Mozzarella Carrozza is a fun, cheesy treat that combines crispy bread with gooey mozzarella inside. It’s like a grilled cheese sandwich, but even better!
It’s easy to make, just dip the stuffed bread in egg, fry until golden, and enjoy the melty goodness. Trust me, you’ll want to share—unless you’re feeling a little greedy! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: White sandwich bread is traditional for this recipe. If you want a whole grain option, whole wheat bread works well too, but it might be denser.
Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella gives a wonderful creamy texture, but if it’s not available, you can use shredded mozzarella. Just note that it will melt differently and might not be as oozy.
Eggs & Milk: The egg and milk mixture helps the breading stick. For a vegan option, you can use a mix of ground flaxseed and water or a non-dairy milk with a bit of cornstarch.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add flavor, but panko breadcrumbs make the coating even crunchier. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Marinara Sauce: If you don’t have marinara sauce, feel free to use any tomato sauce or even ranch dressing for a tasty dip.
How Do I Fry Ideal Mozzarella Carrozza?
Frying can be tricky, but getting it just right leads to the perfect crispy outside with a melty inside. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Always use enough oil—at least 1 inch is ideal. This ensures the sandwiches fry evenly.
- Test the oil temperature. You can drop a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches if needed to make sure each sandwich gets enough oil around it.
- Flip carefully to avoid spilling out the cheese. Use a spatula gently and let the cheese do the melting.
- Keep drained sandwiches on a wire rack, not paper towels, to prevent sogginess from steam.
Mozzarella Carrozza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 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 Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for frying. It’s a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for lunch or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sandwiches:
Start by laying out the bread slices on a clean surface. Take four slices and place a slice of fresh mozzarella on each. Cover these with the remaining bread slices, pressing down gently to seal them together. This helps keep the cheesy goodness inside while frying!
2. Set Up the Dredging Station:
Now, let’s set up your dredging station. Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with the milk. Finally, pour the breadcrumbs into the third bowl. This process is important for that delicious crunchy coating!
3. Bread the Sandwiches:
Carefully coat each sandwich in the flour mixture first, making sure to shake off the excess flour. Next, dip the sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off before proceeding. Finally, press the sandwich into the breadcrumbs until it’s fully coated. If you like a thicker and extra crispy crust, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps again!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking (about 350°F or 175°C). You can test it by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil—it should sizzle right away!
5. Fry the Sandwiches:
Carefully place the sandwiches in the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they become a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping them to avoid spilling the melted cheese inside!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once they’re perfectly golden, remove the sandwiches from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Slice each mozzarella carrozza in half diagonally so you can see the gooey melted cheese inside.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy this crispy, cheesy delight!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with cheeses like fontina, provolone, or even a blend of your favorites. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make mozzarella carrozza gluten-free, substitute the white sandwich bread with a gluten-free variety. Also, ensure you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for the breading process.
What Should I Do with Leftover Mozzarella Carrozza?
Leftover mozzarella carrozza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Can I Freeze Mozzarella Carrozza?
Yes, you can freeze them! Before frying, assemble the sandwiches and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or so to the cooking time.
