Appetizers & Starters > Cheese-Based Starters > Fried Cheese Appetizers > Cheese Balls
Crispy Fried Mozzarella Balls with Marinara Dip
Indulge in these golden, crispy mozzarella balls, a perfect appetizer with a delightful cheesy pull. Served with a tangy marinara dip, they're sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 8 oz (fresh, small balls, or cut larger balls into 1-inch cubes) Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup (Italian seasoned) Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups (for frying) Vegetable oil
- 1 cup (for dipping) Marinara sauce
Prepare the Cheese
If using large mozzarella balls, cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Ensure the mozzarella is relatively dry by patting it with a paper towel. This will help the flour adhere better.
Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Mozzarella Balls
Dredge each mozzarella ball in the flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip it into the whisked eggs, again ensuring full coverage. Finally, coat the mozzarella ball thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere. Repeat this process for all mozzarella balls. For a crispier result, you can double-bread the balls by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Chill the Breaded Balls
Place the breaded mozzarella balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the breading set and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
Fry the Mozzarella Balls
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the breaded mozzarella balls into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Be careful not to overcook, as the cheese will melt and burst.
Drain and Serve
Remove the fried mozzarella balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
FAQ
-
Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
No, pre-shredded mozzarella will not work for this recipe as it will melt too quickly and not hold its shape. Use fresh mozzarella balls or cut a block of mozzarella into cubes. -
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded mozzarella balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping halfway through. Note that they will not be as crispy as the fried version. -
Can I freeze the breaded mozzarella balls?
Yes, you can freeze them before frying. Place the breaded mozzarella balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.