Mozzarella Carrozza is like a cozy hug on a plate! This tasty treat features layers of gooey mozzarella cheese tucked between crispy bread, all fried to golden perfection.
Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s cheesy, crunchy, and perfect for snacks or quick meals. I can’t resist pairing it with a tangy marinara sauce—yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sandwich Bread: White bread is traditional for mozzarella carrozza, but you can try whole grain or sourdough for more flavor. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Fresh Mozzarella: The best taste comes from fresh mozzarella. However, if you’re in a pinch, low-moisture mozzarella works too. Just note that it may not melt as beautifully!
Eggs: If you’re avoiding eggs, you can use a mixture of ground flaxseeds and water as a binding agent—about 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs give great flavor, but you can use panko for extra crunch. You can also make your own breadcrumbs with stale bread! Just blend it in a food processor.
How Do You Get That Perfectly Crispy Coating?
To achieve the ideal crispy coating for your mozzarella carrozza, follow these tips carefully:
- Be sure to remove the crusts from the bread. This helps the sandwiches seal better.
- When dipping in the egg mixture, let excess drip off before rolling in breadcrumbs. This ensures an even coat.
- Don’t rush the frying! Keep the oil at a steady 350°F for even cooking. Adding too many sandwiches at once can drop the temperature.
- After frying, let the sandwiches rest for a moment on paper towels. This keeps them crispy.
These steps will help you achieve a delicious, golden-brown result every time!
Mozzarella Carrozza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of white sandwich bread (crusts removed)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
For the Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-15 minutes to fry. So, you can enjoy crispy, cheesy mozzarella carrozza in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Start by placing slices of mozzarella cheese between two pieces of bread to make small sandwiches. Press gently on the edges to seal them, so the cheese doesn’t leak out during frying.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This mixture will help hold the breadcrumbs tightly to the sandwiches.
3. Set Up the Breadcrumb Coating:
In another shallow bowl, pour the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. This will be the crunchy coating for your sandwiches.
4. Dip and Coat the Sandwiches:
Take each sandwich and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated well. Then, transfer the sandwich to the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure it’s covered all around. If you want an extra Crunch, you can dip it back into the egg and then the breadcrumbs again!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil to reach 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying. You can test the heat by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles, you’re ready to fry!
6. Fry the Sandwiches:
Carefully place the breaded mozzarella sandwiches in the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan—do this in batches if necessary!
7. Drain and Garnish:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried sandwiches from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This will keep them nice and crispy.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Slice the mozzarella carrozza diagonally for easy eating and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve them hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy every gooey, crispy bite!
Indulge in this crispy, cheesy delight, paired perfectly with the tangy marinara for a treat that will make your taste buds sing!
Can I Use a Different Kind of Cheese?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack for different flavors. Just make sure they melt well!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free bread and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this delicious dish suitable for a gluten-free diet. Just ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
How Can I Add More Flavor to the Carrozza?
You can add fresh herbs like oregano or infuse the egg mixture with garlic powder for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mix for added richness!