These crispy Blackstone fried mozzarella bites are a real treat! Golden on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.
Honestly, who can resist melted cheese? I always keep some ready to pop in the air fryer for a quick snack. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Low-moisture mozzarella works best as it stays firmer during frying. If you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella can also be used, but slice it thinner and handle it carefully.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a light, crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs will work too, just know they’ll make the bites denser. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free option!
Eggs: Eggs are important for binding the breadcrumbs to the cheese. If you’re vegan, you can use a mixture of ground flaxseed and water or aquafaba as a substitute.
Seasonings: Adjust the garlic and Italian seasoning to suit your taste! Feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat or try different herbs like oregano or parsley.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Fried Mozzarella Bites?
Getting that perfect crispy exterior is key to this recipe. First, make sure your cheese is well-coated. Here’s how to ensure great results:
- Create three dipping stations: flour, egg mixture, and seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to dredge in the flour first; this helps the egg stick better.
- A double coating of egg and breadcrumbs locks in the cheese, preventing it from leaking out.
- Freezing the bites for at least an hour helps firm up the cheese and ensures a fantastic fry.
- When frying, maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking. Too cool, and they’ll be greasy; too hot, and they will burn.
Easy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Bites
Ingredients:
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (preferably low-moisture, cut into bite-size rounds or sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of active cooking time and at least 1 hour to freeze. So, plan to spend around 1 hour and 20 minutes in total, including preparation and frying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Your Breading Stations:
Start by organizing your ingredients into three separate bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, crack the eggs and add the tablespoon of water, then beat them together until well mixed. In your third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will be your flavorful coating!
2. Dredge the Mozzarella:
Take each piece of mozzarella and dip it into the flour first. Make sure to shake off any excess flour so it doesn’t clump. This flour layer helps the egg mixture stick better.
3. Egg Dip:
Next, dip the floured mozzarella piece into the egg wash, allowing any extra to drip off. This step is crucial for a great coating!
4. Coat with Breadcrumbs:
Now, it’s time for the breadcrumbs! Roll the egg-coated mozzarella in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. This will give you that delightful crunch.
5. Double Coating for Extra Crunch:
If you like your bites extra crispy, you can repeat the egg dipping and breadcrumb coating process for each mozzarella piece. This double coating helps keep the gooey cheese contained while frying.
6. Freeze to Firm Up:
Once all the mozzarella bites are coated, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 1 hour. This step is key for preventing any cheese leakage while frying!
7. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or on your Blackstone griddle, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check the temperature with a thermometer or drop a small piece of bread in – if it bubbles and sizzles, the oil is ready!
8. Fry the Mozzarella Bites:
Carefully add the mozzarella bites in batches to the hot oil to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
9. Drain Excess Oil:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried mozzarella bites and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once drained, sprinkle the bites with fresh parsley for garnish. Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your delightful and cheesy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Bites! They make for a perfect snack or appetizer that everyone will love.
FAQ for Easy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella Bites
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can try using provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses for variety. Just keep in mind that melting points may vary, so adjust your frying time if necessary.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work fine, although they will yield a denser texture. For a crunchy alternative, you can also use crushed cornflakes or potato chips!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and coat the mozzarella bites a day in advance and keep them frozen until you’re ready to fry them. Just remember to thaw slightly if they become extremely hard before frying.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Place leftover mozzarella bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness, or use an air fryer for best results!
