Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites Recipe

Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are the perfect snack, appetizer, or party treat. The combination of gooey mozzarella and crispy Parmesan crust makes them irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual family gathering, a game day snack, or a fun appetizer for a party, these bites will surely be a hit.

Mozzarella sticks have been a classic favorite for years, but with the added crispiness of Parmesan, these bites offer a whole new level of flavor. Dipped in marinara sauce or enjoyed on their own, they’re a delightful indulgence that combines comfort food with a touch of gourmet flavor.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella

1. Cut the Mozzarella: If you’re using a block of mozzarella, cut it into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces). If you’re using string cheese, simply cut each string cheese stick into thirds.
2. Chill the Cheese: To prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying, place the mozzarella pieces on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. Freezing the cheese helps it hold its shape and prevents it from oozing out during the frying process.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

1. Flour Dredge: In a shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour. This will be your first step for breading the mozzarella bites.
2. Egg Wash: In another bowl, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of water or milk. The egg wash helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese.
3. Breadcrumb Coating: In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil (if using), black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Bites

1. Dredge in Flour: Take each piece of mozzarella from the freezer and coat it evenly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured mozzarella into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated.
3. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, roll the egg-coated mozzarella in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Make sure the cheese is fully covered in breadcrumbs.
4. Double Coat (Optional): For an extra crispy outer layer, you can dip the mozzarella bites in the egg wash and breadcrumbs a second time. This extra coating helps create a thicker and crispier shell.

Step 4: Freeze the Bites

• Freeze the Coated Bites: Once all the mozzarella bites are breaded, return them to the baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Freezing helps prevent the cheese from melting too fast during frying and ensures a crisp, golden crust.

Step 5: Make the Marinara Sauce (Optional)

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve: Once done, transfer the marinara sauce to a small bowl for dipping.

Step 6: Fry the Mozzarella Bites

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot or deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for frying. To check if it’s hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the Bites: Carefully add the mozzarella bites to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bites are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
3. Drain on Paper Towels: Once fried, remove the bites from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 7: Serve

• Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cheesy Parmesan mozzarella bites to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve with the homemade marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

Tips and Variations:

1. Use Fresh Mozzarella or Pre-shredded:

• Fresh mozzarella will melt beautifully but is a bit softer, so freezing it is even more important. If you use pre-shredded mozzarella, it will melt a bit differently and may not be as gooey, but it will still be delicious.

2. Make It Spicy:

• For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or drizzle the mozzarella bites with hot sauce before serving.

3. Gluten-Free Option:

• You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs (available at most grocery stores) and gluten-free flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

4. Bake Instead of Fry:

• If you want a healthier alternative to frying, you can bake these mozzarella bites. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded mozzarella bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

5. Try Different Cheeses:

• While mozzarella is the classic cheese choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone for different flavors. A combination of mozzarella and cheddar can give you a sharper, more flavorful bite.

6. Make a Larger Batch and Freeze:

• If you’re planning for a future event or want to keep some on hand for snacks, feel free to double the recipe and freeze the uncooked mozzarella bites. Just fry or bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready to eat. Freezing them first ensures the cheese doesn’t leak out during cooking.

7. Pair with More Dips:

• Aside from marinara, these cheesy bites can be served with a variety of dips. Try ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for a different twist. You could also serve them with a tangy mustard dip for something more unique.

Conclusion:

Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are a delicious, gooey, and crispy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a game-day snack, or enjoying them as a movie treat, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings for something cheesy and indulgent. The crispy Parmesan crust combined with the melting mozzarella inside is a winning combination that will have everyone coming back for more.

With easy-to-follow steps, a few helpful tips, and the option to customize the recipe, these cheesy bites will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Yield: 12-13 Bites

Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites Recipe

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Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are the perfect snack, appetizer, or party treat. The combination of gooey mozzarella and crispy Parmesan crust makes them irresistible. Whether you're preparing them for a casual family gathering, a game day snack, or a fun appetizer for a party, these bites will surely be a hit.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or full-fat)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be firm but moldable.
3. Form the bites: Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into small balls or bite-sized portions (about 1 inch in diameter). If the mixture feels too sticky, you can dampen your hands with a little water.
4. Bake the bites: Place the formed cheese bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley over the bites for a burst of color and flavor. Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Crispiness: If you want extra crunch, you can give the bites a quick spray of olive oil before baking, or for a deep-fried option, you can fry them in hot oil for a few minutes instead of baking.

Flavor options: Feel free to add other seasonings like red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or a little lemon zest for extra brightness.

Dipping sauce: While marinara is classic, these bites also pair well with ranch dressing or garlic butter for dipping.