🧀🔥 Crispy Mozzarella Bites — Cheese Pulls Just Got Better 😍
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 36–48 bites
Perfect For: Game day, parties, snacks, or any cheesy craving!
🌟 Why You’ll Love Crispy Mozzarella Bites
Crispy Mozzarella Bites are the ultimate snack to satisfy your cheese cravings. With a crispy, golden exterior and a melty, gooey interior, these bites are the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or creamy ranch! Whether you’re hosting a party or need a quick snack, these crispy bites will have everyone coming back for more.
🛒 Ingredients
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Marinara sauce or ranch dressing (for dipping)
👨🍳 How to Make Crispy Mozzarella Bites
🧀 Step 1: Prepare the Bites
Cut the mozzarella string cheese sticks into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
In a small bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
In a third bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your breading mixture.
🍽️ Step 2: Coat the Mozzarella Pieces
First, dredge each mozzarella piece in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated.
Next, dip the floured mozzarella into the egg wash, coating it evenly.
Then, roll the mozzarella in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks. Repeat for all the mozzarella pieces.
🍳 Step 3: Fry the Mozzarella Bites
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place a few mozzarella pieces in the hot oil, ensuring they aren’t crowded. Fry for about 3–4 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mozzarella bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
🍅 Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Once all the mozzarella bites are fried, serve them hot with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Enjoy the melty, gooey cheese pulls with each bite!
💡 Tips & Tricks
🧀 Cheese Tips:
Mozzarella string cheese works perfectly for these bites, but you can also use block mozzarella cut into chunks if preferred.
For extra cheesy bites, try adding a little cheddar or pepper jack to the mozzarella.
🍞 Bread Crumbs Tips:
Mixing panko breadcrumbs with Italian breadcrumbs gives a fantastic crunchy texture. However, if you only have one or the other, feel free to use just one type.
🔥 Frying Tips:
Be sure the oil is hot enough (350°F or 175°C) to achieve a crispy texture without making the cheese melt too quickly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry in batches to ensure the bites cook evenly and get that golden, crispy crust.
🍴 Dipping Sauce:
These crispy bites go perfectly with classic marinara sauce, but you can also serve them with ranch, garlic butter, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
🧺 Meal Prep & Storage
🧊 Freezing:
To make ahead, freeze the breaded mozzarella bites before frying. Simply place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.
When ready to fry, you can fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
🏷️ Storage:
Store any leftover mozzarella bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.
🏁 Final Bite: Golden, Crispy, Gooey Goodness
These Crispy Mozzarella Bites are the ultimate snack for cheese lovers. With a golden, crunchy exterior and a melty cheese center, they’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or as an appetizer. The addition of garlic and Italian breadcrumbs makes them extra flavorful, and the cheese pull is everything!