Description
Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are crispy on the outside, with a gooey, melty mozzarella center. Coated in a flavorful blend of Parmesan and herbs, these bites are the perfect savory snack or appetizer. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping!
Ingredients
For the Bites:
- Mozzarella Cheese: Cut into small cubes or use mozzarella string cheese, cut into pieces
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, for a savory and nutty flavor
- Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for extra flavor
- All-Purpose Flour: For dredging the cheese
- Eggs: Beaten, to help the breading adhere
- Garlic Powder: For added flavor
- Dried Oregano: Adds an Italian herb note
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: For frying or greasing the baking pan
For Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Marinara Sauce: A classic dipping sauce to pair with these cheesy bites
Instructions
- Prepare the Bites:
- Cut the mozzarella into small cubes (about 1-inch cubes). If using string cheese, cut each stick into 3-4 pieces.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Mozzarella:
- Roll each cube of mozzarella first in the flour, making sure it’s lightly coated.
- Dip the floured cheese into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Then roll the cheese in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat until all pieces of mozzarella are coated.
- Fry or Bake the Bites:
- For frying: Heat about 1 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the mozzarella bites in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per side). Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- For baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated mozzarella bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Serve:
- Serve your Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- If you prefer a healthier option, baking the bites instead of frying works well and still results in a crispy exterior.
- To make these bites even more flavorful, you can mix a little extra garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs.
- If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can substitute with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-12 minutes (depending on frying or baking)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Mozzarella bites, cheesy appetizer, Parmesan bites, snack, cheesy snacks, party appetizers