Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites

Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are crispy, golden little nuggets of melted cheese heaven. With a crunchy, seasoned Parmesan coating and a gooey mozzarella center, these bite-sized snacks are dangerously addictive. Whether I’m making them for game day, parties, or just because I’m craving something cheesy and crunchy, they never last long once they hit the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these bites because they’re quick to make, fun to eat, and packed with flavor. The crispy Parmesan coating adds a salty, savory crunch, while the warm mozzarella center stretches with every bite. They’re perfect for dipping, popping, and sharing. Plus, I can make a batch with just a few ingredients and a handful of minutes.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Mozzarella cheese sticks or block mozzarella, cut into bite-sized cubes

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Panko breadcrumbs

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs, beaten

• Italian seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

• Optional: marinara or ranch for dipping

Directions

1. I cut the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and freeze them for at least 30 minutes to keep them from melting too fast while frying.

2. I set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. I dip each cheese cube in the flour, then the egg, then the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to coat well.

4. I heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F and fry the bites in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

5. I transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly before serving with my favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–25 bites, depending on how small I cut the cheese. It takes around 15 minutes to prep (plus chilling time) and about 10 minutes to fry.

Variations

Sometimes I add crushed red pepper flakes to the breading for a spicy kick, or swap the Italian seasoning with dried oregano and basil for a more customized flavor. For a baked version, I spray the coated bites with cooking oil and bake at 425°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. I’ve also used string cheese for easy prep.

storage/reheating

These are best fresh, but I store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake them at 375°F or use the air fryer until crispy and hot. Microwaving makes them soft and loses the crunch, so I avoid that method.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. I bread the mozzarella bites and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, I transfer them to a bag and fry or bake directly from frozen when ready.

Do I have to freeze the cheese before frying?

Yes. Freezing keeps the cheese from melting too fast and leaking out before the coating gets crispy.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely. I bake them at 425°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, or air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes.

What dipping sauces work best?

I usually serve them with marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or even buffalo sauce. They’re great with almost anything.

Can I use shredded mozzarella?

Not for this recipe. Shredded mozzarella won’t hold together well. I use block cheese or string cheese cut into chunks.

Conclusion

Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are a cheesy, crispy, snackable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m entertaining or just treating myself, they’re easy to make, full of bold flavor, and always a crowd favorite. Once I try them, I’ll want to make them again and again—they’re just that good.