Create Breading Stations

Set up three shallow dishes for coating:

First dish: Flour mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Second dish: Egg Wash

• Large eggs
• Milk
• Pinch of salt

Third dish: Crispy Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Dried Italian herbs
• Red pepper flakes

Step 3: Coat Cheese Balls

Roll each cheese ball in flour mixture

Dip coated ball in egg wash

Roll thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture

Repeat coating process for extra crispiness

Step 4: Chill Breaded Balls

Place breaded balls on parchment-lined baking sheet

Freeze for 1-2 hours to prevent cheese melting during frying

Step 5: Fry To Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in deep skillet to 350°F

Carefully drop frozen cheese balls into hot oil

Fry until golden brown (60-90 seconds)

Remove with slotted spoon

Drain on paper towel-lined plate

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Sprinkle with extra salt

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley

Serve immediately with marinara sauce

Enjoy while hot and crispy

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Balls

• Choose Cold Mozzarella: Select firm, cold mozzarella cheese straight from the refrigerator to maintain shape during breading and frying.
• Precision in Breading: Pat cheese balls completely dry before coating to ensure crispy, even breading that adheres perfectly.
• Freeze for Perfection: Freezing breaded balls prevents cheese from melting too quickly during frying, creating a crunchy exterior and gooey interior.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature for golden-brown crust without burning or absorbing excess oil.
• Drain Smartly: Place fried mozzarella balls on wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil and preserve ultimate crispiness.

Storing and Reheating Mozzarella Balls

• Refrigerate: Store leftover mozzarella balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for maximum 2 weeks, ensuring they're completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat: Crisp up cold balls in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through to restore their golden crunch and maintain internal cheese meltiness.

Dipping Sauces for Mozzarella Balls

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair these crispy mozzarella balls with a crisp, acidic white wine like pinot grigio to cut through the richness and complement the cheesy texture.
• Fresh Dipping Adventure: Create a homemade marinara sauce with roasted garlic and fresh basil to elevate the flavor profile and add a vibrant, tangy dimension to the appetizer.
• Bright Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the deep-fried indulgence and add a refreshing, peppery contrast.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a hoppy IPA or wheat beer that offers citrusy notes to cleanse the palate and match the golden, crispy exterior of the mozzarella balls.

Mozzarella Ball Variations

• Herby Cheese Bites: Infuse breadcrumbs with dried oregano, basil, and thyme for an aromatic herb-packed flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Poppers: Mix finely chopped jalapeños into the cheese mixture before breading for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Mozza Balls: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta into the mozzarella for a tangy Mediterranean essence.
• Smoky Bacon Cheese Spheres: Fold crispy bacon bits into the mozzarella before coating, creating a savory protein-rich version.

Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy fried mozzarella balls bring Italian street market magic right to kitchen counters. Gooey cheese centers surrounded by golden-brown crunchy coating create an irresistible appetizer that friends will devour in seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) bocconcini, drained and patted dry
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups plain breadcrumbs

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Serving and Cooking Ingredients:

• Oil for frying
• Marinara sauce for dipping
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Finely chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Carefully remove mozzarella from packaging and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a crisp coating.
2. Assemble a strategic breading setup with three separate shallow dishes: seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
3. Methodically roll each cheese sphere first through seasoned flour, creating a delicate initial coating that helps egg mixture adhere.
4. Submerge floured mozzarella into beaten eggs, ensuring complete and even coverage for optimal breadcrumb attachment.
5. Generously coat egg-dipped cheese balls in seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a uniform, textured exterior.
6. Repeat the entire breading process a second time for an extra thick, crunchy shell that will seal in melted cheese.
7. Transfer breaded mozzarella spheres to a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1-2 hours, which prevents cheese from leaking during frying.
8. Heat neutral oil in a deep skillet or fryer to precisely 350°F, monitoring temperature with a cooking thermometer.
9. Carefully lower chilled mozzarella balls into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding to maintain consistent oil temperature.
10. Fry for 60-90 seconds, rotating occasionally, until exterior transforms into a rich golden-brown, crispy shell.
11. Remove fried mozzarella using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on wire rack or paper towels.
12. Sprinkle with fine sea salt and fresh herbs, then serve immediately alongside zesty marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Freezing prevents cheese from melting too quickly during frying, ensuring a crispy exterior and gooey center.
• Double-coating creates an extra-thick, crunchy breading that locks in the mozzarella’s creamy texture.
• Draining and thoroughly drying cheese helps maintain structural integrity and prevents oil splattering during cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg