Mozzarella Carrozza is a tasty Italian dish made with bread and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s like a cheesy sandwich that’s fried to golden perfection!
It’s super fun to make, and the melty cheese inside is just the best! I love serving it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—yummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: White sandwich bread is classic for mozzarella carrozza, but you can use whole grain or sourdough for different flavors. Just avoid overly crusty bread, which may be tough to fry.
Fresh Mozzarella: Always go for fresh mozzarella for that gooey texture. If you can’t find it, low-moisture mozzarella works too, but it won’t be quite as melty. You might also try provolone for a stronger flavor!
Eggs: The eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the sandwiches. You can substitute flaxseed meal mixed with water as a vegan option, but it might not hold as well as eggs do.
Breadcrumbs: I like using panko for extra crunch, but fine breadcrumbs work fine too. If gluten-free is a priority, look for gluten-free bread and breadcrumbs to create a delicious version.
How Do I Get My Mozzarella Carrozza Extra Crispy?
The secret to a crispy mozzarella carrozza lies in the breading process and the frying technique. Here’s a quick guide!
- Double dip the sandwiches: Coat in flour, then egg, followed by crumbs, then repeat this step. It makes that crispy coating super thick!
- Maintain the right oil temperature: If the oil is too cool, the carrozza will absorb too much oil and become soggy. A good rule of thumb is to hold a crumb in the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and perfect crispiness on all sides.
Enjoy your deliciously crispy mozzarella carrozza! They are best served right away—this way, you won’t miss the melty cheese goodness.
How to Make Mozzarella Carrozza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
For Breading:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fine breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
For Frying:
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to fry. You’ll spend a few minutes assembling the sandwiches, followed by frying until crispy. In total, you’re looking at roughly 25 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Start by laying out 4 slices of bread on a clean surface. Place mozzarella slices evenly on each one, covering the bread well. Place the remaining 4 slices on top to form sandwiches, and press down gently to help hold them together.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Next, prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until fully mixed. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs (if using). This setup makes the breading process smooth and easy!
3. Bread the Sandwiches:
Take each sandwich and first dip it into the flour, coating both sides and shaking off any excess. Then, dip the sandwich into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. For an extra crispy texture, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps one more time!
4. Fry to Perfection:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Once hot, carefully place the breaded sandwiches into the oil, frying them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed.
5. Drain and Serve:
Once golden, remove the sandwiches from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. To serve, slice each mozzarella carrozza in half to reveal the gooey cheese inside. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy this deliciously crispy and cheesy treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or a combination of cheeses for added flavor. Just be mindful of the cheese’s melting properties.
What Type of Bread Works Best?
White sandwich bread is classic, but you can also use whole wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread. Just make sure to avoid overly dense or crusty breads for ease of frying and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or skillet on low heat until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as that can make them soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can bread the sandwiches ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just fry them before serving for that freshly crispy texture!
