mozzarella bites
Calling all cheese fans—this one’s for you. These Crispy Fried Mozzarella balls are golden, crunchy on the outside, and perfectly gooey on the inside. They’re everything you want in a warm, melty snack. Dip them in roasted tomato sauce and you’ve got a total crowd-pleaser!
Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a delicious vegetarian appetizer, or just want something cheesy and satisfying, these fried mozzarella balls are the answer. They’re simple to make, wildly addictive, and honestly—way better than anything store-bought.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Crispy Fried Mozzarella
- Cheesy goodness inside, crispy crunch outside
- Totally vegetarian and easy to make
- Freezer-friendly – make ahead and fry later
- Perfect for dipping in marinara or roasted tomato sauce
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this cheesy magic happen:
- 400g (14oz) bocconcini – Those bite-sized mozzarella balls are the perfect size for snacking.
- 1½ cups flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
- 4 extra-large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs – Panko or regular work well
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp Italian herbs – Think oregano, basil, thyme
- Oil for frying – Enough for deep or shallow frying
- Tomato sauce – For dipping (store-bought or homemade)
👩🍳 How to Make Fried Mozzarella Balls
Step 1: Dry the cheese
Start by patting your bocconcini dry with paper towels. This is super important to help the coating stick and avoid oil splatter.
Step 2: Prep the coating stations
Set up three bowls:
- One with seasoned flour
- One with beaten eggs
- One with breadcrumbs, mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and Italian herbs
Step 3: Double-dip for extra crunch
Roll each mozzarella ball in flour, then dip in egg. Repeat this step one more time for a sturdier coating.
Step 4: Coat with breadcrumbs
Roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick. You want full coverage!
Step 5: Freeze
Place the coated mozzarella balls on a tray and freeze for 20–60 minutes. This helps them keep their shape and prevents cheese blowouts when frying.
Step 6: Fry until golden
Heat your oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When hot, fry the mozzarella in batches until golden brown and crispy—usually just 1–2 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pot!
Step 7: Drain and serve
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried cheese balls to a paper towel-lined plate. Let them cool just a bit, then serve with warm tomato sauce for dipping.
🍅 Perfect Dipping Sauces
These mozzarella bites are incredible on their own, but even better with:
- Roasted tomato sauce (the classic!)
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy arrabbiata
- Basil pesto
🔁 Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze before frying: After coating, freeze the mozzarella balls and keep them in a zip-top bag. You can fry straight from frozen—just add an extra 30–60 seconds to the fry time.
- Reheat leftovers: Use an air fryer or oven to crisp them back up. Microwaving will make them soggy.
✨ Variations to Try
Want to change it up? You totally can:
- Use smoked mozzarella for a richer flavor
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for some heat
- Sub in gluten-free flour and crumbs if needed
- Make them spicy with a touch of cayenne in the coating mix
📦 Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again.
- Freeze uncooked breaded mozzarella balls for up to 2 months.
🍴 Serving Ideas
These little cheesy bites are a perfect match for:
- Game day appetizers
- Party platters
- Italian-themed dinners
- Movie night snacks
- A cheesy vegetarian side
🔥 Pro Tip
Double-coating and freezing before frying are key to keeping that cheese inside where it belongs. Trust the process—it makes a huge difference!
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls are pure cheesy comfort. With that golden crust and gooey inside, they’re sure to become a favorite in your snack rotation. Whether you’re making them for guests or just treating yourself, they’re 100% worth it.
Once you try these, frozen mozzarella sticks just won’t cut it anymore.
