Fried mozzarella balls are a delightful appetizer that will impress your guests at any gathering. Their crispy exterior and gooey interior make them a hit for parties, game nights, or casual family dinners. Pair them with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping, and you’re in for a treat! These fried mozzarella balls are not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip up these delicious bites in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, everyone loves cheesy snacks!
- Customizable Flavors: You can tweak the seasonings or serve with different dips to suit your taste.
- Golden and Crispy: The double-dipping technique ensures a perfectly crunchy coating.
- Gooey Goodness: The melty mozzarella inside creates an indulgent experience with every bite.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best fried mozzarella balls, you’ll need some essential tools. Preparing your kitchen will help ensure everything goes smoothly while you cook.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium-sized bowls
- Slotted spoon
- Deep pan or fryer
- Parchment-lined sheet pan
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium-sized bowls: Necessary for setting up your breading station and separating ingredients.
- Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing the mozzarella balls from hot oil safely without excess oil.
- Deep pan or fryer: Provides the right depth for frying, ensuring even cooking and crispy results.

Ingredients
Fried mozzarella balls require simple ingredients that come together to create this tasty snack. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Mozzarella Balls
- 16 oz Bocconcini (drained and patted dry)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 3 Eggs (beaten)
- 1 1/2 cups Plain bread crumbs
- 1 1/2 tsp Garlic powder (divided)
- 2 1/2 tsp Dried Italian seasoning (divided)
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt (divided)
- Oil for frying
For Serving
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)
- Parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)
How to Make Fried Mozzarella Balls
Step 1: Drain the Mozzarella Balls
Start by draining the bocconcini. Place them on paper towels and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps prevent soggy coatings.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Prepare three medium-sized bowls:
1. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning.
2. Beat the eggs in the second bowl.
3. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt.
Step 3: Coat in Breading
Take about 5-6 mozzarella balls at a time:
1. Roll them in the flour mixture first.
2. Dip them into the beaten eggs next.
3. Coat thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumbs.
4. For extra crunch, return them to the egg mixture followed by another layer of breadcrumbs. Press firmly to ensure even coverage.
Step 4: Freeze the Coated Balls
Place the coated mozzarella balls onto a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze them for a minimum of 1-2 hours. This helps maintain their shape during frying.
Step 5: Frying Time!
Heat about 2 cups of oil in a deep pan until it reaches 350°F:
1. Carefully drop frozen mozzarella balls into hot oil in small batches.
2. Fry for about 60-90 seconds or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Drain and Garnish
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from oil:
1. Set on paper towels to drain excess oil.
2. Season lightly with salt.
3. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley before serving warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy these delicious fried mozzarella balls as an appetizer or snack that will surely delight everyone!
How to Serve Fried Mozzarella Balls
Fried mozzarella balls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
With Marinara Sauce
- A classic pairing, the tangy marinara sauce complements the gooey mozzarella perfectly.
As Part of a Cheese Platter
- Serve fried mozzarella balls alongside a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits for an impressive appetizer spread.
In a Salad
- Toss fried mozzarella balls into a fresh salad for added texture and flavor. They pair well with mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette.
In a Sandwich
- Add fried mozzarella balls to sandwiches or paninis for an extra layer of cheesy goodness that melts beautifully.
With Pesto
- Drizzle pesto over the fried mozzarella balls for a burst of fresh basil flavor that elevates the dish.
How to Perfect Fried Mozzarella Balls
Creating the perfect fried mozzarella balls requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure they come out crispy and delicious every time.
- Use cold mozzarella: Starting with cold mozzarella helps maintain its shape when frying.
- Double-coat: Ensure you double-coat your mozzarella balls in breadcrumbs for an extra crispy exterior.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F to achieve that golden brown color without overcooking.
- Work in small batches: Frying in small batches helps maintain oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
- Freeze before frying: Freezing the coated mozzarella balls for at least 1-2 hours helps them hold their shape while frying.
Best Side Dishes for Fried Mozzarella Balls
Fried mozzarella balls can be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into marinara sauce alongside your fried mozzarella.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy cheese bites.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and herbs offers a delicious crunch that pairs well with fried cheese.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, pickles, and marinated veggies adds flavor diversity to your appetizer table.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables bring color and healthiness to balance out the richness of the fried cheese.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying side that kids love too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people may encounter challenges when making fried mozzarella balls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Not drying the mozzarella balls properly – If the mozzarella is too wet, it won’t hold the breading well. Ensure they are drained and patted dry completely before breading.
- Skipping the freezing step – Freezing helps the cheese maintain its shape while frying. Don’t skip this essential step; freeze for at least 1-2 hours.
- Using the wrong oil temperature – Oil that is too cool will result in greasy balls, while oil that is too hot can burn them. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at 350°F before frying.
- Overcrowding the frying pan – Frying too many mozzarella balls at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in small batches for a crispy texture.
- Forgetting to season after frying – Season with salt immediately after removing them from the oil for maximum flavor. Garnish with parmesan and parsley right away.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover fried mozzarella balls in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Fried Mozzarella Balls
- Freeze uncooked breaded mozzarella balls on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Fried Mozzarella Balls
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, but note that this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a hot skillet with a little oil, turning frequently until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding fried mozzarella balls.
How do I achieve a perfect coating on my Fried Mozzarella Balls?
To get the perfect coating, use the double-dip method: coat in flour, dip in egg, then roll in breadcrumbs, and repeat. This ensures an even, crunchy exterior.
Can I customize my Fried Mozzarella Balls?
Yes! You can add herbs or spices into your breadcrumb mixture for added flavor. Try adding crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning.
What dipping sauces pair well with Fried Mozzarella Balls?
Tangy marinara sauce is classic, but you could also try ranch dressing, pesto, or even a spicy aioli for something different.
Can I bake Fried Mozzarella Balls instead of frying?
Baking is possible! Brush them lightly with oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F until golden brown and crispy, usually around 15-20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Fried mozzarella balls are not only delicious but also versatile appetizers perfect for any gathering. Their crispy exterior combined with gooey cheese makes them irresistible. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or dips to make this recipe truly your own!
Fried Mozzarella Balls
Fried mozzarella balls are a delightful and versatile appetizer that will impress your guests at any gathering. Featuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a gooey, melted cheese center, these cheesy bites are perfect for parties, game nights, or casual family dinners. Served with tangy marinara sauce for dipping, they offer an indulgent experience that is hard to resist. Plus, this easy recipe allows you to customize flavors and pairings to suit your taste preferences!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 16 oz bocconcini (drained and patted dry)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs (beaten)
- 1 ½ cups plain bread crumbs
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Drain the bocconcini and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour mixed with salt and Italian seasoning, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder and seasonings.
- Coat each mozzarella ball in flour, dip it in eggs, then roll it in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
- Freeze the coated balls on a parchment-lined tray for 1-2 hours.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F and fry the mozzarella balls in small batches until golden brown (about 60-90 seconds).
- Drain on paper towels, season lightly with salt, garnish with parmesan and parsley, then serve warm with marinara sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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