Description
These crispy mozzarella fries feature a golden, crunchy breaded coating that gives way to stretchy, melted mozzarella cheese inside. Seasoned with garlic, onion, parsley, and paprika, they’re incredibly flavorful and impossible to resist. Perfect for parties, game day, or a quick indulgent snack that tastes like it came straight from a pizzeria.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese block, cut into fry-shaped sticks about 3 to 4 inches long
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, for the first coating layer
- 2 eggs, beaten for the egg wash
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, panko works wonderfully for extra crunch
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley, adds herbaceous flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, for savory depth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, enhances the seasoning blend
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, adds color and mild smokiness
- oil for frying, vegetable or canola oil works best
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing, optional, for serving as a dip
- additional dipping sauces, optional, marinara, garlic aioli, or honey mustard are delicious alternatives
Instructions
- Cut and Freeze: Cut the mozzarella block into thick, fry-shaped sticks about 3 to 4 inches long. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour until completely firm. Freezing is essential, as it prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Set Up Your Coating Station: In one bowl, add flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Having three separate bowls makes the breading process much easier.
- Bread the Fries: Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer. Coat each stick in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating one more time on each stick.
- Final Freeze: Place the coated fries back in the freezer for 30 minutes so the coating sets properly and adheres tightly to the cheese.
- Heat the Oil: Heat oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) in a deep skillet or pot. Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature, as oil that is too cool will make them greasy and oil that is too hot may burn the coating before the inside cooks.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully place the mozzarella fries into the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Do not overfry, as the cheese can start melting and leak out of the coating.
- Drain and Cool: Transfer the finished fries to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool for about 1 minute so you don't burn your mouth on the hot cheese inside.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your crispy mozzarella fries right away with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce while they are still hot, crispy, and perfectly cheesy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes