Ingredients
- 10 mozzarella cheese sticks (or block mozzarella, cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Optional: marinara or ranch for dipping
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Set up three bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and a mix of panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Dip each cheese cube in flour, then egg, then the Parmesan-panko mix, pressing gently to coat.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the bites in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with marinara or ranch for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the breading.
- To bake instead of fry, spray with oil and bake at 425°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Freezing the cheese before frying prevents it from melting out too quickly.
- Air fryer option: 375°F for 6–8 minutes until crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes freezing)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 bites
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
