Mozzarella Carrozza is a tasty Italian treat made with gooey mozzarella cheese sandwiched between bread, dipped in egg, and fried to golden perfection. It’s crunchy on the outside and cheesy inside!
Every bite brings happiness, especially when paired with a bit of marinara sauce for dipping. I love making this for friends; it never fails to impress and is always a fun snack! 🧀🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: White sandwich bread is the classic choice for this recipe, but you can use sourdough or whole grain for added flavor. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the cheesy filling!
Fresh Mozzarella: The gooey factor comes from fresh mozzarella. If you can’t find it, you could use low-moisture mozzarella, but it won’t be as creamy. You might miss some of that stretchy goodness!
Eggs and Milk: The egg mixture helps the breadcrumbs stick. You can replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for a vegan option, and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat instead.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add great flavor. If you don’t have them, plain breadcrumbs work too, but for extra zest, add some Italian herbs or garlic powder.
Vegetable Oil: While any frying oil works, I recommend canola or peanut oil for the best flavor and frying temperature. Olive oil is another option, though it has a lower smoke point.
How Do I Get My Mozzarella Carrozza Extra Crispy?
The secret to crispy mozzarella carrozza lies in the double dipping process. After the first dip in the egg wash and then breadcrumbs, repeat the process! This extra layer traps the cheesy goodness inside while creating a thick, crunchy surface.
- Heat oil to the right temperature, about 350°F (175°C), on medium heat. You can test this by dropping a breadcrumb in; it should sizzle.
- Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. This helps each sandwich get that perfect golden brown crunch.
- Don’t skip the paper towel step! Placing fried sandwiches on paper towels removes excess oil, keeping them crispy.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and delicious mozzarella carrozza! It’s a fantastic treat anytime. 😊
How to Make Mozzarella Carrozza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices of white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
For the Breading:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup fine breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1-2 cups)
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and around 10 minutes for frying. So, you’ll have crispy, cheesy goodness on your table in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sandwiches:
Start by laying out your bread. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of one slice of bread, and cover it with another slice. Gently press down to seal the sandwiches. Repeat this process until you have four sandwiches ready to go.
2. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, crack the two eggs and add the milk, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely mixed and fluffy. This will be your egg wash!
3. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In another shallow bowl, mix the fine breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and a bit more salt and pepper. This will give your carrozza a delicious, crispy coating.
4. Dredge the Sandwiches:
Take each sandwich and first dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off before moving to the breadcrumb mixture. Coat the sandwich thoroughly with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, you can dip it back into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs one more time for a double layer!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in the vegetable oil—enough to cover the sandwiches about halfway. Heat the oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
6. Fry the Sandwiches:
Gently place a few sandwiches into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on each side. Flip them over halfway through to ensure even frying.
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once golden and crispy, transfer your mozzarella carrozza to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. This will keep them nice and crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your mozzarella carrozza hot, garnished with freshly sliced basil. Don’t forget a warm side of marinara sauce for dipping—it’s the perfect companion!
Enjoy this crispy, gooey, cheesy delight that will surely be a hit as an appetizer or snack! 🧀🥪
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Yes! While white sandwich bread is traditional, you can use sourdough, ciabatta, or even whole grain bread for added flavor and texture. Just make sure the bread can hold up to frying!
What Should I Do If My Mozzarella Carrozza Is Soggy?
If your sandwiches turn out a bit soggy, try frying them for a couple of extra minutes or at a slightly higher heat to help crisp them up. You can also let them drain longer on the paper towels to remove excess oil.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sandwiches and coat them in breadcrumbs ahead of time. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day before frying them. Just fry them right before you’re ready to serve for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to restore their crispiness, instead of using the microwave.
