Mozzarella Carrozza is a delicious Italian dish that features gooey mozzarella cheese sandwiched between slices of crispy bread. It’s then pan-fried to golden perfection!
This tasty treat always brings a smile to my face. It’s like a cheesy hug for your taste buds! Perfect for a snack or a fun appetizer at parties.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Mozzarella: This is the star of the dish! For a great melt, use fresh mozzarella. If you’re in a pinch, low-moisture mozzarella or even string cheese can work. But nothing beats the stretchiness of fresh!
White Sandwich Bread: Classic white bread is perfect for this recipe. However, you can swap it for sourdough or whole grain for more flavor and texture. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to hold the cheese.
Breadcrumbs: I love using panko for that extra crunch, but Italian-style breadcrumbs work just as well. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or make your own from gluten-free bread.
Eggs: Eggs help the batter stick. If you’re vegan, you can use a flaxseed meal or store-bought egg replacer to achieve a similar binding effect.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on My Mozzarella Carrozza?
The crunchiness of your Carrozza relies heavily on the frying technique. Make sure to set up your dredging station properly to ensure a perfect coating. Here’s how:
- Start with dry fingers to handle the bread. Wet fingers can cause the breadcrumbs to slide off.
- Press the sandwiches gently into the flour, then thoroughly coat them in the egg mixture.
- Finally, be sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the sandwich. This can multiply your crunch!
- Chilling the sandwiches before frying helps them hold together better and creates a crispier crust.
Fry them in moderately hot oil (not too hot!) and watch closely to avoid burning. Flip them carefully with tongs for an even golden finish!
How to Make Mozzarella Carrozza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
For the Coating:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fine breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish and Serving:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Vegetable oil or olive oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce or tomato sauce, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Mozzarella Carrozza recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes assembling the sandwiches, another 10 minutes dredging and chilling, and finally, around 10 minutes frying to crispy perfection. A quick and satisfying treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Start by laying out the bread slices flat on a clean surface. Take one slice of mozzarella cheese and place it between two slices of bread to form a sandwich. Gently press down to secure the cheese inside. Repeat this with the remaining bread and cheese to create 4 sandwiches.
2. Prepare the Dredging Station:
Set up three shallow bowls to make the coating process easy. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk together the two eggs, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Coat the Sandwiches:
Take each sandwich and carefully coat it in flour first, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the sandwich into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to cover all sides. For extra crunch, you can double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps!
4. Chill to Firm Up:
Place the coated sandwiches on a plate and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Chilling helps them hold together better while frying.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking, which is essential for achieving that golden brown color.
6. Fry the Sandwiches:
Gently place 2 sandwiches in the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them carefully to avoid splashing oil.
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once fried to perfection, transfer the sandwiches to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Let them rest for a minute.
8. Serve:
Cut each sandwich in half diagonally to reveal the gooey cheese inside. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Serve immediately with warm marinara or tomato sauce for dipping!
Enjoy your wonderfully crispy, golden Mozzarella Carrozza with delicious molten cheese oozing out! Your taste buds will thank you!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can mix it up with cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that some cheeses may melt differently!
How Do I Keep the Cheese from Leaking Out?
To prevent cheese leakage during frying, ensure the sandwiches are well-sealed by gently pressing the edges together. Chilling them for 15-20 minutes before frying will also help them hold together better.
Can I Make Mozzarella Carrozza Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sandwiches and coat them the day before. Just store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply fry them directly from the fridge!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat to retain some crunch!