This Easy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella is a fun treat! Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these cheesy bites will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
You can whip these up in no time! I love serving them with marinara sauce for dipping. Seriously, how can you go wrong with melted cheese? It’s the ultimate snack! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella for creamy, stretchy cheese goodness! If you’re in a pinch, shredded mozzarella can work, but it won’t give you that gooey, melty center. I prefer the fresh kind because it’s just so much tastier!
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love using panko for its light and crispy texture. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, though your results might be denser. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs!
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning give the coating extra flavor. Feel free to mix in your favorite spices or herbs like smoked paprika or dried oregano if those are more your style.
How Do I Get My Mozzarella Perfectly Fried?
Frying mozzarella can be tricky, but with the right approach, you’ll get it just right! Start by ensuring your cheese is dry. This keeps it from melting too quickly. Follow these steps:
- Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). Test it by dropping in a tiny crumb – it should sizzle.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy cheese.
- Keep an eye on the color. You’re looking for golden brown, which takes about 1-2 minutes per side.
Remove them quickly and drain on paper towels to keep them crispy. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you take that first bite!
Easy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 5-10 minutes for frying, so you’ll have a tasty snack ready in about 20 minutes! Perfect for parties or a quick bite at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Start by setting up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until blended. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful coating for your cheese!
2. Prepare the Mozzarella:
Take your mozzarella slices and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them stay firm and not melt too quickly during frying. You want them nice and ready for that crispy exterior!
3. Dredging Time:
Now, it’s time to coat the mozzarella! First, take a slice and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press it into that delicious seasoned panko mixture. If you want extra crunch, you can dip it back into the eggs and then into the panko again!
4. Heat Up the Oil:
In a heavy skillet or on the Blackstone griddle, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). A good way to test is by dropping in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle when the oil is ready.
5. Frying the Mozzarella:
Carefully add the breaded mozzarella slices to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the temperature steady for frying.
6. Drain and Garnish:
Once they are all fried, use a slotted spatula to lift the mozzarella bites out of the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy mozzarella bites warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Dive in and enjoy that gooey, cheesy goodness!
Enjoy your crispy, gooey Blackstone Fried Mozzarella bites!
FAQ for Easy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella
Can I Use Pre-Shredded Mozzarella Cheese?
It’s best to use fresh mozzarella slices for this recipe to achieve that gooey, melty texture. While pre-shredded mozzarella can work in a pinch, it won’t provide the same delicious results as fresh mozzarella.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used instead. However, they may not be as crunchy. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried mozzarella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for crispy results, or use an air fryer if you have one!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the breading (flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs) ahead of time. Just coat the mozzarella slices before frying to ensure they stay crispy and delicious!
