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Fried Mozzarella Cheese Balls

Print Recipe
Fresh mozzarella rolled around in homemade breadcrumbs and pan-fried for mere seconds until crispy.
Course Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine Italian
Keyword appetizer, breadcrumbs, cheese, easy, mozzarella, snack
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 337
Author Laurie McNamara

Ingredients

  • 6 slices sourdough bread cut into chunks
  • kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 16 ounces fresh mozzarella balls cherry size
  • extra light olive oil or avocado oil
  • minced fresh basil or parsley
  • homemade quick arrabbiata sauce marinara or pizza sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Pulse bread cubes in food processor until small crumbles form. Spread them out evenly on a rimmed sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove, stir and bake for 5 more minutes. Remove and toss one last time before baking for 3 to 5 minutes. Allow breadcrumbs to cool in pan for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, drain fresh mozzarella and blot between pieces of paper towel. Crack two eggs in a shallow bowl and beat with a fork.
  • Pour cooled breadcrumbs back into the food processor, add in 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and pulse until fine crumbs form. You will have about 1 cup crumbs. Remove and pour into another shallow bowl.
  • Working in batches, toss fresh mozzarella balls in egg and drip excess off into dish. Toss in breadcrumbs and place on a clean platter. Repeat with remaining mozzarella.
  • Heat 1/4 inch of safflower oil in a deep-sided pan over medium-high heat. Once hot add a few of the breaded mozzarella balls and fry for 15 to 20 seconds before flipping and repeating. Transfer to a paper towel lined platter and repeat. Adjust the heat under the oil so the mozzarella bites do not burn.
  • Serve immediately with pizza sauce or arrabbiata sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 819mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 127IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 245mg | Iron: 2mg