These Easy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Bites are ooey-gooey cheese fun! Crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, they make the perfect snack or appetizer.
Honestly, who can resist cheese? I love to serve these alongside marinara sauce for dipping, and I’ll bet you’ll sneak a few before they even hit the table! 🧀
Making them is a breeze. Just coat, fry, and enjoy! It’s a simple way to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in with cheesy goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
mozzarella cheese: This is the star of the dish! Choose fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or low-moisture mozzarella for a firmer bite. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, vegan mozzarella is available and works well.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give a light and crispy coating. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, but the texture won’t be as airy. Consider crushing some crackers for a fun twist!
Eggs: Eggs help the coating stick. If you need a vegan alternative, you can use a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a binding agent.
What’s the Best Way to Fry Mozzarella Bites Without Making a Mess?
Frying can get a bit tricky, but with a few useful tips, you can do it like a pro:
- Make sure to keep the oil at the right temperature – around 350°F. If it’s too hot, the coating will brown too quickly and the cheese will not melt properly. If it’s too cold, the bites will soak up oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to avoid dropping the oil temperature. This ensures that the bites fry evenly.
- Use a deep frying thermometer to keep track of oil temperature. It’s a handy tool for consistent results!
- Always let the fried bites drain on paper towels to keep them crispy. This removes excess oil.
Easy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (sliced about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 minutes to fry. With a total time of around 25 minutes, you’ll be ready to serve these delicious mozzarella bites in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the Cheese:
Begin by slicing the mozzarella cheese into bite-sized pieces, making sure they’re about 1/2 inch thick. This will ensure that they melt perfectly while staying easy to handle.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls: one for all-purpose flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs. In the panko bowl, mix in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will add extra flavor to your bites!
3. Dredging the Mozzarella:
Take each mozzarella slice and first dredge it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour. This helps the egg to stick better and creates a nice coating.
4. Egg Coating:
Next, dip the floured mozzarella into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. This is what will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese.
5. Panko Coating:
Press the cheese slice into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs to coat it fully. If you want extra crispy bites, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps to double coat each piece.
6. Heat the Oil:
In a skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer if you have one!
7. Fry the Mozzarella Bites:
Carefully fry the coated mozzarella bites in batches, for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they cook evenly.
8. Drain the Bites:
Once fried, remove the mozzarella bites from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel to eliminate any excess oil.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot mozzarella bites on a plate, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
These crispy, melty mozzarella bites are sure to be a hit whether it’s game day, a party, or just a cozy night in. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with cheeses like provolone or cheddar. Just be mindful that different cheeses may melt differently, affecting the final texture.
How Can I Make These Mozzarella Bites Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the bites up to the frying step and refrigerate them for a few hours. When you’re ready to fry, just bring them to room temperature before cooking to ensure even frying!
What Oil is Best for Frying Mozzarella Bites?
Vegetable oil or canola oil are excellent choices because they have a high smoke point. Avoid using olive oil as it may burn and impart a strong flavor during frying.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
