Fried Mozzarella Balls

Name: Fried Mozzarella Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz Bocconcini (drained and patted dry); 1 cup All-purpose flour; 3 Eggs (beaten); 1.5 cups Plain bread crumbs; 1.5 tsp Garlic powder (divided); 2.5 tsp Dried Italian seasoning (divided); 1.5 tsp Salt (divided); Oil for frying

Published: October 29, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Gooey: The contrast of crunchy breading with melty mozzarella creates an unforgettable texture.
Quick to Make: Prepare these tasty bites in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings.
Versatile: Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party food; they pair well with marinara sauce or your favorite dip.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these cheesy delights!
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breading for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making fried mozzarella balls, gather the necessary tools to ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Deep pan
Medium bowls (3)
Slotted spoon
Parchment-lined sheet pan
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Deep pan: Essential for frying; it allows even cooking and prevents splattering.
Medium bowls: Useful for creating a designated breading station, making the process organized and efficient.
Slotted spoon: Perfect for safely removing fried mozzarella balls from the hot oil without excess oil dripping.

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Balls

16 oz Bocconcini (drained and patted dry)
1 cup All purpose flour
3 Eggs (beaten)
1 1/2 cups Plain bread crumbs
1 1/2 tsp Garlic powder (divided)
2 1/2 tsp Dried Italian seasoning (divided)
1 1/2 tsp Salt (divided)
Oil for frying

For Serving

Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)
Parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Fried Mozzarella Balls

Step 1: Drain the Mozzarella Balls

Start by draining the bocconcini. Once removed from the liquid, place them on paper towels. Pat them dry gently to avoid excess moisture.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Prepare three medium-sized bowls:
1. In the first bowl, whisk together flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning.
2. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until blended.
3. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt.

Step 3: Coat in Breading

Take about 5-6 mozzarella balls at a time:
* Roll them in the flour mixture.
* Dip them into the beaten eggs.
* Roll them in the seasoned breadcrumbs.
* Return to the egg wash for another dip followed by another layer of breadcrumbs. Press firmly for an even coating.

Step 4: Freeze

Arrange the coated mozzarella balls on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Freeze them for at least 1 to 2 hours to firm up.

Step 5: Fry

Heat about 2 cups of oil in your deep pan until it reaches 350°F. Remove mozzarella balls from the freezer:
* Fry in small batches for about 60-90 seconds or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Drain and Cool

Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove each mozzarella ball from the oil. Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with salt and top with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping.

How to Serve Fried Mozzarella Balls

Fried mozzarella balls are a delightful appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their crispy exterior and gooey center make them perfect for sharing with friends and family. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your fried mozzarella experience.

With Marinara Sauce

Classic dip: Serve warm fried mozzarella balls alongside a bowl of tangy marinara sauce for a traditional pairing.

As a Salad Topping

Crunchy addition: Slice the fried mozzarella balls and toss them on top of a fresh salad for added texture and flavor.

In a Sandwich

Cheesy delight: Create a sandwich by placing fried mozzarella balls in a toasted bun, adding fresh basil and tomato for an Italian twist.

With Pesto

Flavor boost: Drizzle some basil pesto over the fried mozzarella balls or serve it on the side for a herby complement.

On Skewers

Fun presentation: Thread fried mozzarella balls onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for an attractive appetizer option.

As Part of a Platter

Party favorite: Arrange the fried mozzarella balls on a charcuterie board along with olives, breadsticks, and other appetizers for a crowd-pleasing platter.

How to Perfect Fried Mozzarella Balls

Achieving the perfect fried mozzarella balls takes some practice but is well worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you master this recipe.

Use cold cheese: Starting with chilled mozzarella helps maintain its shape during frying, preventing it from melting too quickly.
Double coat: For an extra-crispy exterior, double-dip each ball in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before freezing them.
Heat oil properly: Ensure your oil reaches 350°F before frying. This helps achieve that golden-brown color while keeping the inside gooey.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can result in soggy cheese balls.

Best Side Dishes for Fried Mozzarella Balls

Fried mozzarella balls pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture and delicious garlic flavor that goes well with fried cheese.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast to the richness of fried mozzarella.
Zucchini Fries: Crispy zucchini fries provide an excellent vegetable option while keeping the meal indulgent yet balanced.
Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons of Caesar salad offer a nice balance alongside your cheesy bites.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites filled with herbs and cheese enhance the appetizer spread with complementary flavors.
Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of these fries contrasts beautifully with the salty crispy cheese, offering a delightful taste experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fried mozzarella balls are delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid while making them:

Skipping the drying step: Not patting the mozzarella balls dry can lead to soggy coating. Always drain and thoroughly dry them before breading.
Inconsistent coating: Failing to press the mozzarella balls firmly into the breadcrumbs can result in uneven coating. Make sure to apply pressure during the double-dipping process.
Overcrowding the frying pan: Adding too many mozzarella balls at once can lower the oil temperature, making them greasy. Fry in small batches for best results.
Not freezing before frying: Skipping the freezing step can cause the cheese to melt too quickly during frying. Freeze the coated balls for at least 1-2 hours for a crispy exterior.
Incorrect oil temperature: Frying at too low or too high of a temperature can affect texture and flavor. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at 350°F.
Ignoring seasoning: Overlooking seasoning can result in bland bites. Make sure to season each layer of your breading mixture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover fried mozzarella balls in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Fried Mozzarella Balls

Place cooled fried mozzarella balls in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fried Mozzarella Balls

Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place mozzarella balls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, checking frequently. This method may result in softer texture.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning often until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about fried mozzarella balls:

Can I use different types of cheese for Fried Mozzarella Balls?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar, but mozzarella offers that gooey texture that’s hard to beat.

How do I make Fried Mozzarella Balls gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs instead of regular options.

What dipping sauces pair well with Fried Mozzarella Balls?

Tangy marinara sauce is classic, but you can also try ranch dressing or pesto for a twist!

How long will Fried Mozzarella Balls stay fresh?

Fried mozzarella balls last up to 3 days in the fridge and up to 3 months when frozen if properly stored.

Final Thoughts

Fried mozzarella balls are a crowd-pleaser perfect for parties or movie nights. Their crispy exterior and gooey interior make them irresistible! Feel free to customize by adding herbs or spices to the breading mix or trying different dipping sauces. Enjoy making these delightful snacks!

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