This Easy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella is a cheesy delight! Imagine crispy, golden cheese sticks that are melty on the inside—perfect for sharing or just snacking alone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Mozzarella: This is the star of the dish! Fresh mozzarella gives the best melt and texture. If you can’t find it, you can use part-skim mozzarella, but avoid pre-shredded cheese as it won’t melt the same.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light, crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but the coating might be denser. You could also crush some crackers for a fun twist!
Eggs: Eggs help the breadcrumbs stick. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can try using flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice flavor to the coating. You can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunch When Frying?
Achieving that crispy coating can be tricky, but here’s how to ensure success:
- Set up a proper breading station. This helps keep your hands and surfaces clean.
- Make sure to dry the mozzarella slices completely. This prevents excess moisture from ruining the crunch.
- Freezing the breaded mozzarella for at least 30 minutes is key. It helps the coating adhere and keeps cheese from melting too fast in the oil.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy cheese sticks.
- Keep an eye on the oil temperature (around 350°F is ideal) to achieve that golden-brown perfection!
Following these tips will help you get that crunchy, satisfying texture with every bite! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to cover about 1 inch in the pan)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes for freezing the breaded mozzarella. When you’re ready to fry, allow about 10 minutes. In total, you’ll need around 55 minutes, including preparation and cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Start by preparing a breading station. Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the whisked eggs and water in a second bowl, and mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third bowl. This will make it easy to coat your mozzarella.
2. Prepare the Mozzarella:
Take the mozzarella slices and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better and prevents sogginess.
3. Bread the Mozzarella:
Now it’s time to coat the mozzarella. First, dredge each slice in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture completely, and then press it firmly into the panko mixture until fully covered. For extra crispiness, you can dip it back into the egg and panko again!
4. Freeze for Better Frying:
Once all slices are breaded, lay them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.
5. Heat the Oil:
While the mozzarella chills, heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or on the Blackstone griddle over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer and reach about 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.
6. Fry the Mozzarella:
Carefully fry the frozen mozzarella slices in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remember to avoid overcrowding the pan for even frying!
7. Drain and Garnish:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the mozzarella to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy fried mozzarella immediately with warm marinara sauce for a delightful dipping experience. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
I hope you enjoy making these Easy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella sticks as much as I do! They’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun snack. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Blackstone Fried Mozzarella
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
While fresh mozzarella is the best choice for its meltiness, you can try using provolone or even cheddar for a different flavor! Just keep in mind that the texture and melting properties may vary.
How Do I Know When the Oil is Hot Enough for Frying?
A good indicator is when the oil shimmers and a small piece of bread or panko dropped into the oil sizzles immediately. If you have a kitchen thermometer, aim for about 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bread the mozzarella slices in advance, then freeze them until ready to fry. They can be kept in the freezer for up to a month—just fry them straight from the freezer!
What Should I Serve with Fried Mozzarella?
These are best enjoyed with marinara sauce for dipping! You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or garlic aioli for extra variety!
