Golden Mozzarella Cheese Balls (Printable)
Golden, crispy mozzarella balls with melty centers. Perfect Italian-American appetizer ready in 25 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cheese
01 - 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 0.75 inch cubes
→ Breading
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 1.5 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
05 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
06 - 0.5 tsp garlic powder (optional)
07 - 0.5 tsp salt
08 - 0.25 tsp black pepper
→ Frying
09 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying
# How-To Steps:
01 - Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs; one with beaten eggs; and one with breadcrumbs.
02 - Pat the mozzarella cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
03 - Roll each mozzarella cube in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
04 - Place breaded cheese balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to help the coating set.
05 - Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F.
06 - Fry the cheese balls in batches for 1–2 minutes or until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan.
07 - Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They come together in under 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have
- The contrast between the crunchy exterior and molten cheese center is absolutely addictive
02 -
- Never skip the chilling step. Warm cheese hitting hot oil equals a mess and lost cheese in your pan
- Double coating takes extra time but it is the difference between good and restaurant quality results
03 -
- Freeze your mozzarella for 15 minutes before cutting. It firms up the cheese making it much easier to get clean, even cubes
- Use one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep your fingers from becoming completely coated in batter